http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php http://www.kimberlysblog.com/interface/feed.png http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php Copyright 2008, Kimberly Easson kimberly@javaventures.com (Kimberly Easson) en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.0 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050309-204324 Those Roasters are an active bunch! Pretty amazing energy and commendable committment to our industry. For those of you who don't participate on the Roaster's Guild site (www.roastersguild.org) - I thought I'd post my responses to questions that were posed of the candidates there. Here goes:


Dear Roasters Guild Colleagues,

I am finally back in the saddle after a long, tiring yet rewarding trip throughout Guatemala and Nicaragua with a number of roaster allies and one special VIP. I do apologize for not participating more actively in this ongoing debate sooner. Its been tough that this voting period coincides so closely with coffee harvest in Central America – typically a very busy travel time for me and for many of you.

I appreciate everyone’s interest and enthusiasm for this election. I believe that of the three 2nd VP candidates that no choice would be a poor one. Each member must determine who they think will lead the Association in a way that most aligns with their own values, membership requirements, and vision for where they see the Association heading in the next years. I am happy to take some time here (better late than never? I hope) to answer questions.

In my four years on the board, I have attended all meetings. I believe that it is my duty as a board member to do everything in my power to attend meetings. That said, life is unpredictable and emergencies do arise. I would be happy to discuss my voting record on any topic with anyone who has questions.

I have chaired the Consumer Marketing Committee for 3 years now, and I have recently spearheaded its re-formulation into a sub-committee of the newly formed Marketing and Communications Committee (MCC). I imagine that my committee colleagues would be happy to share their perspectives on my leadership style; Jim Munson of Dallis Coffee, Colleen Crosby of Santa Cruz Coffee or Cate Baril and Rebecca Wagner at GMCR are committee members with some tenure on the committee. Though the MCC is still new, however, I am sure that folks who have already participated with me in meetings would share their thoughts on my leadership as well. (There is a partial list of the MCC members in one of my blog entries at www.kimberlysblog.com)

As a board member for the past four years, I have already been in a leadership role with the SCAA and I do not feel that there would be any conflict of interest in my assuming a greater leadership role. The Presidency of the SCAA is conferred to a person, not a company. It is up to each of us as volunteers on the board or in any leadership or volunteer capacity with the SCAA to put our personal and professional interests aside when we are working on behalf of the Association. In essence to be a volunteer is a selfless act, and for me, one that I take seriously. No one wants a president who is singlemindedly going to push their cause, issue or company – regardless of what it is. The nominating committee nominated me as a person, with experience, demonstrated commitment and vision; not for any of my professional or personal affiliations.

I believe that anyone who has worked with me on the board and task force(s), committees (MCC and Conference), Women in Coffee and other projects for which I have volunteered in the past would vouch for the fact that I consistently look out for the interests of the project at hand, without consideration for any personal or company agenda.

The Board governance committee provides a measure of assurance that board members do not abuse their power or participate in ways that would create a conflict of interest. In the event that a board vote came up that represented a conflict of interest for me, I have no problem in abstaining from the vote, or the conversation; and have done so in the past.

My relationship with my fellow board members is a positive one. I have worked effectively with a number of board members on different projects, most recently, on the task force to develop the job description for the new ED (Ted’s replacement), and with Mark Inman to develop a new sustainability initiative with the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Nominating Committee selected me as the candidate for 2nd VP, and the board approved the slate; so I believe that this demonstrates a considerable degree of support for my candidacy. My opponents are also respected board members; and we have each agreed to support the other, regardless of who wins.

On leadership: one of the greatest strengths and challenges of the SCAA is the diversity that is found in its membership base and throughout the industry. We capitalize on the strength of this model when we set effective strategies and encourage all to pull in the same direction to achieve our objectives. This unique paradigm requires a leader who can bring people together under a common cause - honoring each individual’s unique perspective and contribution to the decision making process, while guiding the process to the most favorable conclusion for the Association and it’s members. As a leader, I am experienced and calm yet powerful, effectively leading with grace to build consensus.

I am committed that the specialty industry continue to create win-win relationships between farmers, industry and consumers – that is truly at the heart of what specialty coffee is all about. I am convinced that this path is what will continue to assure our success as an industry and for all of us as members of the SCAA.

Thanks for the opportunity to participate here. I will check in on the other threads and participate where I can, without disregarding my passion for coffee and coffee people.

