The American Barista and Coffee School to Help Coffee Retailers Combat Current Financial Crisis

How specialty coffee retailers can survive and thrive in today's economic uncertainty is the focus of a two-day travelling seminar offered by the American Barista & Coffee School (ABC's). The Ultimate Coffee Profitability Seminar will be led by Chris Legler, Starbucks veteran and former CFO of Barnie's Coffee and Tea Company. The first seminar is scheduled for January 10-11 in Portland, Oregon.

"In today's harsh economic conditions, coffee retailers need to take a proactive and educated approach to business," said ABC's founder Bruce Milletto. "Even though a retailer may be selling a quality product, he or she will need to do more than that to ensure increased sales and overall business success. We developed the Ultimate Coffee Profitability Seminar to give them the tools they need to increase sales through effective marketing and the skills to manage the financial side of their businesses in today's unforgiving economic climate."

The Ultimate Coffee Profitability Seminar will give you the tools you need to increase sales through effective marketing and the skills to manage the financial side of your business in today's unforgiving economic climate. This seminar is the exact medicine most coffee retailers need to survive, prosper and grow in these tough economic times.

The Ultimate Coffee Profitability Seminar will cover the following subjects in-depth:

• Revenue Management: How to use sales analysis to grow your business
• Marketing Analysis and Implementation: Understanding promotions, brand development, cross marketing and the importance of ambiance and menu
• Beverage Costing: How to measure beverage costs and how to use the information
• Loss Prevention through cash and inventory control
• Labor Management: Understand how many hours are needed, how to pay for and account for managers and how to develop incentive plans for growth
• Expense Management: Understand which expenses are necessaryDay
• Inventory Management: How to optimize inventory, true costs of inventory and managing payment terms
• Large investments, including how to evaluate equipment purchases and understanding when it is time to grow
•Proforma Development: How to evaluate a new site financially through sales development, cost management and an understanding of occupancy costs
• Financing Options: Understand which options are best for your situation
• Development of a Budget and prioritization of financial needs

Future Ultimate Coffee Profitability Seminars are scheduled for February 28 - March 1 in Seattle and March 28-29 in San Francisco. All seminars will be held at university lecture halls or conference facilities in major U.S. cities, with approximately 225 seats available for each seminar. Class includes a Financial Workbook to help attendees assess the financial health of their businesses with the ultimate goal of increasing profits. In addition, continental breakfast is provided each day.

The cost of the seminar is $495, but to help their customers, more than 150 roasters and allied companies throughout the U.S. are offering $200 subsidies, for a total cost to retailers of only $295. For on-line registration and further information on how to obtain a subsidy, visit coffeeschool.org or call 800.655.3955.