Does the following sound familiar? Brush your teeth after each meal and especially before going to bed. Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or inter-dental cleaners. Eat nutritious and balanced meals. Limit snacks. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination of your teeth and mouth. You have heard this before, right? Oh, yes, they are common sense advice for good oral health and a great smile!
What happens if you like carbohydrates, rich in sugars and starches, such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, candy, pretzels, chips, cakes, crackers, and sticky foods that linger in the mouth and whose food debris remains in between the teeth? Quite simply, if you fail to brush your teeth soon after eating these foods, the bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque. This is not good. Plaque clings to the teeth. The acids in the plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth. What happens then? The result is holes in the teeth called cavities or "caries."
Roasted coffee extract possesses "anti-cariogenic" and anti-bacterial qualities against a wide range of micro-organisms harming human teeth.
• Anti-cariogenic is a term that describes foods that tend to contribute favorably to dental health by discouraging the acid that causes dental caries.
• Anti-bacterial means anything that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or ability to reproduce.
• The adherence of bacterial cells to the surface of the teeth develops cavities.
• The act of drinking freshly brewed black coffee interferes with this bacterial adhesion in a natural way which can help prevent cavities.
• Coffee research studies take place on a very regular basis all over the world. They are conducted by private, government and educational organizations using research facilities such as oral, maxillofacial, pathology, and microbiology laboratories.
• The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a peer-reviewed publication of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, also reports on coffee research findings regularly.
• The results support the claims about the healthcare benefits from caffeine.
Caffeine has a compound called Trigonelline. This water-soluble compound gives coffee its aroma and bitter taste. Trigonelline has both anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties that can help prevent dental cavities from forming.
All coffee solutions have these high anti-adhesive properties as a result of both naturally occurring and roasting induced molecules. However, black coffee is better to help prevent cavities than coffee with milk, cream, sugar and other additives. The reason is that the sugars and starches in such additives promote the bacteria growth and adhesion that creates cavities.
Of course, the best dental health care is achieved through regular visits to your dentist and daily practice of good teeth brushing and oral hygiene. However, if drinking black coffee provides some additional cavity prevention, let's benefit from it. So, go ahead and drink your coffee with a smile!
Ready for a cup of gourmet Vienna Roast Espresso?
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Can-Coffee-Help-Prevent-Cavities?&id=4282743
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Additional Revenue at a Car Wash Fundraiser
Car wash fundraisers are great money-makers indeed. Well why not enhance this years car wash fundraiser with a couple of extra revenue makers? After all you have a captured audience and you are a business minded individual right? You do care about your kids and you want them to succeed and do well at all their activities, you also know that the more money the fund raiser events make the less money dear old dad and mom have to kick into the program. Let's face it kids are getting to be quite expensive and anytime you can off set some of these costs it makes sense right? Here are some additional revenue enhancement ideas for your annual Car Wash Fundraiser.
HOT DOGS
If you choose to sell hot dogs you will definitely have a captured audience. If you intend to feed your group you should charge them at least fifty cents each to cover costs otherwise they will eat up one hundred percent of your profits. People get hungry washing cars and burn up a lot of calories. If you offer free hot dogs to your washers and let's say there are twenty of them, they will devour sixty hot dogs, three a piece. This may sound funny but not when you're trying to make cash for your group. If you charge for them you will need an average of 1.5 hot dogs per washer and you will cover your costs on them. Guestimate how many hot dogs you will sell and add 1.5 times the number of washers to this number. This will give you an approximation of supplies needed. Remember to buy slightly more buns than hot dogs, half a pack or so. Some people will want a hot dog and no bun and some like the bun with no hot dog. Plus you will drop a few or squish a few buns and then no one will want to eat them. Be careful when selling hot dogs. When it gets busy at your car wash you want people to stay in the cars otherwise they will disappear to the hot dog area while their car blocks your production.
A hot dog stand should also have a parent if this is a kid's group to manage the hot dogs and the money. Kids burn hot dogs, undercook them or give them away to friends. They will also forget to turn off the propane on the BBQ. This will really screw up sales if you run out of propane. No one will want a cold or uncooked hot dog.
BAKE SALE
This is the hardest type of extra activity to have at a car wash fundraiser. Try to find someone in your group who has run a successful bake sale before - one which actually made money and sold out. If they've been through this a couple of times you should use their experience and put them in charge. Have them run the bake sale event separately with different volunteers, monies, etc. Give them a really good location and let them take trays of goodies to people in line or in the drying area. Don't allow sales in the wash zone. If you allow people to get out of their cars to purchase baked goods have them leave their keys in the car. You'll need an extra supervisor moving cars, watching for hoses and people moving from the wash area to the drying area. This will allow customers to browse the bake sale layout. It's ok to have a bake sale and hot dog stand. They work well because someone who wants a hot dog and soda will want a brownie. The bake sale volunteers should be given the utmost courtesy so tensions stay low and everybody works as a team.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
If your fundraiser is at a school or church with a cafeteria, you may want to consider a pancake breakfast. The most important thing to remember is to keep the keys for the cars when the people walk in to eat. Then make sure there is plenty of parking for the cars that have been washed otherwise they will stack up and the lot will be full.
CASH
You should have the person in charge count the money with another person so in case anybody thinks there might be missing monies, the exact amount can be verified. Keep donation can money, hot dog money and car wash ticket money separate from drive up customers money. Also keep the stack of tickets received from the customers attending your car wash fundraiser and a count of the number of cars washed. Subtract the number of tickets received from the number of cars washed. Multiply that number by the price of the car wash for the day of the event. This should equal the total money made from car washes. This way no one can accuse anyone of any impropriety.
Think of how you will organize this additional revenue enhancement sales during your car wash fundraiser. As long as you have the volume you should be good to go with whatever great additional value items you sell this year; think on it.
Author Bio:
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Additional-Revenue-at-a-Car-Wash-Fundraiser&id=41543
HOT DOGS
If you choose to sell hot dogs you will definitely have a captured audience. If you intend to feed your group you should charge them at least fifty cents each to cover costs otherwise they will eat up one hundred percent of your profits. People get hungry washing cars and burn up a lot of calories. If you offer free hot dogs to your washers and let's say there are twenty of them, they will devour sixty hot dogs, three a piece. This may sound funny but not when you're trying to make cash for your group. If you charge for them you will need an average of 1.5 hot dogs per washer and you will cover your costs on them. Guestimate how many hot dogs you will sell and add 1.5 times the number of washers to this number. This will give you an approximation of supplies needed. Remember to buy slightly more buns than hot dogs, half a pack or so. Some people will want a hot dog and no bun and some like the bun with no hot dog. Plus you will drop a few or squish a few buns and then no one will want to eat them. Be careful when selling hot dogs. When it gets busy at your car wash you want people to stay in the cars otherwise they will disappear to the hot dog area while their car blocks your production.
