Starbucks Introduces Gold Coast Blend®: Morning Joe Edition to Encourage Community Involvement

Starbucks and MSNBC Co-Sponsor Brewing Together Day of Service — the Next Step in the Partnership That was Formed to Include a Focus on Community Involvement


Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) announced today that it has introduced an updated consumer favorite packaged coffee – Gold Coast Blend® renamed Gold Coast Blend®: Morning Joe Edition – in grocery and mass market retail channels. The introduction of this updated coffee is the next step in the partnership between Starbucks Coffee Company and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” announced earlier this year, and gives consumers a chance to experience a nice bold cup of coffee and learn more about taking steps to make a greater impact in their own communities. Starbucks and MSNBC are both committed to volunteering and giving back to local communities and believe that by working together with local volunteers, they can make an even bigger impact in neighborhoods from coast-to-coast.

To celebrate the introduction of the packaged coffee and the companies’ joint commitment to community involvement, Starbucks and MSNBC are co-sponsoring Brewing Together Day of Service on Saturday, November 21, in conjunction with HandsOn Network, the largest volunteering organization in the U.S. Brewing Together Day of Service is a community-involvement call-to-action for Starbucks and “Morning Joe” fans across the country to consider volunteering in their community on an ongoing basis. Viewers and consumers interested in volunteering in their local communities are encouraged to visit the HandsOn Network web site www.handsonnetwork.org/brewingtogether to explore volunteer opportunities available in their communities.

“We are pleased to take the next step in our partnership with MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’ by introducing Gold Coast Blend®: Morning Joe Edition, available where consumers buy groceries,” said John Culver, president, Starbucks Global Consumer Packaged Goods. “It’s an honor to be a co-sponsor of Brewing Together Day of Service and to help bring communities together to inspire change while making a difference in other people’s lives. It’s what Starbucks has always believed in - being a good neighbor and doing things that are good for each other and the planet,” added Cliff Burrows, president, Starbucks U.S.

For their volunteer project, Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Willie Geist and the “Morning Joe” crew, joined by Starbucks Cliff Burrows and Starbucks partners (employees), will travel to the John McDonogh School in New Orleans on Friday, November 20 for a community art project and other activities. This project is made possible through work with City Year Louisiana, a local affiliate of City Year, an organization that unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, as tutors, mentors and role models who help students and schools succeed. As part of the day, Joe, Mika, Willie and Cliff will share their career experiences with many of the school’s students and the team of young leaders in service with City Year who serve at the school year-round. Additionally, Starbucks and MSNBC together will make a donation to the John McDonogh school earmarked for renovations to the school’s auditorium.

‘This is the best part of our relationship– to give back to those in need and inspire others to do good in their own communities,’ said President of MSNBC Phil Griffin. "We’re excited to be bringing ‘Morning Joe’ to New Orleans to show our viewers what Brewing Together is all about.”

Get Inspired to Volunteer in Your Community
As part of raising awareness for volunteerism, “Morning Joe” will highlight volunteer efforts and information on-air during the weeks leading up to November 20 and 21. Tune in to “Morning Joe” on Friday, November 20 from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. EST and join Joe, Mika and Willie, Starbucks, and City Year live from the John McDonogh School in New Orleans as they take part in their Brewing Together Day of Service. Be sure to visit “Morning Joe” www.joe.msnbc.com or HandsOn www.handsonnetwork.org/brewingtogether web sites to find a volunteer opportunity in your community.

Bold Coffee Deserves Bold Conversation – Starbucks Gold Coast Blend®: Morning Joe Edition
Made from our Gold Coast Blend®, this intense full-bodied blend showcases Starbucks finest Latin American and Asia Pacific coffees, accented with a touch of Italian Roast’s sweetness. Starbucks Gold Coast Blend®: Morning Joe Edition is one of Starbucks biggest and boldest blends and can be found only where you buy groceries. The coffee is available in 12-ounce pre-ground packages at a suggested retail price of $9.49 and pairs well with foods and flavors that hold their own, including tangy cranberry, woodsy maple, buttery-sweet caramel and dense cheesecake. Perfect flavor notes for your morning coffee ritual, whether it’s around your table or starting your day with Joe and Mika.