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Berres Brothers Specialty Coffee Roasters
Story Index
Roaster's Choice Award
Coffee to Troops
Trip to Guatemala
Company History
Coffee to Troops
Trip to Guatemala
Company History
Coffee To Troops
PRESS RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sarah Werner
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Phone: 800-233-5443
202 Air Park Drive Fax: 920-261-9390
Watertown, WI. 53094 e-mail: sarah@bbcoffee.com
Website: www.berresbrothers.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2007
Watertown, Wis. Thanks to a joint fundraising effort by Village Walk Citgo and Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters (BBCR), American troops stationed in Iraq can now get a great cup of jo. Inspired by a local connection, the two organizations, their customers and employees helped to raise over $300 for shipping costs to send more than 350 pounds of specialty coffee to soldiers in Iraq.
The coffee, donated by BBCR, was shipped to Sgt. Major Jeff Seidel, a 1982 graduate of Watertown High School. Seidel works with fellow soldiers and Iraqi civilians to set up wastewater treatment plants where he is presently stationed with the Army Unit 1st Cal. Spartan Black Jack Brigade. BBCR’s award-winning roastmaster, John Johnson, met Siedel in high school and they’ve kept in touch for the past 25 years. “We wanted to show support for the troops from home, let them know through their daily dose of coffee that people are thinking of them,” said Johnson.
When Village Walk Citgo owner, Bill Planer, found out about the coffee shipment, he took the initiative one step further and asked his customers to help raise funds to assist the effort. Asked if he had a personal military connection Planer explained, “While I do not have friends or loved ones in Iraq, all of the US Troops are putting their lives on the line for each of us, so it’s the least we can do for them. Our customers were so generous when they found out what the money was being used to help with shipping costs to send coffee to our soldiers."
The station has done other fundraisers from time to time. Most recently they partnered with the Johnson Creek Grade School to fund a project in which a class was able to purchase goats, chickens and rabbits for families in Africa using the $225 the customers donated. Planer adds he’s proud that through his great staff and the generosity of his customers they can make someone’s life a little better anywhere in the world.
Peter Berres, owner of BBCR, feels an even stronger connection. Berres, himself a Major in the Army Reserves for 19 years, believes it’s a duty to demonstrate respect and appreciation for the people who support us in the military in every way we can. Two other Berres Brothers employees, Betsy Palm and Jeremy Schmidt, are also currently on active duty with the National Guard and Army Reserve respectively.
Berres says, “This is certainly something we want to continue. It doesn’t change the troops’ situation, but I like to think that, in a very small way, a great cup of coffee reminds them of the people they care about.” More importantly he references a mother of a soldier calling into the company to order coffee for her son overseas. “She said one of the reasons she sent him coffee was to help him stay awake for night watches and long shifts. If I can help watch a fellow soldier's back from here in the states, that makes me feel real good.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Sarah Werner
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Phone: 800-233-5443
202 Air Park Drive Fax: 920-261-9390
Watertown, WI. 53094 e-mail: sarah@bbcoffee.com
Website: www.berresbrothers.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2007
Watertown, Wis. Thanks to a joint fundraising effort by Village Walk Citgo and Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters (BBCR), American troops stationed in Iraq can now get a great cup of jo. Inspired by a local connection, the two organizations, their customers and employees helped to raise over $300 for shipping costs to send more than 350 pounds of specialty coffee to soldiers in Iraq.
The coffee, donated by BBCR, was shipped to Sgt. Major Jeff Seidel, a 1982 graduate of Watertown High School. Seidel works with fellow soldiers and Iraqi civilians to set up wastewater treatment plants where he is presently stationed with the Army Unit 1st Cal. Spartan Black Jack Brigade. BBCR’s award-winning roastmaster, John Johnson, met Siedel in high school and they’ve kept in touch for the past 25 years. “We wanted to show support for the troops from home, let them know through their daily dose of coffee that people are thinking of them,” said Johnson.
When Village Walk Citgo owner, Bill Planer, found out about the coffee shipment, he took the initiative one step further and asked his customers to help raise funds to assist the effort. Asked if he had a personal military connection Planer explained, “While I do not have friends or loved ones in Iraq, all of the US Troops are putting their lives on the line for each of us, so it’s the least we can do for them. Our customers were so generous when they found out what the money was being used to help with shipping costs to send coffee to our soldiers."
The station has done other fundraisers from time to time. Most recently they partnered with the Johnson Creek Grade School to fund a project in which a class was able to purchase goats, chickens and rabbits for families in Africa using the $225 the customers donated. Planer adds he’s proud that through his great staff and the generosity of his customers they can make someone’s life a little better anywhere in the world.