A hot dog stand should also have a parent if this is a kid's group to manage the hot dogs and the money. Kids burn hot dogs, undercook them or give them away to friends. They will also forget to turn off the propane on the BBQ. This will really screw up sales if you run out of propane. No one will want a cold or uncooked hot dog.
BAKE SALE
This is the hardest type of extra activity to have at a car wash fundraiser. Try to find someone in your group who has run a successful bake sale before - one which actually made money and sold out. If they've been through this a couple of times you should use their experience and put them in charge. Have them run the bake sale event separately with different volunteers, monies, etc. Give them a really good location and let them take trays of goodies to people in line or in the drying area. Don't allow sales in the wash zone. If you allow people to get out of their cars to purchase baked goods have them leave their keys in the car. You'll need an extra supervisor moving cars, watching for hoses and people moving from the wash area to the drying area. This will allow customers to browse the bake sale layout. It's ok to have a bake sale and hot dog stand. They work well because someone who wants a hot dog and soda will want a brownie. The bake sale volunteers should be given the utmost courtesy so tensions stay low and everybody works as a team.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
If your fundraiser is at a school or church with a cafeteria, you may want to consider a pancake breakfast. The most important thing to remember is to keep the keys for the cars when the people walk in to eat. Then make sure there is plenty of parking for the cars that have been washed otherwise they will stack up and the lot will be full.
CASH
You should have the person in charge count the money with another person so in case anybody thinks there might be missing monies, the exact amount can be verified. Keep donation can money, hot dog money and car wash ticket money separate from drive up customers money. Also keep the stack of tickets received from the customers attending your car wash fundraiser and a count of the number of cars washed. Subtract the number of tickets received from the number of cars washed. Multiply that number by the price of the car wash for the day of the event. This should equal the total money made from car washes. This way no one can accuse anyone of any impropriety.
Think of how you will organize this additional revenue enhancement sales during your car wash fundraiser. As long as you have the volume you should be good to go with whatever great additional value items you sell this year; think on it.
Author Bio:
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Additional-Revenue-at-a-Car-Wash-Fundraiser&id=41543
Monday, September 27, 2010
Melitta Coffee Maker - A New Level of Coffee Making
In the market for a coffee maker? Only a Melitta coffee maker can give you the coffee experience that you're looking for. Melitta coffee makers are strong, efficient workers that aim to make you strong and efficient as well by providing you your instant and much-needed coffee fixes whenever you need them. That's why coffee lovers and a lot of coffee drinkers with great dependence on coffee have a strong partiality towards Melitta coffee makers.
Melitta is a large Florida-based company, which is part of the Melitta Group of Minden based in Germany. But it has a base of operations in New Jersey, USA, in the form of a coffee roasting headquarters. This company setup that spans boundaries is testament to the values that Melitta pours into their manufacture of coffee makers. This company will stop at nothing just to give you the best and most functional coffee makes around. And this objective has brought them great fame in the coffee appliance industry.
Great Products from Melitta
A Melitta coffee maker is an unspoken gem among all the other coffee makers around. While other companies offer a wide array of products spanning various industries and uses, Melitta focuses mostly on coffee production, which gives them a more targeted and dedicated approach in manufacturing coffee solutions for consumers.
Melitta produces excellent coffee makers as well as coffee filters, gourmet coffee, and coffee making accessories. But they focus most of their energy in providing great options to consumers when it comes to coffee makers. Instead of offering just coffee makers in general, Melitta produces electric and non-electric, as well as highly unique and innovative single-serve pod machines.
These different types of coffee makers are designed to meet various needs and preferences of different consumers. Their non-electric coffee makers are very appealing to people who have an intrinsic love for coffee and want to have their coffee brewed the conservative, all-natural way. Their electric coffee makers are for those who simply can't live without having coffee fixes throughout the day. And their single-serve pod machines are for those who want to take coffee and beverage drinking to a whole new level. These pod machines are very efficient machines that can brew one cup of coffee just for you within minutes.
For your convenience, these machines don't require you to measure water and coffee grounds. All you need is the machine and a push of a button. The pod machine comes with a 28 oz. water reservoir for fewer refills. And aside from saving time and energy, you can also save your precious coffee. Multiple-serve coffee makers usually end up with excess coffee that ends up going to waste, especially in small families or solo drinkers. The single-serve machines can eliminate this particular problem. This shows that more than just a coffee maker manufacturer, Melitta also aims to provide various solutions just to make your coffee drinking experience the best it can ever be.
A Melitta Masterpiece
There is also one Melitta coffee maker that stands out even among all the exceptional products of the company. This is Melitta's special Smart Mill and Brew model. This coffee maker already does the coffee grinding right before brewing. It comes with a built-in coffee grinder. And true to its name, this product is very smart in that it can even report the weather while it serves you great coffee.
With the help of MSN Direct, the coffee maker can give you weather updates, innovation that only Melitta has been brave and creative enough to pursue. This is your perfect morning companion. Made with a stainless steel-based design and structure, this product claims attention both inside and outside. So if you are planning to buy a coffee maker, a Melitta coffee maker is highly recommended.
Author Bio:
You can find more about the Melitta coffee maker on our Best coffee makers website.
Copyright 2008 Coffee-maker-guide, all rights reserved.
Mark is the editor Coffee-maker-guide which provides you with the best coffee maker reviews and ratings. You can find more about the Melitta coffee maker on our Best coffee makers website.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Melitta-Coffee-Maker---A-New-Level-of-Coffee-Making&id=1568628
Melitta is a large Florida-based company, which is part of the Melitta Group of Minden based in Germany. But it has a base of operations in New Jersey, USA, in the form of a coffee roasting headquarters. This company setup that spans boundaries is testament to the values that Melitta pours into their manufacture of coffee makers. This company will stop at nothing just to give you the best and most functional coffee makes around. And this objective has brought them great fame in the coffee appliance industry.
