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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christina and the Yellow Ball
I have some great news to report on our part-time employee and daughter, Christina Vournas. Christina recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play water polo for California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, California (just north of Monterey). Our office is proud of her and as her dad you know I am too! Although she will be leaving us in August 2009 for college, I am sure she will be back in the office at some point on her breaks from school. Here is a link with press info from the university if you are so inclined. http://www.otterathletics.com/news/2008/12/3/WWP_1203085528.aspx
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Another Year in the Rearview Mirror
It is hard to believe that another year is closing on us. It seems like this one went past much faster than all that have preceeded, and that is not all as bad as it sounds. Not to be a Hallmark card philosopher, but the passing of a year gives time for reflection. If you get a free moment to ponder your world you can ask some good, hard-hitting questions (much harder than those asked on, say, 60 Minutes). Questions like: "Why am I doing things this way?", "What do I want to accomplish this coming year?", and "Am I making a difference in anyone's life but my own?" You don't have to email anyone your responses or even whisper your answers to the person next to you. I tend to answer those questions in my head, and the answers tend to stay there forever but often the actions necessary to effect the answers physically manifest themselves. Somehow, and in some way.
The holidays are a nice season to reflect on these and many other questions. Many of us spend more time with family around the holidays than at other times of the year. The kids are on break from school; the family is in town for a visit; the crew in the office or shop seems to be smiling more, filled with ideas of coming holiday parties and fun times. People are often happier and they show it. It is a time of year for appreciation of others. That makes a healthy environment for self-question and self-answer. It is healthier because we are more relaxed. Yes, I can hear some say that the holidays are not a good time for that. They would argue that the holidays are filled with gift anxiety, busy stores, grumpy shoppers, and financially stressed shoppers, and they have a point. But, I would argue that all those things, the grumpiness, the stress and the anxiety, "belong" to others, and to self-reflect is possible by being in tune with yourself and tuning out the "others" and the stresses of the day.
I spent many years before I entered the coffee business in the federal public sector. I worked for alot of people over those years, many of whom should never have been supervisors. Their manner of dealing with their subordinates left quite a bit to be desired and if they were anything they were mostly organized against change in any way even if it was for a more efficient agency or easier working conditions. Not a tremendously introspective bunch in my recollection. By trying to be more introspective and using this time of year wisely I think I can answer some of my questions and clear the way for action to replace thoughts, and hopefully benefit my own future as well as the futures of those people whose daily activities involve me in some way.
Many of us wish to have a positive influence on today's major problems. I believe it is hard to see tangible results from our individual efforts on the big stuff; problems like malaria, world hunger, and freedom in oppressed countries. That is not to say that we should stop in those efforts, but making a difference in those issues requires, unless you are Bill and Melinda Gates, many, many people joined in a common effort. It is, however, easy to see real results from tackling smaller problems, and working together from that point on the bigger issues. It is easier, for instance, to see results from helping build a Habitat for Humanity home than it is to donate $50 or $500 to stop world hunger. It is also more personal. By helping to solve the problems close to home we extend ourselves, who we really are, in an unselfish and vulnerable way. By solving little problems close to home, the overall problems in the world are lessened to a degree. To those of you who give, my hat is off to you. And in this season, you are living the spirit.
The holidays are a nice season to reflect on these and many other questions. Many of us spend more time with family around the holidays than at other times of the year. The kids are on break from school; the family is in town for a visit; the crew in the office or shop seems to be smiling more, filled with ideas of coming holiday parties and fun times. People are often happier and they show it. It is a time of year for appreciation of others. That makes a healthy environment for self-question and self-answer. It is healthier because we are more relaxed. Yes, I can hear some say that the holidays are not a good time for that. They would argue that the holidays are filled with gift anxiety, busy stores, grumpy shoppers, and financially stressed shoppers, and they have a point. But, I would argue that all those things, the grumpiness, the stress and the anxiety, "belong" to others, and to self-reflect is possible by being in tune with yourself and tuning out the "others" and the stresses of the day.
I spent many years before I entered the coffee business in the federal public sector. I worked for alot of people over those years, many of whom should never have been supervisors. Their manner of dealing with their subordinates left quite a bit to be desired and if they were anything they were mostly organized against change in any way even if it was for a more efficient agency or easier working conditions. Not a tremendously introspective bunch in my recollection. By trying to be more introspective and using this time of year wisely I think I can answer some of my questions and clear the way for action to replace thoughts, and hopefully benefit my own future as well as the futures of those people whose daily activities involve me in some way.
