Well, I finished my goals for '08, and it's time to start working on them. I met with our president this morning to go over them, and the brainstorm for the new year, and one thing we agreed was something we wanted to work on this year was to improve the culture of coffee in and around Charlotte, even region. I feel like we really are on the cusp of something cool, like the scene in Kansas City is now. I feel it's time to be more fully realized in our area. I am tired of reading about everyone else's scene, it's time it's here. So, some of my goals for the new year involve establishing a better barista culture around here. I can do that with cuppings and trainings, but there's something else I want to do that I think will make a bigger difference. I want to host a barista jam in Charlotte this year. Aside from the SERBC and a few things Counter Culture puts on, we really don't have access to alot of progressive coffee culture, so the baristas around here don't have a clue about the possiblities.
They don't take a lot of pride in what they do, cause they don't take pride in doing anything real special, and that's a shame. I think if they could see what else it out there, it would open up a world of possibilities that would lead to better baristas. Iron sharpening iron. You guys out in WA, MO, or even IL really take alot of things for granted when it comes to the barista scene you're in, and how it pushes you to raise your game and skills.
And that's why I want to really work on this element this year. Will, a former barista that works in the back of the Roastery here in production made a challenge to me today. Said he wanted to have a company barista jam/competition. I took his challenge, cause I know I will spank him, then he shared it with the president, who not only supported it, but wants to participate, and vows to win. He wants everyone involved. And this will not be just a relaxed thing, but the real competition format, with real judges. And this gets all of us excited about coffee again. Like it should be. So, if we host a barista jam in Charlotte, any of you interested in participating?