Great Products from Melitta
A Melitta coffee maker is an unspoken gem among all the other coffee makers around. While other companies offer a wide array of products spanning various industries and uses, Melitta focuses mostly on coffee production, which gives them a more targeted and dedicated approach in manufacturing coffee solutions for consumers.
Melitta produces excellent coffee makers as well as coffee filters, gourmet coffee, and coffee making accessories. But they focus most of their energy in providing great options to consumers when it comes to coffee makers. Instead of offering just coffee makers in general, Melitta produces electric and non-electric, as well as highly unique and innovative single-serve pod machines.
These different types of coffee makers are designed to meet various needs and preferences of different consumers. Their non-electric coffee makers are very appealing to people who have an intrinsic love for coffee and want to have their coffee brewed the conservative, all-natural way. Their electric coffee makers are for those who simply can't live without having coffee fixes throughout the day. And their single-serve pod machines are for those who want to take coffee and beverage drinking to a whole new level. These pod machines are very efficient machines that can brew one cup of coffee just for you within minutes.
For your convenience, these machines don't require you to measure water and coffee grounds. All you need is the machine and a push of a button. The pod machine comes with a 28 oz. water reservoir for fewer refills. And aside from saving time and energy, you can also save your precious coffee. Multiple-serve coffee makers usually end up with excess coffee that ends up going to waste, especially in small families or solo drinkers. The single-serve machines can eliminate this particular problem. This shows that more than just a coffee maker manufacturer, Melitta also aims to provide various solutions just to make your coffee drinking experience the best it can ever be.
A Melitta Masterpiece
There is also one Melitta coffee maker that stands out even among all the exceptional products of the company. This is Melitta's special Smart Mill and Brew model. This coffee maker already does the coffee grinding right before brewing. It comes with a built-in coffee grinder. And true to its name, this product is very smart in that it can even report the weather while it serves you great coffee.
With the help of MSN Direct, the coffee maker can give you weather updates, innovation that only Melitta has been brave and creative enough to pursue. This is your perfect morning companion. Made with a stainless steel-based design and structure, this product claims attention both inside and outside. So if you are planning to buy a coffee maker, a Melitta coffee maker is highly recommended.
Author Bio:
You can find more about the Melitta coffee maker on our Best coffee makers website.
Copyright 2008 Coffee-maker-guide, all rights reserved.
Mark is the editor Coffee-maker-guide which provides you with the best coffee maker reviews and ratings. You can find more about the Melitta coffee maker on our Best coffee makers website.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Melitta-Coffee-Maker---A-New-Level-of-Coffee-Making&id=1568628
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Fundraising Ideas For Non-Profit Organizations
Looking for fundraising ideas for your non-profit organization? There are all sorts of programs out there and picking the best one for your organization can be difficult. When you evaluate a fundraising program you should look at the type of products or services you would be offering to your potential buyers. Traditional products such as candy and etc. can be sold but people may want healthier choices. Consider products that everyone can use or would want.
Does your program require you to buy and keep an inventory of products regardless of your sales? These types of fundraisers can end up costing you more than you will make in return. You don't want to get stuck with products that you couldn't sell due to a lack of consumer interest in the product or because your product is a perishable item such as fruit or food stuffs. The best idea in this case is to look for fundraising programs that do not require you to keep your own inventory.
Have you considered fundraising programs that offer your organization residual income? Selling a product once and getting a return on that sale can generate income, but a program that offers consumable and useful products that your supporters can buy on a continuing monthly basis can give your fundraising efforts a steady residual income. The key here is to offer a product that people will use and will want to continue to use. The repeated sales on this type of program will keep cash flowing into your organization.
The next consideration is to find a supplier for your products that will sell directly to your supporters and fulfill your orders. You should be concentrating on promoting your fundraiser and let the product supplier handle the order processing and shipping. Finding a fundraising system that does the heavy lifting for you is essential for your continued success. With this system,the supplier will process your orders and then issue payments to your organization.
Summarizing the ideas,we can see that a fundraising program that offers useful products on a continuing basis,using a product supplier that handles order fulfillment,and using a system that generates residual income is the best idea for your non-profit's fundraiser.
Author Bio:
Kerry Thomas is an article marketer. You can find out more about Fundraising Ideas here: http://bestfundraising-ideas.net/
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fundraising-Ideas-For-Non-Profit-Organizations&id=4386068
Does your program require you to buy and keep an inventory of products regardless of your sales? These types of fundraisers can end up costing you more than you will make in return. You don't want to get stuck with products that you couldn't sell due to a lack of consumer interest in the product or because your product is a perishable item such as fruit or food stuffs. The best idea in this case is to look for fundraising programs that do not require you to keep your own inventory.
Have you considered fundraising programs that offer your organization residual income? Selling a product once and getting a return on that sale can generate income, but a program that offers consumable and useful products that your supporters can buy on a continuing monthly basis can give your fundraising efforts a steady residual income. The key here is to offer a product that people will use and will want to continue to use. The repeated sales on this type of program will keep cash flowing into your organization.
The next consideration is to find a supplier for your products that will sell directly to your supporters and fulfill your orders. You should be concentrating on promoting your fundraiser and let the product supplier handle the order processing and shipping. Finding a fundraising system that does the heavy lifting for you is essential for your continued success. With this system,the supplier will process your orders and then issue payments to your organization.
Summarizing the ideas,we can see that a fundraising program that offers useful products on a continuing basis,using a product supplier that handles order fulfillment,and using a system that generates residual income is the best idea for your non-profit's fundraiser.
Author Bio:
Kerry Thomas is an article marketer. You can find out more about Fundraising Ideas here: http://bestfundraising-ideas.net/
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fundraising-Ideas-For-Non-Profit-Organizations&id=4386068
Friday, September 24, 2010
Why You Should Drink Organic Coffee
Think about organic coffee if you are looking for healthy alternative to your regular one!
The fact that it is becoming very popular makes us even more curious. Why?
It has to do with the production which uses considerably less chemicals than the regular one. So if you are into go green trend, than organic coffee is the one for you.
Many of you do not know that the coffee industry is like any other industry and it is driven by profits and earnings. Farmers or the producers are using large amounts of pesticides and herbicides to increase the annual harvest.
The problem is that we are not aware of it as the majority of brawn gold is produced in countries that are far away from our homes. And the strong lobby prevents detailed information on coffee production to come out to public. For occasional java drinkers this is not a problem as they do not drink it regularly. The situation is considerable different for regular coffee lovers who drink it on daily basis.
So if you are a coffee lover you must read more about healthy organic gourmet coffee.