Fond regards to all,

Kimberly Easson
(end of Roasters Guild post)]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050309-204324 kimberly@javaventures.com Thu, 10 Mar 2005 01:43:24 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=03&entry=entry050309-204324 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050225-210712
From there the week has been all up hill .... er.... and down, and up again - but this time I am referring to the beautiful mountains of Guatemala. With our small group we started out in Antigua - one of the most beautiful colonial cities I have seen in Latin America, and home to some of the finest cafes in the country. Antigua has a budding coffee culture on the consumption side (coffee farming culture, of course, has been a strong influence here for nearly 200 years) - with many beautiful locales that offer an array of gourmet blends. There are also now a number of roasters, and also mills and farms in the area that offer coffee tours for the ever increasing tourist population in this small town.

Wednesday morning we were on our way towards Coban. Coban is a coffee area that is now mainly farmed by small holder farmers on land that was once owned by European immigrants. It is one of the poorest coffee areas of Guatemala. Growing conditions are difficult due to intermittent rains that continue nearly throughout the year. This causes the coffee trees to flower, and produce cherries that mature at different times throughout the harvest - making the collection time difficult. The second difficulty is that these same rains make it difficult to dry the coffee well enough on patios, so most farmers need access to mechanical dryers.

People in Coban are facing tough times. Low prices have required farmers to stop taking care of their land as they should, and look for work in other communities so that they can feed their children. The result of this is that yields here have dropped significantly, and therefore, leading to even lower income from their farms.... even as the coffee price increases.

We ended the week today with a trip to the Cooperative Todo Santerita in amazing Huehuetengango - so scenic. I felt blessed to be driven through the wonderul town of Todos Los Santos (All Saints), one of the few remaining towns in Guatemala where both men and women still use full typical clothing. Its all so bright and colorful against the more barren landscape at nearly 8000 feet.

The coop was one of the most unique I have seen. The members were all dressed in full traje tipico which they wear every day. The children were so precious and precocious... playful and sweet as they could be. They loved to have us there as visitors. And - best of all was to learn how the members work together so collaboratively to produce one of the best coffees in all of Guatemala. They spoke with pride about their achievements and the recent visit theyd had from the President of the country. The President now uses them as an example of how successful a Guatemalan farmer cooperative can be.

Our whole group was fascinated every step of the way (though the roads about did us in!) It was certainly quite a way to end an adventurous visit to this beautiful coffee land full of warm and hard working people.

Photos: Precocious school children at Cooperativa Todo Santerita; Interplay of sun and clouds over the mountains in Huehuetenango, Guatemala
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050225-210712 kimberly@javaventures.com Sat, 26 Feb 2005 02:07:12 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050225-210712 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050221-005054
Harvest is down in both Nicaragua and Guatemala by as much as 50% in some areas. Imagine being a farmer, seeing a fantastic flowering of the trees earlier in the year and envisioning a terrific crop to follow; only to see the flowers drop off the trees not having received sufficient rain to fortify the cherry buds.

The increasing market price seems to tease the farmers, since most in Nicaragua have already delivered all their coffee at the previously lower prices. Even if farmers were able to access the higher prices, the low volumes mean that their overall income did not increase this year. Its one of the harsh realities of farming - being at the mercy of the weather.

I took a small group of folks to Esteli, Nicaragua, to the Miraflor Cooperative. One of the visitors of the group commented on how 'humbling' the experience was for him - as the first time he'd ever been to visit small-landholder farmers. Its so important for people to have these experiences - giving them a greater apprecation of what it takes to produce high quality coffee, and how it impaces the lives of the people who grow it.

In Guatemala, competition for coffee is fierce for coffee due to the low production, with harvest still coming in from the higher altitudes into mid March. Update from Hueheutenango, Guatemala to come tomorrow!


Photo: Welcoming Nicaraguan smiles, Somoto, Nicaragua.
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050221-005054 kimberly@javaventures.com Mon, 21 Feb 2005 05:50:54 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050221-005054 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050218-230122
I am traveling in Central America this week, and all the while I have been receiving many emails and words of support. Its been fun to get to know SCAA members that I have never met through these email exchanges. Its also great to hear from long-time colleagues and allies. I voted, and I heard from many of you who have already done so as well. I am truly grateful for all of your support.

Please let me know if you encounter any difficulties in voting - or, if you just want to drop a note to let me know that you've participated - please do!