Peter Berres, owner of BBCR, feels an even stronger connection. Berres, himself a Major in the Army Reserves for 19 years, believes it’s a duty to demonstrate respect and appreciation for the people who support us in the military in every way we can. Two other Berres Brothers employees, Betsy Palm and Jeremy Schmidt, are also currently on active duty with the National Guard and Army Reserve respectively.
Berres says, “This is certainly something we want to continue. It doesn’t change the troops’ situation, but I like to think that, in a very small way, a great cup of coffee reminds them of the people they care about.” More importantly he references a mother of a soldier calling into the company to order coffee for her son overseas. “She said one of the reasons she sent him coffee was to help him stay awake for night watches and long shifts. If I can help watch a fellow soldier's back from here in the states, that makes me feel real good.”
Guatemala Trip
PRESS RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Gail Towers MacAskill
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Phone: (920) 390-0172
202 Air Park Drive Fax: (920) 261-9390
Watertown, WI. 53094 e-mail: gtmacaskill@charter.net
Website: www.berresbrothers.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2007
Watertown, WI- Berres Brothers Trip to Guatemala
Four members of the Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters team took a trip to Guatemala February 10-15, 2007 to explore and experience several coffee plantations and the inner workings of the coffee trading business. The trip was co-sponsored by Café Imports, Berres Brothers’ green bean importing company out of Minneapolis, and Unitrade, Guatemala’s main coffee trading company.
While on a coffee plantation near the smaller city of Matequescuintla, the team visited several farmers and their families and had the opportunity to experience daily life for those families. The Gonzalez family, a majority owner of the farms, shared their schools, nurse’s office, farmlands and home with the Berres Brothers team for an entire day.
Fair Trade Coffee is a fast growing part of the specialty coffee business. Roasters such as Berres Brothers pay a premium price on green beans (coffee that hasn’t been roasted) with the understanding that coffee trading companies and their farmers are guaranteed that premium going directly to improving their schools, medicine and everyday way of life. Fair Trade coffee is certified through an organization called TransFairUSA out of Oakland, CA.
The way of life on the Gonzalez farm has greatly improved over the past ten years. In the team’s inquiry to the sponsors with Unitrade, they learned that the coffee grown and traded with Unitrade was not in the Fair Trade program. In fact, Unitrade has deliberately stopped its relationship with Fair Trade altogether. Instead, they have developed their own system of providing sound education, medicine and satisfactory working conditions. It was the opinion of Unitrade that the Fair Trade system did not always work, and in fact might at times be corrupt.
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters is now working to establish a direct relationship with these farmers and Unitrade to guarantee Fair Trade. The group of farmers in Guatemala had become an entire community, with the needs of the farmers’ families met through their own well-established fair trade system. Hopefully, Berres Brothers and the Watertown community will be able to team with Guatemalan coffee farmers to develop a symbiotic relationship where both communities benefit socially, culturally and economically. The next step is for Berres Brothers to begin a partnership with Watertown Unified School District’s At Risk program and the organization P.E.A.K. (Providing Education Adventure for Kids) to send a group of students down to Guatemala to partner with coffee farms. Likewise, Berres Brothers would anticipate hosting a group of students from Guatemala in the Watertown area. The Berres Brothers team loves great coffee, but great coffee starts with a great community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Gail Towers MacAskill
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Phone: (920) 390-0172
202 Air Park Drive Fax: (920) 261-9390
Watertown, WI. 53094 e-mail: gtmacaskill@charter.net
Website: www.berresbrothers.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2007
Watertown, WI- Berres Brothers Trip to Guatemala
Four members of the Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters team took a trip to Guatemala February 10-15, 2007 to explore and experience several coffee plantations and the inner workings of the coffee trading business. The trip was co-sponsored by Café Imports, Berres Brothers’ green bean importing company out of Minneapolis, and Unitrade, Guatemala’s main coffee trading company.
While on a coffee plantation near the smaller city of Matequescuintla, the team visited several farmers and their families and had the opportunity to experience daily life for those families. The Gonzalez family, a majority owner of the farms, shared their schools, nurse’s office, farmlands and home with the Berres Brothers team for an entire day.
Fair Trade Coffee is a fast growing part of the specialty coffee business. Roasters such as Berres Brothers pay a premium price on green beans (coffee that hasn’t been roasted) with the understanding that coffee trading companies and their farmers are guaranteed that premium going directly to improving their schools, medicine and everyday way of life. Fair Trade coffee is certified through an organization called TransFairUSA out of Oakland, CA.
The way of life on the Gonzalez farm has greatly improved over the past ten years. In the team’s inquiry to the sponsors with Unitrade, they learned that the coffee grown and traded with Unitrade was not in the Fair Trade program. In fact, Unitrade has deliberately stopped its relationship with Fair Trade altogether. Instead, they have developed their own system of providing sound education, medicine and satisfactory working conditions. It was the opinion of Unitrade that the Fair Trade system did not always work, and in fact might at times be corrupt.