Three most important things about coffee you need to know are:
• Pesticides and herbicides that are used, leak into the ground water and surrounding soil and kill of plant and animal life.
• The tree or plant absorbs some of the pesticides from already polluted ground.
• Harvested beans are treated with additional chemicals.
By buying organic coffee from our local coffee shop or from online retailer, we start drinking healthier coffee beverage and help protect nature as well. If you decide to take an active approach and start drinking gourmet coffee that is grown with approved supplementary organic and mineral fertilizers, than you should know that it will cost you a bit more. Rests assure that the rich and full flavor of your gourmet organic coffee is worth it.
Be sure that you are buying coffee that is certified as organic. You can check your coffee for some kind of seal or label that shows your coffee was certified by a certifying body.
The number of retailers selling healthy coffee is getting larger, so you should not have problem acquiring ground beans, loose or vacuum packed coffee from different coffee brands.
Author Bio:
The best place to shop is online as you can get what you want for reasonable price from reputable online sellers. If you are looking for more coffee facts about Organic coffee please visit http://www.coffeeinspector.com where you will find all you need to know to brew a great cup of coffee and get extensive tips on coffee and coffee related equipment.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Drink-Organic-Coffee&id=3590688
The fact that it is becoming very popular makes us even more curious. Why?
It has to do with the production which uses considerably less chemicals than the regular one. So if you are into go green trend, than organic coffee is the one for you.
Many of you do not know that the coffee industry is like any other industry and it is driven by profits and earnings. Farmers or the producers are using large amounts of pesticides and herbicides to increase the annual harvest.
The problem is that we are not aware of it as the majority of brawn gold is produced in countries that are far away from our homes. And the strong lobby prevents detailed information on coffee production to come out to public. For occasional java drinkers this is not a problem as they do not drink it regularly. The situation is considerable different for regular coffee lovers who drink it on daily basis.
So if you are a coffee lover you must read more about healthy organic gourmet coffee.
Three most important things about coffee you need to know are:
• Pesticides and herbicides that are used, leak into the ground water and surrounding soil and kill of plant and animal life.
• The tree or plant absorbs some of the pesticides from already polluted ground.
• Harvested beans are treated with additional chemicals.
By buying organic coffee from our local coffee shop or from online retailer, we start drinking healthier coffee beverage and help protect nature as well. If you decide to take an active approach and start drinking gourmet coffee that is grown with approved supplementary organic and mineral fertilizers, than you should know that it will cost you a bit more. Rests assure that the rich and full flavor of your gourmet organic coffee is worth it.
Be sure that you are buying coffee that is certified as organic. You can check your coffee for some kind of seal or label that shows your coffee was certified by a certifying body.
The number of retailers selling healthy coffee is getting larger, so you should not have problem acquiring ground beans, loose or vacuum packed coffee from different coffee brands.
Author Bio:
The best place to shop is online as you can get what you want for reasonable price from reputable online sellers. If you are looking for more coffee facts about Organic coffee please visit http://www.coffeeinspector.com where you will find all you need to know to brew a great cup of coffee and get extensive tips on coffee and coffee related equipment.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Drink-Organic-Coffee&id=3590688
Why You Should Drink Organic Coffee
Think about organic coffee if you are looking for healthy alternative to your regular one!
The fact that it is becoming very popular makes us even more curious. Why?
It has to do with the production which uses considerably less chemicals than the regular one. So if you are into go green trend, than organic coffee is the one for you.
Many of you do not know that the coffee industry is like any other industry and it is driven by profits and earnings. Farmers or the producers are using large amounts of pesticides and herbicides to increase the annual harvest.
The problem is that we are not aware of it as the majority of brawn gold is produced in countries that are far away from our homes. And the strong lobby prevents detailed information on coffee production to come out to public. For occasional java drinkers this is not a problem as they do not drink it regularly. The situation is considerable different for regular coffee lovers who drink it on daily basis.
So if you are a coffee lover you must read more about healthy organic gourmet coffee.
Three most important things about coffee you need to know are:
• Pesticides and herbicides that are used, leak into the ground water and surrounding soil and kill of plant and animal life.
• The tree or plant absorbs some of the pesticides from already polluted ground.
• Harvested beans are treated with additional chemicals.
By buying organic coffee from our local coffee shop or from online retailer, we start drinking healthier coffee beverage and help protect nature as well. If you decide to take an active approach and start drinking gourmet coffee that is grown with approved supplementary organic and mineral fertilizers, than you should know that it will cost you a bit more. Rests assure that the rich and full flavor of your gourmet organic coffee is worth it.
Be sure that you are buying coffee that is certified as organic. You can check your coffee for some kind of seal or label that shows your coffee was certified by a certifying body.
The number of retailers selling healthy coffee is getting larger, so you should not have problem acquiring ground beans, loose or vacuum packed coffee from different coffee brands.
Author Bio:
The best place to shop is online as you can get what you want for reasonable price from reputable online sellers. If you are looking for more coffee facts about Organic coffee please visit http://www.coffeeinspector.com where you will find all you need to know to brew a great cup of coffee and get extensive tips on coffee and coffee related equipment.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Drink-Organic-Coffee&id=3590688
The fact that it is becoming very popular makes us even more curious. Why?
It has to do with the production which uses considerably less chemicals than the regular one. So if you are into go green trend, than organic coffee is the one for you.
Many of you do not know that the coffee industry is like any other industry and it is driven by profits and earnings. Farmers or the producers are using large amounts of pesticides and herbicides to increase the annual harvest.
The problem is that we are not aware of it as the majority of brawn gold is produced in countries that are far away from our homes. And the strong lobby prevents detailed information on coffee production to come out to public. For occasional java drinkers this is not a problem as they do not drink it regularly. The situation is considerable different for regular coffee lovers who drink it on daily basis.
So if you are a coffee lover you must read more about healthy organic gourmet coffee.
Three most important things about coffee you need to know are:
• Pesticides and herbicides that are used, leak into the ground water and surrounding soil and kill of plant and animal life.
• The tree or plant absorbs some of the pesticides from already polluted ground.
• Harvested beans are treated with additional chemicals.
By buying organic coffee from our local coffee shop or from online retailer, we start drinking healthier coffee beverage and help protect nature as well. If you decide to take an active approach and start drinking gourmet coffee that is grown with approved supplementary organic and mineral fertilizers, than you should know that it will cost you a bit more. Rests assure that the rich and full flavor of your gourmet organic coffee is worth it.