]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050218-230122 kimberly@javaventures.com Sat, 19 Feb 2005 04:01:22 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050218-230122 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050216-194514
The Presidency of the SCAA is conferred to a person, not a company. This is also true of board members and of volunteers for the Association. It is up to each of us as volunteers to put our personal and professional interests aside when we are working on behalf of the Association. People often change their company over the course of time – and it is the commitment and experience of the person (not the company)which the Association seeks in leadership roles. In essence to be a volunteer is a selfless act, and for me, one that I take seriously. No one wants a president who is singlemindedly going to push their cause, issue or company – regardless of what it is. The nominating committee nominated me as a person, with experience, demonstrated commitment and vision; not for any of my professional or personal affiliations.

For this reason all SCAA volunteers are heroes - committing themselves - their time, their experience and their smarts - to the betterment of the industry for all.

I am a person committed that the specialty industry continue to create win-win relationships between farmers, industry and consumers – that is truly at the heart of what specialty coffee is all about. Read more on the links at left about my vision, experience and commitment. I am happy to answer your questions here too! Thanks for your support.

Stay tuned for more on this topic....]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050216-194514 kimberly@javaventures.com Thu, 17 Feb 2005 00:45:14 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050216-194514 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050215-001254 Manos trabajan, seleccionado cerezas rojas
uno por uno

Ninos juegan en los cafetales,
se oye el canto de sus risas
como musica del campo

El precio sube
Y con ello, tambien la esperanza ~
Corazones latando
en este dia de San Valentin



Photo: Tanzanian boys return home from school in their coffee community near Moshi (taken, February 2004)
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050215-001254 kimberly@javaventures.com Tue, 15 Feb 2005 05:12:54 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050215-001254 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050213-162335
My favorite coffee shop is Martha and Brothers on 24th St, where I can walk in to get my straight dark roast brew or my soy latte* and talk to owner Martha Monroy any time.

[*We interrupt this blog entry for a bit of Coffee Trivia: Who was the inventor of the soy latte, also known as the Soy Latte Mama (as noted by the NY Times)? Find answer below. Now back to this blog entry…]

Martha is originally from Nicaragua, and a great businesswoman. Martha’s now has five Bay Area locations, after having been founded in San Francisco in 1987. I love to talk to the staff about my coffee adventures and life in SF. They have mastered the art of great coffee, great service and a warm/friendly ambiance. The lattes are always just right thanks to talented baristi. For me, Martha’s is the epitome of a successful roaster/retailer (and is also an SCAA member!)

There is also the Diamond Corner Café – a great café that serves a great selection of McLaughlin Coffee (including organic and fair trade options). I have given educational coffee talks to consumers their on occasion. I find that there is always a thirst for knowledge about coffee. Owner Bob decided to offer fair trade and organic coffee because of consumer demand, and because for him it was “the right thing to do”.

Of course, Peet’s is popular – and a staple on my café route. Other favorite places to find specialty coffee include the Haight District for a more eclectic mix of cafes, and North Beach, home to long-time cafes and roasteries such as Cafe Trieste and Graffeo.

Now, I'm off to visit one of these great cafes!


(*)Answer to Coffee Trivia: Colleen Crosby of Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company made the first soy latte in 1987 – another GCP and great businesswoman.

Photo: Blanca - Just one of the terrific barisiti at Martha and Bros.
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050213-162335 kimberly@javaventures.com Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:23:35 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050213-162335 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050212-181657 Great Coffee People (GCP). Our business provides so many ways for this to happen. Whether through trade shows, training and guild events, tours and auctions, web forums or just by doing business, its hard to deny that what makes this industry great – is the people that make it up.

I recall the first time I met a small-scale family farmer for the first time. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life – I was able to connect and really understand what life is like at the farming end of the coffee chain. I was a different person - a better person - as a result of this encounter.

For so long the coffee business was built solely on relationships in the cupping room by traders, without much regard to the folks out on the farms. In so many ways, the GCP of the specialty coffee have changed this - we are now an industry that seeks each other out, either directly, or through key relationships with US importers who make the origin connection on our behalf.

We now have a much stronger understanding of just what it takes to produce the best quality beans that are the foundation of our business. We are clear that it is more than just the bean – it is also the quality of life for the people and the environment in which it is produced. We really are in a new era of coffee.

There is a richness to life that comes from connecting with people that are really interested in and working hard to make a positive impact in their communities and the world. I am grateful to the SCAA and all the GCP for bringing this richness into my life.

-- Stay tuned for Parte Tres...

