October 2013 Coffee News

-The Art of Conversation
-A Transforming Economy
-Climate Action - Reclaiming Our Democracy
-2013 Holiday Flavor Vote

The Art of Conversation
The Velasquez family is skilled at the art of conversation. Guillermo's father Maximo is especially so. No matter where we go with him, he always seems to run into someone he knows -- a friend, neighbor, fellow coffee farmer or distant relative. Regardless of the plans of those he is traveling with, he stops to shake hands warmly and to take a few minutes (or more) to catch up. The past month, we've taken a lead from Don Maximo and have sat down with quite a few interesting people, who are doing all kinds of innovative things, just to chat. Not only have we gained valuable ideas and resources for our coffee business, we have also been reassured that below the big bad headlines of Climate Change and Government Shutdown, our economy and democracy are being transformed. We share a few examples of what we learned below. (And just for fun we've posted a few of our favorite photos of Don Maximo, namesake for Maximo's French Roast, on our Facebook page too).

A Transforming Economy
We know our direct trade business model is one little piece of a transforming economy. We've had many wonderful conversations recently that have revealed just how wide-spread and exciting the changes are. Here is a list of a few things we've discovered right here in our backyard.

  • CoCoMSP - Coworking and collaboration spaces in Minneapolis, St. Paul (and soon Uptown) where independent workers, small businesses and corporate workgroups can gather to share ideas, team up on projects and get some work done.
  • INVESTyR - Invest Your Reputation provides training and resources for entrepreuneurs to find funding to grow their business.
  • IMNPact Angels - a new Minnesota investment network devoted to investments that generate measurable social and environmental impact alongside financial return.
  • DuelCurrency - an innovative approach to rewarding socially responsible and sustainable living.
  • Exodus Lending - an initiative of Colonial Church of Edina to provide free and low-cost alternatives to payday loans combined with an incentivized savings plan and financial coaching.
  • Fix-it Clinics - in Hennepin County on Oct 12 and in St. Paul  on Oct 13 to "defy the throwaway economy" by helping us fix our stuff.

Finally, we recommend taking a moment to watch the video at Sacred Economics for an inspiring presentation of the economic transition underway on our planet towards a more connected, ecological and sustainable way of being.

Climate Action - Reclaiming Our Democracy
If the government shutdown has you discouraged about our democracy, and the latest IPCC report on climate change anxious about the future of our planet, you can find encouragement by attending Sam Daley-Harris' presentation at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs next Wednesday, October 9 at 5:30 pm. On the 20th anniversary of his work, Reclaiming Our Democracy, Daley-Harris reflects on efforts by ordinary citizens around the world to transform hopelessness into powerful advocacy around issues of microfinance, child survival, and climate change. Visit samdaleyharris.eventbrite.com for more details. Citizen Empowerment is also the theme of the next Timely Topics Series on Climate Change on Sunday, October 20 at 6:30 pm at our church Prospect Park UMC at 22 Orlin Avenue in Minneapolis.

Holiday Flavor Vote 
In spite the fact that we were wearing shorts and sandles just a few days ago, it is nearly time for our very popular Holiday Flavor Vote. We need to know which special coffee flavors we should offer in November and December and in what has become an annual tradition we plan to ask all of our customers to help make that all important decision. (Talk about democracy in action!) To show our appreciation, we will reward the first 50 voters with a free bag of their choice of the winning flavors. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, October 16 and make sure to check your inbox around noon for instructions on how to vote. Last year, the first 50 votes occurred in the first 90 minutes! We'll accept votes up until we place our roasting order on October 21, so please share your preferences with us even if you aren't one of the first to respond.