"Last night I went to the opening reception at the SCAA. Guatemala is the featured country this year and there was a presentation on Anacafe as well as a Guatemalan ballet group that danced for us. Very cool!
There was also a presentation encouraging coffee companies to really utilize the importance of the various certifications there are for coffee farms. As our staff and customers know, Stone Creek Coffee is dedicated to Socially Responsible Coffee and helping the farmers who provide us with a product that allows our income. The presentation was completely applicable to me and gave me much inspiration as to how to connect the stories and importance of such a certification as Socially Responsible Coffee with customers. Lots of work to be done to do this at a high caliber, but we will do it!
My personal highlight was the privledge of watching Arianna Huffington (of the Huffington Post) present on "How to be fearless in uncertain times." Wow! She is an incredible presenter and had so much good stuff to say. And she had a sense of humor which was appreciated after a long day of judging the barista competition and being worked all day long! Arianna stated something to the extent of, The difference between failure and success is the level of perserverence. Once doubt or failure begins to set into our heads, then we are on the path of failure. We need to be fearless and perservere which will lead to success. Arianna's engaging presentation and insight was the highlight of my evening althought he outdoor Thursday Night throwdown was pretty sweet, too.
A throwdown is where two baristi go up on stage, steam milk, and make a latte with latte art on it. Then, the two drinks are placed on the table and the judge panel decides who wins! When I left at 10PM they were not even done with the initial round so I do not know yet who won the $1300 prize! Dang! I am going to polish up on my latte art for next year's throwdown!
Today is a jam packed judging day for me. I will also be checking out the showroom floor today because it is opening! Athena (VP Retail) and Christie (graphic designer) will be joining me this afternoon, too, and we are going into LA to check out an Intelligensia cafe as well as attend Intelligensia's party this evening at their LA Roasting Works. I am really looking forward to a tour of their facilities!
I hope ya'll are doing well in Milwaukee!"