Photo: In Tanzania with a couple of GCP, Lindsey Bolger (GMCR), and Phillip JJP Tesha (Chairman of the Uru North Njari primary farmer association) - enjoying a cup of coffee from the association, the same coffee that the Queen of Tanzania drinks (Feb 04)

]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050212-181657 kimberly@javaventures.com Sat, 12 Feb 2005 23:16:57 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050212-181657 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050211-222726
In my twenty years as a business professional, I have worked with all kinds of companies. My first two jobs out of graduate school were with CNN and Metlife. Then I found coffee in Costa Rica, and it changed my life.

My first trip to Nicaragua in 1993 left an indelible imprint on my life. There, I met incredible people who welcomed me warmly into their homes. My first work in Nicaragua was with some of the largest estate owners in the country - the Chavez, Rosales, La Rue and Leon-York families, whe were working together to help rebuild the industry and export their coffee to the US market. The Bencafe dry mill that they built continues to be one of the most beautiful and well-run mills that I have ever seen. I enjoyed my time working with these farmers to build strong, successful partnerships with US buyers, and some of these relationships remain strong today.

Since that time I have traveled to farms of all sizes - family farmers with less than one acre, medium farms run by hard working families, to the largest farm in the world - the Ipanema Estate in Brazil.

What I have learned is that what is most important of all - more important than the size of company or farm - is the kind of people that make them what they are. In my travels to many companies across the US, and coffee countries around the world, I have been honored to meet and get to know many Great Coffee People - all sharing a similar passion and a common bond - the love of the bean and the artistry that makes for great coffee.

-- stay tuned for part 2.

Photo: Santiago Rivera and his wife Hermalinda and their two grand-daugthers in Somoto, Nicaragua
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050211-222726 kimberly@javaventures.com Sat, 12 Feb 2005 03:27:26 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050211-222726 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050210-142311 WOW!

I just hung up from our first full committee conference call for the SCAA's new Marketing and Communications Committee. It was an honor to participate with such an amnazing group of folks: from well-known industry names like Tim Castle, Bruce Milletto, Jane McCabe and Laura Everage, to newer names and faces like Mark Johnson (Intelligentsia), Dan Bailey (Amavida Coffee), and Haven Bourque (RHB Consulting). In order to be most efficient with our large group, and our vast responsibilities moving forward, we formed into 6 sub-committees which will each provide oversight to key categories of the Association's marketing activities.

Jim Munson, my co-chair of the former consumer marketing committee will now chair the Consumer Outreach sub-committee. Dan Bailey will head up the Sales Force - the subcommittee which will make sure that we are spending our resources wisely in terms of ROI on the range of marketing activities the SCAA manages. We also created a Message Group (headed up by Tim Castle) to develop and oversee our messaging to the many audiences the SCAA reaches with its communications pieces and events. Jane McCabe will head up the Recognition sub-committee. Laura Everage took on the Public Relations sub-committee, and Karen Foley will head up the Pub Pros - or the Publications and Promotions Committee (perhaps they'll only hold their meetings in pubs?).

Other amazing and talented committee members include: Shanna Germain (Roast Magazine), Rebecca Wagner (Green Mountain), Colleen Crosby (Santa Cruz Coffee) - and a few new names to be added. Of course, I must highlight the participation of SCAA staffers, Mike Ferguson and Maria Curiel - they are heroes who really help keep us in forward motion (and in good behavior)!

I am already so proud of my new committee. Wow, again. We'll all meet in person at the upcoming c-member reception in Seattle... to get acquainted with the new names and faces and to get reacquainted with old friends we've known for a long time.

SCAA volunteers are among the most committed people I know, and I truly enjoy spending time with them, and being one myself!
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050210-142311 kimberly@javaventures.com Thu, 10 Feb 2005 19:23:11 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050210-142311 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050209-204057
The International Women's Coffee Alliance is a community of women committed to making a difference while making a living. IWCA exists to empower women in the international coffee community to achieve sustainable livelihoods; and to recognize and promote the participation of women in all aspects of the coffee industry.

Our guiding principles are: voice, empowerment, partnership, connection, international ambassadors, mentorship, safety and commitment to community were the values that quickly came to the surface.

At the core, we recognize that our empowerment enables us to empower each other and others.

I am proud to have been a part of this organization from the start and look forward to working with the women throughout the coffee industry to bring IWCA's mission to life. For more information, visit www.womenincoffee.org.

