The United States Championship Committee

Committee Chair: Nicholas Cho, murky coffee, Arlington VA
Event Manager: Marcus Boni, SCAA
Scott Conary, Caffe Driade, Carrboro NC
Lani Peterson, Kerry Foods, Seattle WA
Spencer Turer, Mitsui Foods, NJ
Holly Bastin, PT's Coffee, Topeka KS
Ryan Jensen, Peregrine Espresso, Washington DC
Rob Tuttle, Everything Coffee & Tea, Atlanta GA
Dan Streetman, Cuvee Coffee, Austin TX
Brian Aliffi, Caribou Coffee, Minneapolis MN

United States Barista Championship Committee Charter

USBCC Mission Statement
The US Barista Championship Committee (USBCC) is a committee of the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). Its function is to grow, coordinate and sanction Regional Competitions and a National Championship annually.

USBCC Goals & Objectives
1.) To promote the growth, excellence & recognition of Specialty Coffee in the Barista profession
2.) To coordinate ten Regional Competitions and the National Championship annually by April 2007.
3.) To grow the Barista’s knowledge of, and expertise in, the preparation and serving of specialty espresso coffee through competitions.
4.) To establish a greater interaction between the Barista and the consumer, thereby developing a sense of community in which ideas and information about specialty coffee drinks are exchanged.
5.) To train and certify quality Judges for Barista Competitions.

USBCC Strategies
1.) Increase SCAA Membership Retention and Growth – through increased promotion and participation of Baristi and store owner/retailers in the USBC program.
2.) Improve Organization Satisfaction & Effectiveness – through better communication and increased accountability between all stakeholders in the world of espresso.
3.) Be a Standard Setter – through the standards USBCC sets for the Regional Competitions and US Championship which includes increased promotion, communication, training and certification. The US Barista Championship is a premiere program event, sanctioned by the SCAA
4.) Improve Financial Stability – Through diversification and creation of new revenue sources and expanding cash reserves for US Barista Competitions and the US Championship.
5.) Ensure the Supply of Sustainable Coffee – promote the purchase of fair market priced and sustainably
farmed, quality coffees from around the world and to increase the consumption of specialty coffee.

USBCC Membership Structure
1.) USBCC will have a maximum of 15 voting members. The 2/3 majority will consist of 10 votes.
2.) USBCC membership will represent the various facets of the espresso/Barista segment of the specialty coffee industry.
3.) USBCC, may assign Task Forces of members and outside consultants to perform special projects.

USBCC Membership Application & Dismissal Process
1.) Prospective USBCC candidates may submit a “letter of interest” to the USBCC Chair.
2.) Prospective USBCC candidates should be recruited from persons who have previously participated on a USBCC Task Force and/or have been in the industry for at least two years.
3.) Selection is made by a majority (2/3) vote of the USBCC. USBCC members may cast their vote by proxy.
4.) In the event of an election tie, the Board Liaison will cast the deciding vote.
5.) Removal of a member from the committee may be for non-fulfillment of USBCC responsibilities or conflict-of-interest. Removal for non-fulfillment of responsibilities requires a majority or 2/3 vote of the USBCC membership. Removal for conflict-of-interest is to be determined by the USBCC in conjunction with the SCAA Board of Directors.

USBCC Member Responsibilities
1.) Members must attend at least two meetings annually. Members must participate in at least two
conference calls annually.
2.) Be prepared to give 23-25 days and approximately $5,000 in personal time and expenses.
3.) Provide support and staffing for two Regional Competitions and the US Championship.
4.) Participate in training programs sponsored by the USBCC with hopes of certification.
5.) Fulfill commitment to the SCAA Strategic Plan.
6.) Act as role models in the industry through participation in the SCAA and the USBCC.

USBCC Membership Qualifications
1.) USBCC members shall be SCAA members in good standing.
2.) USBCC members should have a minimum of two years experience in the specialty coffee industry.
3.) Previous volunteer experience with Barista competitions is recommended.

USBCC Membership Terms & Succession
1.) The calendar year or term is from one SCAA Annual Conference to the next. (Usually April to April)
2.) USBCC members will be elected to one two-year term.
3.) Following one two-year term, a USBCC member must be re-nominated to run for another two-year term and must rotate off the committee for one year following two two-year terms.
4.) The founding committee members are appointed for their first two-year term and will follow the above process for a second two-year term.

USBCC Chair, Co-Chair and/or Vice Chair Eligibility & Selection Process
1.) Eligibility for Chair, Co-Chair and/or Vice Chair of the USBCC requires a minimum of two full years on the USBCC. Board Liaison, an appointive position is excluded from this.
2.) USBCC Chair, Co-Chair and/or Vice Chair are elected by the majority (2/3) vote of the USBCC voting members unless otherwise appointed in conjunction with the Board Liaison position.

USBCC Chair, Co-Chair or Vice-Chair Responsibilities
1.) Prepare agenda, conduct meetings and disseminate meeting records and other tasks necessary to manage functions of the committee.
2.) Assist incoming Board Liaison and new members with orientation regarding all USBCC projects and protocol.

USBCC Board Liaison
1.) The SCAA President assigns the SCAA Board member to act as the Board’s Liaison to the SCAA to the USBCC.
2.) Maintain committee operations with Staff Liaison.
3.) The Board Liaison may also be appointed or elected to Chair or Co-Chair the USBCC.

USBCC Policies
1.) Meeting Schedule – USBCC shall hold official meetings a minimum of four times per year at a time and place mutually convenient.
2.) Conference Calls – USBCC meetings may be conducted as conference calls.
3.) Written Notice – USBCC members will receive written notice of meeting by mail, fax or e-mail. USBCC Staff Liaison will send notice.
4.) Voting by Proxy – Voting may be made by Proxy. This must be arranged in advance with the Chair or Staff Liaison of the USBCC.
5.) Leaves of Absence – A USBCC member may take a temporary leave of absence in the event of illness, service as Chair of another SCAA committee, is assigned by the Directors to work on the Specialty Coffee Institute. While on leave, the member will loose his/her voting rights. Subsequent to the leave of absence, the member should be readmitted to complete his/her term. The Chair with the consensus of the committee may assign a temporary replacement if it deems necessary.
6.) Policy Changes – A 2/3-majority vote is required to implement any new USBCC policy change or addition.
7.) Removal Clause – Refer to above and SCAA by-laws.