THE SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA TAPS MEETUP.COM TO KICK OFF SPECIALTY COFFEE MONTH AND INTERNATIONAL COFFEE LOVERS MEETUP DAY
For Immediate Release
New York, NY (January 23, 2004) -- Meetup.com and The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) today announced a strategic partnership to promote Specialty Coffee month and the launch of International Coffee Lovers Meetup Day in thousands of cities and small towns in the US and around the world.
Specialty Coffee Month will help increase the awareness of specialty coffee excellence and awareness in America and drum up business at SCAA retail-member establishments.
International Coffee Lovers Meetup Day (http://coffee.meetup.com) commences the first Monday of the month @ 7pm local time in thousands of cities around the world.
As part of the partnership, Meetup has extended a discount to SCAA coffee shops that sign-up for Meetup’s “MVP” program (Meetup Venue Partner) designed to drive new customers into their establishments. SCAA coffee shops that become MVPs will be listed as a choice for local coffee lovers wishing to Meetup locally during specialty coffee month and beyond. Interested coffee shops can read more about the program here http://www.meetup.com/scaa .
“This is an exciting time for lovers of specialty coffee,” said Ted Lingle Executive Director of the SCAA. “Coffee lovers worldwide can now enjoy their favorite specialty brews in the company of other specialty coffee enthusiasts and make new friends in the process.”
“Meetup is pleased to help the SCAA kick off Specialty Coffee Month while supporting SCAA member coffee shops around the country,” said Bill Bicket, Director of Partnerships for Meetup. “Through this partnership and this specialized MVP program, SCAA coffee shops will see new faces in their establishments -- and more and more empty coffee mugs.”
About the SCAA
Founded in 1982, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association with over 2,500 member companies. SCAA members are located in over 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is the coffee industry's largest gathering and exhibition. SCAA's 16th Annual Conference & Exhibition will be held in Atlanta, April 23-26, 2004.
About Meetup
Meetup, Inc. (http://www.meetup.com) creates global Meetup Days for most any topic. Meetups are real world, face-to-face get-togethers that take place in 660 cities in 34 countries at local cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and other local establishments. Meetup's goal is to try and revitalize community in America. Since launching in June 2003, Meetup has become a grassroots phenomenon, with more than 1 million people signed up for monthly Meetups about more than 3,800 topics and interests. Meetup is based in New York City and is privately held.
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