Photo: Participants in the first women in coffee tour in 2002 in Nicaragua
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050209-204057 kimberly@javaventures.com Thu, 10 Feb 2005 01:40:57 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050209-204057 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050208-191923
For more information on how to cast your vote for Kimberly, please click on the link at the right. "How to Cast your Vote for Kimberly".]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050208-191923 kimberly@javaventures.com Wed, 09 Feb 2005 00:19:23 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050208-191923 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050206-181837
Today in Western Honduras, we met with coffee cooperatives to sample their coffees and provide feedback on the quality. Farmers came from long distances to put their coffee to the test. There was curiousity, intrigue and hope.

Even with coffee samples roasted in pop-corn popper roasters we were able to detect distinguishing characteristics of their coffees. With more information about what buyers are looking for, and improved access to these buyers - the farmers have hope for a better price. They definitely have the raw material - good trees, high altitude, plentiful sun and rainfall. Many parts of the process are in place to deliver high quality. What's needed are better cupping facilities and an understanding of what lots can sell on their own for what price, and which lots can be blended to improve their flavor and cup profile.

Photo: Rob Stephen (Coffee Solutions), IHCAFE cupper, Kimberly at Coarene Cooperative in Honduras
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050206-181837 kimberly@javaventures.com Sun, 06 Feb 2005 23:18:37 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050206-181837 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050206-180753
This week, I am in Guatemala. In part I am here to meet up with a tour of marketing specialists brought in by Chemonics, International as part of their Central American quality project. My role here is to facilitate the connection between farmers and industry specifically at the Acaltenango Cooperative, just outside of Antigua, and at Fedecocagua, a federation of 22,000 small farmers from throughout Guatemala.

It is always inspiring for me witness new partnerships being forged through the sharing of knowledge and appreciation of each party’s role in the industry. The industry is stronger when we understand each other’s challenges and opportunities. When we are better informed about the role of other players in the industry, we can make decisions that have a positive impact on the industry as a whole. To help foster these kinds of connections is one of my greatest passions.

Photo: Kimberly with board members of the Acaltenango Cooperative in Guatemala



]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050206-180753 kimberly@javaventures.com Sun, 06 Feb 2005 23:07:53 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050206-180753 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050201-004437
Today was the first meeting of the new Marketing and Communications Committee (MCC) of the SCAA. We were a small but dynamic group – putting our best ideas to work, even on a Sunday afternoon. No one ever doubts the commitment of the corps of SCAA volunteers. They truly are the heart of what makes our Association thrive.

The SCAA does an enormous amount of marketing and communication, under the capable direction of Mike Ferguson (aka Fergie). With his help we went through the whole list of marketing activities and came up with a sub-committee structure that we feel will best allow the MCC to provide support and oversight to each area. Kudos to Fergie for his work over the years – knowing what we know now, its (even more) impressive the job that he’s done.

We capped off the day at the SCAA Winter Membership Reception at the Thirsty Bear. There I spent time talking to old friends – like Steve Colten, Rick Peyser and Danny O’Neill; and meeting new ones – like the folks from Moon Bean Coffee, a small roaster in Santa Cruz, CA. It was their first time at an SCAA event, and they were excited to be a part of the buzz. The Membership Receptions are always great events, giving people a chance to connect, catch up and share their enthusiasm for the industry and their part in it.

Photo: Committee members, Colleen Crosby (Santa Cruz Coffee), Kimberly Easson, Haven Bourque (RHB Consulting), Shanna Germain (Roast Magazine), Mike Ferguson (SCAA)
]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050201-004437 kimberly@javaventures.com Tue, 01 Feb 2005 05:44:37 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=02&entry=entry050201-004437 http://www.kimberlysblog.com/index.php?entry=entry050122-155345
I am honored to have been nominated by the SCAA board of directors to become 2nd Vice President. The election will be held between February 18 and March 18, 2005. Your vote counts!

I have created this blog so that people can learn more about me, my experience and my commitment to the success of the specialty coffee industry.

I will post links to articles, sites, testimonials and campaign information, as well as photos and insights from my upcoming travels to Central America.

This blog will also include a place for people to ask me questions about my position on key issues facing the industry.

Stay tuned and thanks for your support!

Kimberly Easson

]]> http://www.kimberlysblog.com/?entry=entry050122-155345 kimberly@javaventures.com Sat, 22 Jan 2005 20:53:45 GMT http://www.kimberlysblog.com/comments.php?y=05&m=01&entry=entry050122-155345