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters is now working to establish a direct relationship with these farmers and Unitrade to guarantee Fair Trade. The group of farmers in Guatemala had become an entire community, with the needs of the farmers’ families met through their own well-established fair trade system. Hopefully, Berres Brothers and the Watertown community will be able to team with Guatemalan coffee farmers to develop a symbiotic relationship where both communities benefit socially, culturally and economically. The next step is for Berres Brothers to begin a partnership with Watertown Unified School District’s At Risk program and the organization P.E.A.K. (Providing Education Adventure for Kids) to send a group of students down to Guatemala to partner with coffee farms. Likewise, Berres Brothers would anticipate hosting a group of students from Guatemala in the Watertown area. The Berres Brothers team loves great coffee, but great coffee starts with a great community.
About Us
Breaking ground for the new facility.
At Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters, Inc. we believe coffee should be an experience. That morning pep talk on your way to work. A perfect afternoon pick-me-up just when you're starting to fade. A relaxing end to the day.
Because we believe coffee isn't about status. It's about feeling good and enjoying life your way. If you are looking for the best-tasting coffee around, you have come to the right place. In fact, this year roastmaster John Johnson earned fourth place in the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) fifth annual Roaster’s Choice competition. The event took place in Minneapolis, Minn., in May during the SCAA’s annual conference with 59 entries from coffee roasters across the United States. Other roasters that made the top ten list included The Roasterie (Kansas City, Kan.), Sweet Maria’s (Oakland, Calif.) and Caribou Coffee (Minneapolis, Minn.).
The Berres family has a long history of providing quality coffee. In 1970, Marvin Berres founded Coffee Host Inc., a coffee, soda and snack vending business serving companies within a 50 to 60 mile radius of Watertown, Wisconsin.
The Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Inc. brand was launched in March 1992 when Peter and Jeff Berres, Marvin’s sons, took over the business and began roasting their own coffee. It was at this time they began to expand their product offering, as well as geographic availability, by making their coffee available in a handful of grocery and convenience stores throughout Wisconsin.
In 2003 the company created a partnership with GoldStar Midwest office coffee service to expand its distribution to offices statewide. Basically, GoldStar Midwest services corporate accounts with Berres Brothers coffee, brewing equipment and service, as well as a selection of other vending items.
In December 2002 Peter undertook a complete rebranding initiative. Now known as Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters, Inc., the company is focused on increasing its in-home market share via grocery stores and mail order sales, and its away-from-home market share via convenience stores and corporate accounts.
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Inc. currently employs 45 full- and part-time staff members who are passionate about bringing our customers the best coffee experience possible, while putting a smile on their face!
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Inc.. It smells great. It makes you feel great... period.
Sign up to have information on upcoming events and promos emailed to you.
Because we believe coffee isn't about status. It's about feeling good and enjoying life your way. If you are looking for the best-tasting coffee around, you have come to the right place. In fact, this year roastmaster John Johnson earned fourth place in the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) fifth annual Roaster’s Choice competition. The event took place in Minneapolis, Minn., in May during the SCAA’s annual conference with 59 entries from coffee roasters across the United States. Other roasters that made the top ten list included The Roasterie (Kansas City, Kan.), Sweet Maria’s (Oakland, Calif.) and Caribou Coffee (Minneapolis, Minn.).
The Berres family has a long history of providing quality coffee. In 1970, Marvin Berres founded Coffee Host Inc., a coffee, soda and snack vending business serving companies within a 50 to 60 mile radius of Watertown, Wisconsin.
The Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Inc. brand was launched in March 1992 when Peter and Jeff Berres, Marvin’s sons, took over the business and began roasting their own coffee. It was at this time they began to expand their product offering, as well as geographic availability, by making their coffee available in a handful of grocery and convenience stores throughout Wisconsin.
In 2003 the company created a partnership with GoldStar Midwest office coffee service to expand its distribution to offices statewide. Basically, GoldStar Midwest services corporate accounts with Berres Brothers coffee, brewing equipment and service, as well as a selection of other vending items.
In December 2002 Peter undertook a complete rebranding initiative. Now known as Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters, Inc., the company is focused on increasing its in-home market share via grocery stores and mail order sales, and its away-from-home market share via convenience stores and corporate accounts.
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Inc. currently employs 45 full- and part-time staff members who are passionate about bringing our customers the best coffee experience possible, while putting a smile on their face!
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters Inc.. It smells great. It makes you feel great... period.
Sign up to have information on upcoming events and promos emailed to you.