Many of us wish to have a positive influence on today's major problems. I believe it is hard to see tangible results from our individual efforts on the big stuff; problems like malaria, world hunger, and freedom in oppressed countries. That is not to say that we should stop in those efforts, but making a difference in those issues requires, unless you are Bill and Melinda Gates, many, many people joined in a common effort. It is, however, easy to see real results from tackling smaller problems, and working together from that point on the bigger issues. It is easier, for instance, to see results from helping build a Habitat for Humanity home than it is to donate $50 or $500 to stop world hunger. It is also more personal. By helping to solve the problems close to home we extend ourselves, who we really are, in an unselfish and vulnerable way. By solving little problems close to home, the overall problems in the world are lessened to a degree. To those of you who give, my hat is off to you. And in this season, you are living the spirit.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
New Shipment PNG Cups Outstanding!
Good day everyone. I am skimming the ground after cupping some pre-ship Papua New Guinea Purosa Estate conventionals, FTO A's and the most fantastic Peaberries I have ever tasted! I am so excited about the Peaberry shipment. This year's Peaberry crop from the Purosa Estate was extremely small. I think that must have had its effect on the bean, because this Peaberry bean kicks ass! It is so filled with jammy fruit and chocolate, with a carmel syrupy texture that it blew me away...Just blew me away...!
The amazing Peaberry is ready to ship, and we are only able to get 13 bags. Yes, just thirteen bags...If you have interest, please let us know and we will get you a bag, two or all 13 if you are so inclined. Be fast, be furious on this one. There is no stretching the imagination on this Peaberry. It will sell, your customers will thank you, and you will remember this bean for a long, long time! I sure as hell will. (Maybe there will only be 12 available, as I may buy one for my personal stash...)
The Purosa Estate A Conventional has a nutty body with overtones of chocolate and almost a berry-like fruit. A wonderful shipment with fantastic cupping tastes. Available in good quantities for those of you conventional coffee hunters.
The FTO Purosa A - from the HOAC coop is available in plentiful supply. It is very similar to the conventional in the cup, except it is organic certified. Slight cupping differences would be a woody nuttiness that balances beautifully with the chocolate and fruit.
You will be very pleased with any of these A's (organic FTO or conventional) on your offer boards, your cupping tables and your home coffee makers/espresso machines. You will be tasting a coffee rarity and a truly out-of-this-world shipment if you go for a Peaberry bag.
Call us with your interest, when they are gone they are gone.
The amazing Peaberry is ready to ship, and we are only able to get 13 bags. Yes, just thirteen bags...If you have interest, please let us know and we will get you a bag, two or all 13 if you are so inclined. Be fast, be furious on this one. There is no stretching the imagination on this Peaberry. It will sell, your customers will thank you, and you will remember this bean for a long, long time! I sure as hell will. (Maybe there will only be 12 available, as I may buy one for my personal stash...)
The Purosa Estate A Conventional has a nutty body with overtones of chocolate and almost a berry-like fruit. A wonderful shipment with fantastic cupping tastes. Available in good quantities for those of you conventional coffee hunters.
The FTO Purosa A - from the HOAC coop is available in plentiful supply. It is very similar to the conventional in the cup, except it is organic certified. Slight cupping differences would be a woody nuttiness that balances beautifully with the chocolate and fruit.
You will be very pleased with any of these A's (organic FTO or conventional) on your offer boards, your cupping tables and your home coffee makers/espresso machines. You will be tasting a coffee rarity and a truly out-of-this-world shipment if you go for a Peaberry bag.
Call us with your interest, when they are gone they are gone.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Coffee and the PCCA
Today, in celebration of the recently passed 77th anniversary of the Pacific Coast Coffee Association this weekend, I wanted to say a few words. Hopefully they will be kind and gentle and encouraging words as I just returned from a wonderful weekend retreat to Squaw Valley, previous host in 1960 to the winter olympics. To say I enjoyed the weekend, and the wonderful people of the PCCA, would be an understatement. I really, truly look forward each and every year to the PCCA's annual conference/retreat. And, every year seems to bring a surprise in some way, and always ends with a quiet, satisfied drive home. (A bit of off-the-cuff bragging: I made it from Squaw Valley to my home in Westlake Village in 7 hours and 2 minutes. Yes, that also includes two gas stops (1/2 tank each) and one stop at a very S L O W fast food establishment. There must be some CHP still trying to figure out what passed them...).
Anyway, I return from the retreat having been elected to the Board of Directors of the Pacific Coast Coffee Association for a two year term. I am so honored that it is difficult for me to put that honor into words that adequately do it justice. This is an association that, in Warren Muller's words, has the names of Folgers, Maxwell, and Hills etched firmly in it's history. These are the pioneers of coffee on the west coast. To stand as a member of the Board of Directors of an association with such historical and seminal coffee people is an honor that I won't forget. I look forward to serving, and I hope that my service will be worthy.
