Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Java Hope Coffee now sold at Sam's Club

Perk & Brew Corp, a Michigan Coffee Roasting company, is now selling its Java Hope Ethiopian coffee brand in select Michigan Sam’s Clubs locations. The 25 clubs carry the 2lb. club pack at a great price.

Brenda Moore, the owner, travelled to Ethiopia in 2007 to establish a buying relationship with the coffee growers. As a result of the trip, she created the Java Hope Project.

The Java Hope Project is an economic empowerment program helping marginalized women to own and operate a coffee cart business. The Project is a collaborative effort with several established non-profit agencies who provide support to make the entrepreneurs successful. The women receive micro-funding, business and literacy training, health care, child care, transportation, housing allowance, clothing and an educational certificate from supportive colleges with entrepreneurial curriculums.

Additionally, Ms. Moore (pending 501 c 3) will donate a percentage of the corporate profits back into the program enabling participants to create a buying co-op with offshore farmers.

“America’s philanthropic efforts abroad are good. However in our current economic status, we must focus on our marginalized citizens as well. Social hand-out is not the answer. Economic empowerment is the answer because it tends to expand over several generations,” said Brenda Moore.

Jaimi Nedziwe, the COO of the company, says, “We are proud to have Sam’s Club as a customer and selling our product. They are very focused on supporting American businesses and helping the disadvantaged in the area of employment.”

Founded in 1980 as a tiny kitchen store in Plymouth, MI, Perk & Brew now roasts and sells product to major retailers in America. Perk & Brew is a certified minority/woman owned company.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Leadership Detroit

Today I was notified of my acceptance into the Leadership Detroit Experience. This is a nationally recognized program that provides critical knowledge and skills needed for leading in the 21st Century. The selection process was highly competitive. Only 65 participants were selected out of 300 finalist. I am excited and honored. Many high ranking leaders, including Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, completed the program.

This program will make me a 21st Century business owner and enhance my business relationships in profitable ways.