Starbucks, The Military and RODEO!

Posted Friday, November 24, 2006

Each week I receive the e mail that is been making the rounds about how Starbucks refused to send coffee to the military. THIS IS NOT TRUE! Strarbucks and its partners send thousands of pounds of coffee to our military. The facts and the supporting information may be found at this link: http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/rumor.asp

There is even more information under the title: Starbucks Donates to Military Personnel at this link: http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/csr.asp

Starbucks is a strong supporter of local community events and as such has sponsored rodeos in some communities and has had to endure criticism for its efforts by the animal rights group SHARK. A bitter enemy of rodeo. We as supporters of rodeo must support those who support our local events. Starbucks has become as American as apple pie With 5,668 company owned coffeehouses and 3,168 licensed locations an extraordinary number of Americans employed by this organization creating a very positive impact on our economy. You may check out SHARK's attempt to persuade Starbuck's to stop supporting rodeo at this link: http://www.sharkonline.org/?P=0000000391 Take in mind this was written by SHARK.

The following is from Starbuck's:
"At Starbucks, we are deeply committed to living by our six Guiding Principles, which include Contributing Positively to our Communities and Environment. One of the ways we give back is by supporting activities that are important to the communities we serve.

As a result, a significant portion of Starbucks marketing efforts are locally driven and focus on connecting with the community through sponsorships, events, product donations and community giving programs.

Also, Starbucks store partners (employees) are encouraged to support and participate in their local neighborhoods in ways they feel are most relevant to their communities. For example, one store may provide a coffee donation for a local breakfast, while another might serve as a gathering place for a local group meeting or event. To us, this is the best way our stores can be welcoming and focused on what’s most important to the communities they serve.

Because our store partners are the best people to identify what’s important to the communities where they work and live, it is very possible that a local Starbucks could be affiliated with an event, such as a rodeo, that is relevant to their community. In all cases, we strive to support our communities in a way that is consistent with Starbucks culture and values. Our goal is to support, not to offend, our community of neighbors.

To learn more about how Starbucks supports our global community, please see our Corporate Social Responsibility Report at www.starbucks.com/csrannualreport.
cial Responsibility Report at http://www.starbucks.com/csrannualreport ."

Now, please send this story to everyone you know and ask them to forward it as well so that we may put an end once and for all to the Starbuck's rumor that is both harmful to rodeo and to the American economy. Thank you.