Starbucks, Peet’s, The Brewing Market, or any number of mom and pop coffee shops around America, on any given weekend morning this is the select meeting spot for friends and family to start their day. Whether the activities involve a hike, skiing, a bike ride, or just relaxing, that shop not only acts as the meeting point, but also supplies a caffeinated beverage to kickstart the day. While waiting for that little pick-me-up to be prepared by the barista, have you ever browsed the mugs and other coffee related items sold by those shops? Flip any of those mugs or cups over and read the bottom – “Made in China” will probably be printed there. The argument could be made that it really doesn’t matter, but to a handful of people in East Liverpool, Ohio, it does.
Back in November of 2011, Starbucks, in partnership with Opportunity Finance Network, launched the Create Jobs for USA program to infuse capital back into America. Inspired by this program, Ulrich Honighausen, one of Starbuck’s suppliers, approached them with the idea of sourcing mugs from an American company instead of one from overseas. The result was a boast for the ailing American Mug & Stein company and the creation of a handful of jobs for one depressed Ohio town.
Starbucks created a 13-minute video of the American Mug & Stein company order, highlighting the effect that this type of order had on a number of lives.
httpv://youtu.be/PrUSorlxtnk
If you frequent Starbucks and are looking for a new mug, American Mug and Stein is currently producing the ceramic 12-ounce “Indivisible” mug for them. Each handmade mug is made using raw materials sourced from Tennessee, Ohio, Georgia, and Florida. Retailing for $9.95, Starbucks will make a $2 donation to the Create Jobs for USA Fund with each purchase. This program and opportunity that Starbucks has provided for American Mug and Stein is a very small contribution back to U.S. manufacturing, but is a step in the right direction. Starbucks could have very easily sent this type of order overseas and and certainly not given it a second thought. By sending the order to an American company, they have helped to keep the doors open at one small factory and actually create some jobs. This is certainly one corporate move that we can drink to!
Starbucks Create Jobs for USA Products
Starbucks Blog Post on the American Mug and Stein Story
The American Mug and Stein Location in East Liverpool, OH