Be sure that you are buying coffee that is certified as organic. You can check your coffee for some kind of seal or label that shows your coffee was certified by a certifying body.
The number of retailers selling healthy coffee is getting larger, so you should not have problem acquiring ground beans, loose or vacuum packed coffee from different coffee brands.
Author Bio:
The best place to shop is online as you can get what you want for reasonable price from reputable online sellers. If you are looking for more coffee facts about Organic coffee please visit http://www.coffeeinspector.com where you will find all you need to know to brew a great cup of coffee and get extensive tips on coffee and coffee related equipment.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Drink-Organic-Coffee&id=3590688
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Part 2 - Fundraising Auction Tips For Selling Art in Your Charity Auction
(This is part 2 of a two-part post discussing the selling of art in your auction fundraiser.)
Last week I talked about why you should avoid selling traditional art in your live auction fundraiser. I gave tips for selling art, and I'm adding to it this week with three additional ideas.
Keep art politically "neutral."
In 2009 at a more liberal school auction, I sold a signed print of Frank Shepard Fairey's iconic HOPE poster for $2500. It was so popular, I was able to sell it three times, earning the school $7500.
Just 30 days prior to that auction, I worked at a conservative school fundraiser. An item had been — the charity auction chair believed — intentionally damaged because it had President Obama's image on it.
This brings home the challenge of politically-themed art. There's a chance that at least 50% of your audience will immediately dislike it. You've got to know your crowd.
Suggest a signed and numbered print.
If you aren't getting an original piece of art (and you usually won't), it helps to have the piece signed and numbered. "It's 14 of 100 prints," sounds better than, "It's a print."
I doubt the HOPE poster of President Obama would have brought the value it did had it merely been a poster and not signed by the artist.
Think twice before framing. Framing is good for art, but the challenge is that framing is so expensive. An additional $300 of framing might never be recovered in the sale of the item. Although I prefer selling framed pieces, I advise against it unless the framing is deeply discounted or free.
Some final thoughts for art centers out there which have traditionally only sold art in their benefit auctions.
In many cases, an art center's mission is to promote art to the larger community. These centers remind us that art enriches our culture, reminds us of our humanity, and is a valuable, tangible creative expression. In many cases, an art center's mission is not to support *this* art style or *that* artist, but to support art in general.
Consider expanding on that theme in your items. Sell an art vacation.
It might be a first-class trip to Miami Art Basel or transportation and lodging to Burning Man (Can you imagine!).
Offer a behind-the-scenes at the Santa Fe Art Colony in Los Angeles, or one-on-one instruction with a professional artist at The Torpedo Factory.
Is there a restaurant in the city which has collaborated with an art center to rotate artwork on the walls? Secure a dinner for two where guests can enjoy culinary delights on the table, and artistic delights on the walls.
The auction is your opportunity to remind art-loving guests that art is meant to be experienced in a multitude of ways, and can be brought into many aspects of our life to enrich our experience as humans. Use your items to remind guests that art is meant to be appreciated with all five senses.
Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Author Bio:
Fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS featured in national publications for her trend-setting work with auction fundraisers is more than an effective auctioneer, she teaches benefit auction chairpersons steps for improving an auction's bottom-line. Her FREE Auction Item Guide TM gives procurement help (listing the 100 top-selling items). GET YOURS AT http://www.redappleauctions.com/.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Part-2---Fundraising-Auction-Tips-For-Selling-Art-in-Your-Charity-Auction&id=4395377
Last week I talked about why you should avoid selling traditional art in your live auction fundraiser. I gave tips for selling art, and I'm adding to it this week with three additional ideas.
Keep art politically "neutral."
In 2009 at a more liberal school auction, I sold a signed print of Frank Shepard Fairey's iconic HOPE poster for $2500. It was so popular, I was able to sell it three times, earning the school $7500.
Just 30 days prior to that auction, I worked at a conservative school fundraiser. An item had been — the charity auction chair believed — intentionally damaged because it had President Obama's image on it.
This brings home the challenge of politically-themed art. There's a chance that at least 50% of your audience will immediately dislike it. You've got to know your crowd.
Suggest a signed and numbered print.
If you aren't getting an original piece of art (and you usually won't), it helps to have the piece signed and numbered. "It's 14 of 100 prints," sounds better than, "It's a print."
I doubt the HOPE poster of President Obama would have brought the value it did had it merely been a poster and not signed by the artist.
Think twice before framing. Framing is good for art, but the challenge is that framing is so expensive. An additional $300 of framing might never be recovered in the sale of the item. Although I prefer selling framed pieces, I advise against it unless the framing is deeply discounted or free.
Some final thoughts for art centers out there which have traditionally only sold art in their benefit auctions.
In many cases, an art center's mission is to promote art to the larger community. These centers remind us that art enriches our culture, reminds us of our humanity, and is a valuable, tangible creative expression. In many cases, an art center's mission is not to support *this* art style or *that* artist, but to support art in general.
Consider expanding on that theme in your items. Sell an art vacation.
It might be a first-class trip to Miami Art Basel or transportation and lodging to Burning Man (Can you imagine!).
Offer a behind-the-scenes at the Santa Fe Art Colony in Los Angeles, or one-on-one instruction with a professional artist at The Torpedo Factory.
Is there a restaurant in the city which has collaborated with an art center to rotate artwork on the walls? Secure a dinner for two where guests can enjoy culinary delights on the table, and artistic delights on the walls.
The auction is your opportunity to remind art-loving guests that art is meant to be experienced in a multitude of ways, and can be brought into many aspects of our life to enrich our experience as humans. Use your items to remind guests that art is meant to be appreciated with all five senses.
Copyright (c) 2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC
Author Bio:
Fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS featured in national publications for her trend-setting work with auction fundraisers is more than an effective auctioneer, she teaches benefit auction chairpersons steps for improving an auction's bottom-line. Her FREE Auction Item Guide TM gives procurement help (listing the 100 top-selling items). GET YOURS AT http://www.redappleauctions.com/.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Part-2---Fundraising-Auction-Tips-For-Selling-Art-in-Your-Charity-Auction&id=4395377
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
What is 4C Common Code Coffee Certification?
The 4C Common Code's mission is to achieve global leadership by emphasizing the economic, social and environmental factors in coffee growing. This emphasis leads to enhanced production, processing and trading conditions for coffee sector members.
4C Common Code was started in 2003. This certification has representation from countries such as Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Nicaragua, Papua, New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Is 4C a label?
