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26
Apr
2009
Giving More in Turbulant Times
Recently we announced a price change for our Coffee Lover’s Club.
I didn’t say price increase, a notion people are becoming more and more familiar with lately. We did not raise coffee prices but, instead, reconfigured the way each of our customers would receive their coffee. This decision was reached after more than six months of internal debate. The only “sacred” issues to us were our customers, our villages, and the quality of our coffee.
After five years of NOT changing our coffee lover’s club program in spite of postal increases, higher operating costs and increased green coffee prices, we were forced to act or risk losing years of progress in improving the lives of our farmers in third world countries. As it turned out, the solution was much simpler than we thought. By adding a half pound of coffee to each shipment, our per ounce price could remain the same and we would be able to absorb the increased costs involved in our program over these past five years.
One of the suggestions that has been made over the years has been to allow churches, businesses and “heavy” coffee drinkers (like me!) to also participate in the “Coffee Lover’s Club”. Because of the demand we’ve also decided to introduce the “Coffee Lover’s Club – Wholesale” program. We now are able to offer larger volume buyers of our coffee a better price by buying in 5 pound increments.
As it turns out, the dilemma of raising prices never had to happen and as usual, the solution was not only more positive for our Coffee Lover’s Club members but it provided more orders for our farmers. This time, we were able to create a “win-win” for everyone involved and add a feature for the large volume buyers of coffee to boot!
Thanks to everyone who supports our mission and special thanks to those that share their coffee with a friend and tell the Camano Island Coffee story. Remember when someone joins the Coffee Lover’s Club and mentions your name, you get your next shipment free of charge! This has been the most effective way for us to grow over these last 8 years and has been a popular “Thank You” gift for our members.
We appreciate your support. We realize that without you, we could not continue to provide the services that we do for our coffee growing families.
Jeff – CICR
6
Apr
2009
Will Work for Change
“How can we be a part of CICR’s mission?”
This is a daily question we hear from churches and non-profit organizations. The answer is simple… Quit asking for donations and start providing something of value while telling the CICR story of “creating change while doing good“.
We have many groups that are creating latte drinks as a fundraiser and even more that are making Frozen X-plosion at fairs, festivals, and events while telling customers that they are willing to work to create change in the world around them.
Gone are the days where you can hold your hand out and be showered with money from heaven. The same principal of working for our rewards is now becoming prevalent in the charitable industry. When we work for our money, we become better stewards of where that money goes. It seems like a new idea but it’s been around forever.
We get hundreds of calls a month asking for a donation for worthy causes around the world. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get inspired to make our own money for charity!? At CICR we say “We make the fuel that runs the engine of change”. We don’t know how to go to third-world countries and teach people to get in control of their destinies but we do know how to roast great coffee and sell it. When we sell coffee, we create a few more drops of fuel that can keep the Agros engine running longer.
In closing, I’d like to make this challenge to you…
- Let’s ALL get inspired to take on the challenge of sustainability.
- Lets NOT create problems by being irresponsible in our purchasing in order to save a little money here and there and alleviate our consciences by throwing that extra money we saved at a charity.
- Let’s CREATE CHANGE through responsible purchasing and sharing that same message with others.
Together, with hard work, we really can save the world!
Jeff – CICR
30
Mar
2009
Charity vs. Sustainability
There is an old saying about teaching a man to fish vs. giving a man a fish. Although, we all have heard someone make this statement, few of us really know what it means.
The American concept of charity is to give to those in need, and yet with a little work, we can redefine charity and perhaps put much of our previously wasted dollars to work. While it is true that we must take care of short term needs (medical care, education, clean water), we must also work to educate and provide assistance to others. In a short period of time they will be able to stand on their own and make decisions based on the long term value to their community.
Please go to Agros.org to see for yourself how we have become a part of this change. As an Agros supporter, we have seen the results of the dollars invested in these communities and have been amazed that so much can be accomplished with so little. While giving a person money is generous, it is not always wise. When you help people with the proper training and give them the opportunity to own their own land -watch out- as the human spirit take over and change happens!
At Agros, they say “Land, Hope, Life” and at Camano Island Coffee Roasters, we say “Finally, a coffee that helps you sleep at night!” Every time you drink your coffee, you are helping Agros. We think this knowledge is the best medicine for a great night’s sleep!
Thank you for your help!
Jeff – CICR
12
Mar
2009
Do Ethics Matter in Business?
After 8 years as President of Camano Island Coffee Roasters I am convinced that the goal of every business is to listen to their “community”, give their “customers” what they ask for, and enrich the “communities” they are a part of.
At CICR, each one our customers or “prosumers” as we call them, supports what we are doing by purchasing our coffee. Our community is the thousands of people we roast for, the many churches, schools, and businesses who buy from us, as well as the countries around the globe we send product to. Without you, we could not help support the 39 villages who are now on the path to sustainability. We know these great people are the most important link in the coffee chain.
We are asked by many, why it matters where they purchase their coffee from. They may add that they already give money to charity and they don’t need to worry about issues like charity when buying their coffee. Our current US economic climate proves my point. We must end the climate of welfare, both for the people and for business. True success comes when people are given the tools necessary to own their own destiny and the education necessary to be self reliant (and not have money thrown at them). Why wouldn’t everyone be responsible with their coffee purchases knowing that a fair price is being paid to the farmers who actually do the work?
All we need to do is help these hardworking people secure the money for their land, help them in organizing their village, and pay them a fair price for growing organic, shade-grown coffee. With the right amount of work and a little time, we will end this worldwide cycle of welfare and begin working in true partnerships with our “prosumers” around the globe and our farmers. Then we can enjoy a safe cup of coffee and know that everyone benefited from our purchase.
Ethics DO matter in business; ethics also matter here at Camano Island Coffee Roasters. That’s why we say that at CICR, we only sell “Coffee that helps you sleep at night”.
Please check out http://www.agros.org for more info on the sustainable change we are a part of.
Jeff – CICR