The PCCA has many speakers that visit to provide their unique expertise and opinions of their respective careers and businesses. This year we enjoyed a presentation from an owner of a medium sized trucking company. He entertained the small business owner crowd with his concerns regarding California's environmental regulations and how they are set to impact his company in negative terms. While his views on environmentalism created some room for argumentation, his presentation clearly outlined the negative financial impact that the new and ever-changing rules would have on his 69 year old family business. He also outlined the dire economic changes that would affect Port truckers, i.e. those independent owner/operators who travel in and out of the various ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Hueneme, Oakland and San Francisco. In essence, we were presented with information indicating that those trucking companies will be forced to raise fees for transportation of coffee containers to a price double that of today's levels! Not good news for those watching transportation costs continuing to rise due to rising diesel fuel costs.
We also enjoyed a presentation from a director of commnications for the California Department of Homeland Security. There was no argument that there needs to be enforced security with arriving containers. There was, however, some expression of concern regarding the manner in which the searched containers are left, the charges that these searches incur, and the location and frequency of where the searches occur. Importers are liable for the costs of the search, including de-vanning, load-in charges to DHS favored warehouses (generally not ours or any other coffee-specific warehouses), re-loading of containers, and ultimate transport to our warehouse where we then, again, get charged for load-in charges for the same container. Prices for coffee, or shall I say for the costs of getting the coffee to the roaster, will be forced to rise. Very informative discussion and clearly more work is needed, with the PCCA leading the charge, for DHS to learn about our business and how their policices can become less burdensome while still satisfactorily meeting required levels of security.
It was a great retreat in beautiful Squaw Valley. The resort there is a very attractive one, with an eye-stopping grand entrance in which you view the granite mountain that is the prominent feature of the valley and the subject of copious amounts of snow in the winter. Informal conversations with leaders of the coffee industry, mostly all of whom are wonderfully open and primed for discussions with their fellow coffee business professionals. Much talk occured with the credit market freeze as a prime concern for our market. Also discussed was the floundering economy and how it might affect everyone involved in coffee from retail to exporter, and beyond. No one has the answers, but everyone has opinions. It was nice to hear so many people with great expectations for the future of the coffee business.
That is it for now. With this first post I hope you have found it valuable for the time invested. This blog will offer a bit more off-the-cuff information regarding green coffee. I hope it is useful and prompts questions and opinions from our users. Thanks, Michael Vournas
Anyway, I return from the retreat having been elected to the Board of Directors of the Pacific Coast Coffee Association for a two year term. I am so honored that it is difficult for me to put that honor into words that adequately do it justice. This is an association that, in Warren Muller's words, has the names of Folgers, Maxwell, and Hills etched firmly in it's history. These are the pioneers of coffee on the west coast. To stand as a member of the Board of Directors of an association with such historical and seminal coffee people is an honor that I won't forget. I look forward to serving, and I hope that my service will be worthy.
The PCCA has many speakers that visit to provide their unique expertise and opinions of their respective careers and businesses. This year we enjoyed a presentation from an owner of a medium sized trucking company. He entertained the small business owner crowd with his concerns regarding California's environmental regulations and how they are set to impact his company in negative terms. While his views on environmentalism created some room for argumentation, his presentation clearly outlined the negative financial impact that the new and ever-changing rules would have on his 69 year old family business. He also outlined the dire economic changes that would affect Port truckers, i.e. those independent owner/operators who travel in and out of the various ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Hueneme, Oakland and San Francisco. In essence, we were presented with information indicating that those trucking companies will be forced to raise fees for transportation of coffee containers to a price double that of today's levels! Not good news for those watching transportation costs continuing to rise due to rising diesel fuel costs.
We also enjoyed a presentation from a director of commnications for the California Department of Homeland Security. There was no argument that there needs to be enforced security with arriving containers. There was, however, some expression of concern regarding the manner in which the searched containers are left, the charges that these searches incur, and the location and frequency of where the searches occur. Importers are liable for the costs of the search, including de-vanning, load-in charges to DHS favored warehouses (generally not ours or any other coffee-specific warehouses), re-loading of containers, and ultimate transport to our warehouse where we then, again, get charged for load-in charges for the same container. Prices for coffee, or shall I say for the costs of getting the coffee to the roaster, will be forced to rise. Very informative discussion and clearly more work is needed, with the PCCA leading the charge, for DHS to learn about our business and how their policices can become less burdensome while still satisfactorily meeting required levels of security.
It was a great retreat in beautiful Squaw Valley. The resort there is a very attractive one, with an eye-stopping grand entrance in which you view the granite mountain that is the prominent feature of the valley and the subject of copious amounts of snow in the winter. Informal conversations with leaders of the coffee industry, mostly all of whom are wonderfully open and primed for discussions with their fellow coffee business professionals. Much talk occured with the credit market freeze as a prime concern for our market. Also discussed was the floundering economy and how it might affect everyone involved in coffee from retail to exporter, and beyond. No one has the answers, but everyone has opinions. It was nice to hear so many people with great expectations for the future of the coffee business.
That is it for now. With this first post I hope you have found it valuable for the time invested. This blog will offer a bit more off-the-cuff information regarding green coffee. I hope it is useful and prompts questions and opinions from our users. Thanks, Michael Vournas
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