• No. 4C is not a label. It is a certification.
• Coffee and farms are certified. There are specific checks to verify that the coffee in the pack meets the criteria noted on the label.
• The label on the packaged coffee indicates the correctness of a claim such as coffee produced using sustainable standards. The label may read "Organic Coffee," for example, and additional wording may state that the coffee is 4C certified.
How is 4C different?
• The certification acts as a baseline standard. The improvement process behind the name and all the work put in by the 4C Association is what creates a difference.
• 4C members implement specific processes and measurable steps to meet specific baseline levels of sustainability.
• Again, an important distinction: on coffee packs, consumers will not see a "label" or "endorsement." Instead, they may simply read that the roaster supports the 4C Approach.
How do coffee farmers become eligible for 4C Common Code certification?
• Coffee farmers comply with a code of conduct that is very specific regarding unacceptable and acceptable practices.
• This code covers many social, environmental and economic principles for everyone in the coffee supply chain. For example, this includes farmers, plantations, producer organizations, estates, mill, exporters, traders, and more.
• Following practices that emphasize the sustainability of production and post-harvest processing ensures consistency across 4C Common Code certified farms. It also helps promote and adopt the code among farmers.
What are the main objectives this certification seeks to achieve?
• The main goals include: reduction of coffee cultivation costs, product quality improvement, and strengthening of organizational structures for coffee producers.
• In other words, optimizing the general operational flow along the value chain, from the bean to the cup.
• By realizing these goals, farmers increase their incomes and improve their life standards.
What makes 4C such a successful program?
• One of the reasons that 4C Common Code has been growing so much is the word of mouth advertising among coffee farmers, workers and producers.
• To date, more than 14,000 farmers produce coffee in line with 4C standards and account for about 4 per cent of global production.
• What is very significant is that the standards have helped farmers increase their incomes by over 30%.
• When coffee farmers hear directly from other farmers how successful they are with the farming practices recommended by this certification's Code of Conduct, they are very likely to want to know more and to join the program.
• Farmers encourage each other to plant other crops such as peanuts, corn, root crops, palm oil or other natural plants along with coffee.
• Farmers have the confidence that they have a ready market for their products as long as they comply with the code because it differentiates them from any other farmers.
What about having a cup of Jamaican Genuine Blue Mountain "Certified"?
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-4C-Common-Code-Coffee-Certification?&id=4182815
4C Common Code was started in 2003. This certification has representation from countries such as Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Nicaragua, Papua, New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.
Is 4C a label?
• No. 4C is not a label. It is a certification.
• Coffee and farms are certified. There are specific checks to verify that the coffee in the pack meets the criteria noted on the label.
• The label on the packaged coffee indicates the correctness of a claim such as coffee produced using sustainable standards. The label may read "Organic Coffee," for example, and additional wording may state that the coffee is 4C certified.
How is 4C different?
• The certification acts as a baseline standard. The improvement process behind the name and all the work put in by the 4C Association is what creates a difference.
• 4C members implement specific processes and measurable steps to meet specific baseline levels of sustainability.
• Again, an important distinction: on coffee packs, consumers will not see a "label" or "endorsement." Instead, they may simply read that the roaster supports the 4C Approach.
How do coffee farmers become eligible for 4C Common Code certification?
• Coffee farmers comply with a code of conduct that is very specific regarding unacceptable and acceptable practices.
• This code covers many social, environmental and economic principles for everyone in the coffee supply chain. For example, this includes farmers, plantations, producer organizations, estates, mill, exporters, traders, and more.
• Following practices that emphasize the sustainability of production and post-harvest processing ensures consistency across 4C Common Code certified farms. It also helps promote and adopt the code among farmers.
What are the main objectives this certification seeks to achieve?
• The main goals include: reduction of coffee cultivation costs, product quality improvement, and strengthening of organizational structures for coffee producers.
• In other words, optimizing the general operational flow along the value chain, from the bean to the cup.
• By realizing these goals, farmers increase their incomes and improve their life standards.
What makes 4C such a successful program?
• One of the reasons that 4C Common Code has been growing so much is the word of mouth advertising among coffee farmers, workers and producers.
• To date, more than 14,000 farmers produce coffee in line with 4C standards and account for about 4 per cent of global production.
• What is very significant is that the standards have helped farmers increase their incomes by over 30%.
• When coffee farmers hear directly from other farmers how successful they are with the farming practices recommended by this certification's Code of Conduct, they are very likely to want to know more and to join the program.
• Farmers encourage each other to plant other crops such as peanuts, corn, root crops, palm oil or other natural plants along with coffee.
• Farmers have the confidence that they have a ready market for their products as long as they comply with the code because it differentiates them from any other farmers.
What about having a cup of Jamaican Genuine Blue Mountain "Certified"?
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-4C-Common-Code-Coffee-Certification?&id=4182815
Monday, September 20, 2010
Improve Fundraising Letters by Writing to Emelia, Not to Everyone, In Your Direct Mail Appeals
A few years ago I sat down with my lawyer to sign my Last Will and Testament. I had never had a Will before, so I hired a lawyer to draft a Will that was clear, expressed my wishes, and would not likely be contested in court. He pushed the completed document across the table for me to review and sign. Everything about the document seemed fine except for one nagging detail. Throughout the document, the lawyer had referred to me as Paul Sharpe. I don't know anyone by that name. And neither does my lawyer. Once he had corrected his mistake and made the document about me, I was satisfied.
As a direct mail fundraiser, you face the same challenge with every fundraising letter you craft. You must write an appeal that speaks to each reader individually, not to everyone in general. Getting their name right is the easy part. But how do you write one letter to thousands of donors in such a way that each donor reading your letter feels it was written to them in particular?
With a donor picture.
The key to writing one-on-one is to picture the donor you are writing to. Whenever you pen a note to grandma, you picture her in your mind's eye, and imagine her reading your words. Do the same with your donor. Picture her in your mind.
Mine your database to discover what your typical direct mail donor looks like. Male or female? 25-40? 40-60? 60-80? Presbyterian or Agnostic? Plumber or Lawyer? Hillsburg High or Harvard? Married or single? Republican or Democrat? $25 or $2,500 annually?
Now that you have an idea of what your typical direct mail donor looks like, hunt through some suitable magazines for a photo of that donor. Cut it out. Paste it at the top of a sheet of paper.
