Small Business Spotlight – Scribbles Coffee Company in Kent, OH

Julia Greco

The city of Kent is always bustling with people. Whether that be a Kent State student, a morning commuter or an active community member, the one thing most of these people need in their lives is coffee.

Since 2007, Scribbles Coffee Company has supplied this need. Bringing fair-trade organic coffee to Kent, this women-owned, family-operated business sources coffee beans from all over the world, including Uganda, Peru, Ethiopia and Costa Rica.  Scribbles hand-crafts each drink ordered, from the dedicated employees personally roasting the coffee beans, to the friendly barista pouring you a cup.

In terms of public relations, Scribbles is a winner.

Practicing sustainability
Scribbles succeeds at creating mutually beneficial relationships with its publics by maintaining sustainable practices within its supply chain and product control and giving back to the community.

Sustainability is important in terms of public relations practice because it betters the reputation of the business. When Scribbles practices sustainability for its brand, it increases consumer demand, enhances its reputation and differentiates itself from competitors. Effective efforts towards sustainability can also increase the support from key stakeholders and investors.

Supporting the community

When Scribbles has wasted coffee grounds, it does not throw them away. Instead, Scribbles donates grounds to community members to use for compost, bath products, fertilizer and natural dyes for Kent State textile students. Not only does Scribbles give back to its community directly, but its sustainable roasting practice ensures that its customers get a quality drink every time, which ensures a great benefit to the business with return-customer satisfaction.

Scribbles doesn’t just promote its coffee; it tells a story through its brand values by having a long-term vision of corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and community support.