Give the donor a name. Write beneath the photo all that you know about her (most DM donors are hers) from your database mining (age, marital status and so on). Beneath that write a brief bio of Emelia Carruthers, or whatever you've called your donor.
To get yourself started, ask your imaginary donor these questions:
• Why do you support our charity?
• What prompted you to give your first gift?
• What would make you stop?
• What problem do you want your gift to solve?
• What person do you want your donation to help?
Now write your answers out in the form of a mini biography. Pin this donor profile next to your computer. next time you sit down to pen an appeal, talk to Paul, I mean Emelia, in a personal, friendly way that inspires her to respond with her heart, and a donation.
Author Bio:
Alan Sharpe, CFRE, is a fundraising practitioner, author, trainer and speaker. Through his weekly newsletter, books, handbooks and workshops, Alan helps not-for-profit organizations worldwide to acquire more donors, raise more funds and build stronger relationships. As the Director of Direct Development with The Gideons International In Canada, Alan manages their direct mail, major gifts and planned giving programs. Sign up for "Alan Sharpe's Fundraising Pointers," Alan's free, weekly, email newsletter, at www.raisersharpe.com.
© 2009 Alan Sharpe.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Improve-Fundraising-Letters-by-Writing-to-Emelia,-Not-to-Everyone,-In-Your-Direct-Mail-Appeals&id=4476275
As a direct mail fundraiser, you face the same challenge with every fundraising letter you craft. You must write an appeal that speaks to each reader individually, not to everyone in general. Getting their name right is the easy part. But how do you write one letter to thousands of donors in such a way that each donor reading your letter feels it was written to them in particular?
With a donor picture.
The key to writing one-on-one is to picture the donor you are writing to. Whenever you pen a note to grandma, you picture her in your mind's eye, and imagine her reading your words. Do the same with your donor. Picture her in your mind.
Mine your database to discover what your typical direct mail donor looks like. Male or female? 25-40? 40-60? 60-80? Presbyterian or Agnostic? Plumber or Lawyer? Hillsburg High or Harvard? Married or single? Republican or Democrat? $25 or $2,500 annually?
Now that you have an idea of what your typical direct mail donor looks like, hunt through some suitable magazines for a photo of that donor. Cut it out. Paste it at the top of a sheet of paper.
Give the donor a name. Write beneath the photo all that you know about her (most DM donors are hers) from your database mining (age, marital status and so on). Beneath that write a brief bio of Emelia Carruthers, or whatever you've called your donor.
To get yourself started, ask your imaginary donor these questions:
• Why do you support our charity?
• What prompted you to give your first gift?
• What would make you stop?
• What problem do you want your gift to solve?
• What person do you want your donation to help?
Now write your answers out in the form of a mini biography. Pin this donor profile next to your computer. next time you sit down to pen an appeal, talk to Paul, I mean Emelia, in a personal, friendly way that inspires her to respond with her heart, and a donation.
Author Bio:
Alan Sharpe, CFRE, is a fundraising practitioner, author, trainer and speaker. Through his weekly newsletter, books, handbooks and workshops, Alan helps not-for-profit organizations worldwide to acquire more donors, raise more funds and build stronger relationships. As the Director of Direct Development with The Gideons International In Canada, Alan manages their direct mail, major gifts and planned giving programs. Sign up for "Alan Sharpe's Fundraising Pointers," Alan's free, weekly, email newsletter, at www.raisersharpe.com.
© 2009 Alan Sharpe.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Improve-Fundraising-Letters-by-Writing-to-Emelia,-Not-to-Everyone,-In-Your-Direct-Mail-Appeals&id=4476275
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Interesting Facts:Coffee Machines
Drinking coffee is a pastime of millions of people all over the world. Coffee machines make it possible to meet the demand of all these people. Without coffee machines, it would not be possible for millions of people around the world to enjoy a good cup of coffee.
The first coffee machine was invented in 1818 by Mr. Laurens. The machine was continually modified over the years. New versions of the coffee machine continued to emerge until 1960. This is when the first paper filters for coffee machines were put into place. This simple change created an unbelievable increase in coffee machine sales. People had always wanted the product, but didn't like the time it took to clean up and prepare with the cloth filters. The paper filter saves people time and hassle which makes the coffee machine more appealing.
Coffee machines have changed in design as well over the years. The early ones were just created to do the job; no one really cared what they looked like. Today's coffee makers come in all colors and sizes to accessorize nicely in any kitchen or living room. There are also many different brands of coffee machines, as each has their own unique looks and design to attract consumers.
Mr. Coffee has been the leading coffee machine in the United States for centuries. This is because the company continually changes or adds new products to meet the needs of the consumer. Bunn coffee makers lead the industry in commercial coffee maker sales.
Author Bio:
Zack is the owner of http://www.coffeeinfor.blogspot.com providing quality free information on coffee. For more free report and article, click http://www.coffeeinfor.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Interesting-Facts:Coffee-Machines&id=400595
The first coffee machine was invented in 1818 by Mr. Laurens. The machine was continually modified over the years. New versions of the coffee machine continued to emerge until 1960. This is when the first paper filters for coffee machines were put into place. This simple change created an unbelievable increase in coffee machine sales. People had always wanted the product, but didn't like the time it took to clean up and prepare with the cloth filters. The paper filter saves people time and hassle which makes the coffee machine more appealing.
Coffee machines have changed in design as well over the years. The early ones were just created to do the job; no one really cared what they looked like. Today's coffee makers come in all colors and sizes to accessorize nicely in any kitchen or living room. There are also many different brands of coffee machines, as each has their own unique looks and design to attract consumers.
Mr. Coffee has been the leading coffee machine in the United States for centuries. This is because the company continually changes or adds new products to meet the needs of the consumer. Bunn coffee makers lead the industry in commercial coffee maker sales.
Author Bio:
Zack is the owner of http://www.coffeeinfor.blogspot.com providing quality free information on coffee. For more free report and article, click http://www.coffeeinfor.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Interesting-Facts:Coffee-Machines&id=400595
Thursday, September 16, 2010
5 Ways to Thank Your Donors With an Attitude of Gratitude
Thanking and acknowledging donors is probably the most important job you have as a fundraiser. There are lots of ways you can express yourself and let donors know how much you appreciate them.
Thank Donors Promptly and Sincerely. Get your Thank You letters out pronto! Shoot for 48 hours if you can. By sending a letter quickly, your donors will know that you place importance on appreciation.
Add Personal Notes to the Letters. Have your Executive Director or President go through the letters and add personal notes. This can bring big rewards in terms of stewarding donors! Taking a few minutes of a busy day to go through a stack of letters may seem like a chore to your boss, but trust me when I tell you that donors who get a Thank You letter with a personal note will be thrilled that the head staff person took the time to personally acknowledge his or her gift.
Make a Phone Call: Let donors know they are appreciated and tell them how their support has impacted your organization. You might say something like: "Because of your generosity, we were able to provide food for 30 additional families this month."
Send a Note: Jot a quick note expressing your appreciation. A hand-written note will stand out amid the clutter of bills and other mail.
Just Say It: When you see your donors in the community, say the magic words. A little appreciation goes a long way.
Make sure to use your Attitude of Gratitude toward volunteers and in-kind donors too. They'll all appreciate it!
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach and speaker who shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards. Want more practical tips and ideas for successful fundraising? Get her twice-monthly "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" at http://www.getfullyfunded.com
Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Thank-Your-Donors-With-an-Attitude-of-Gratitude&id=2183726
Thank Donors Promptly and Sincerely. Get your Thank You letters out pronto! Shoot for 48 hours if you can. By sending a letter quickly, your donors will know that you place importance on appreciation.
Add Personal Notes to the Letters. Have your Executive Director or President go through the letters and add personal notes. This can bring big rewards in terms of stewarding donors! Taking a few minutes of a busy day to go through a stack of letters may seem like a chore to your boss, but trust me when I tell you that donors who get a Thank You letter with a personal note will be thrilled that the head staff person took the time to personally acknowledge his or her gift.
Make a Phone Call: Let donors know they are appreciated and tell them how their support has impacted your organization. You might say something like: "Because of your generosity, we were able to provide food for 30 additional families this month."
Send a Note: Jot a quick note expressing your appreciation. A hand-written note will stand out amid the clutter of bills and other mail.
Just Say It: When you see your donors in the community, say the magic words. A little appreciation goes a long way.
Make sure to use your Attitude of Gratitude toward volunteers and in-kind donors too. They'll all appreciate it!
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach and speaker who shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards. Want more practical tips and ideas for successful fundraising? Get her twice-monthly "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" at http://www.getfullyfunded.com
Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Thank-Your-Donors-With-an-Attitude-of-Gratitude&id=2183726
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Important Facts on Burr Coffee Grinders
Blade grinder vs. Burr Grinder. Burr grinders are typically more consistent than blade grinders and are the usual choice for commercial grinders, as well as that of discriminating coffee lovers for their home coffee appliances. Formerly used only in commercial coffee grinders, affordable burr grinders are becoming more common in home kitchens. Coffee grinder reviews also make mention of them more frequently as the preferred choice of home grinders, specifically regarding their better design that enables them to provide a more uniform grind and better tasting coffee.
Burr coffee grinders are the work horse of the two types, and are generally accepted as the crème de la crème of coffee grinders, with two strong burrs, either flat or conical, that easily crush the coffee beans between them like the old grain mills. One of the burrs is stationary and the second one turns to apply pressure against it, with the coffee beans in between. Specific settings can be set to specific grinds, depending upon the requirement of the coffeemaker, from coarse to very fine. Unlike a blade grinder, a burr grinder could be left on all day and it wouldn't affect the good end result of the grind.
There's little question that one thing coffee aficionados have in common is a love of the rich, freshly-ground coffee flavor; and one of the things they may differ on, is what sort of grinder gets you there, a blade or a burr coffee grinder. On the whole, blade grinders, the most common and least expensive type of grinder, work well in some common drip coffee makers, but less so in pump-driven espresso machines, which require the finer grind of an espresso coffee grinder.
Blade coffee grinders typically have no settings to assure the consistent outcome of the grinding process, so supervision of the grinding process is key. Even if you're paying close attention, it can be hard to determine if the coffee has been ground appropriately either by the length of time it took to grind or by how it looks.
Three major brands of burr grinders frequently highlighted include Mazzer, Rancilio, and Gaggia, which are all seen as some of the best light commercial coffee and home coffee grinders in their class. All three brands are designed with high-end craftsmanship. Mazzer's commercial grinders offer heavy-duty cast metal bodies with durable, high capacity bean hoppers and high performance flat or conical style burrs. Their standard for high quality, precision, and durability provide coffee grinders to support any espresso operation.
The Rancilio Rocky coffee grinder sports a brushed stainless steel housing, 50mm precision grinding burrs made of hardened, tempered steel, and strong impact-resistant plastic components. With a powerful direct-drive whisper-quiet motor, and an automatic jam-sensing thermal shut-off switch, the Rocky has no competitors in its class for safety and home convenience.
Gaggia, in business since 1947, was founded by the designer of the first espresso machine and is the primary home espresso machine manufacturer in Italy. Their range of semi-automatic, super automatic, and manual espresso machines feature high quality brewing components, Italian elegance, and durability.
All three manufacturers offer the highest quality products and performance. With Rancilio migrating into the home coffee market with the Rocky, like Gaggia, it now also provides coffee lovers with the tools necessary, including 55 different precision grind settings, to create standard drip grinds or coveted coffee cappuccinos and lattes in their own homes, just like the pros.
Author Bio:
For more information Markus Yannies Recommends viewing coffee bean grinders or the best burr coffee grinder.
Find a quality coffee burr grinder.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Important-Facts-on-Burr-Coffee-Grinders&id=3871392
Burr coffee grinders are the work horse of the two types, and are generally accepted as the crème de la crème of coffee grinders, with two strong burrs, either flat or conical, that easily crush the coffee beans between them like the old grain mills. One of the burrs is stationary and the second one turns to apply pressure against it, with the coffee beans in between. Specific settings can be set to specific grinds, depending upon the requirement of the coffeemaker, from coarse to very fine. Unlike a blade grinder, a burr grinder could be left on all day and it wouldn't affect the good end result of the grind.
There's little question that one thing coffee aficionados have in common is a love of the rich, freshly-ground coffee flavor; and one of the things they may differ on, is what sort of grinder gets you there, a blade or a burr coffee grinder. On the whole, blade grinders, the most common and least expensive type of grinder, work well in some common drip coffee makers, but less so in pump-driven espresso machines, which require the finer grind of an espresso coffee grinder.
Blade coffee grinders typically have no settings to assure the consistent outcome of the grinding process, so supervision of the grinding process is key. Even if you're paying close attention, it can be hard to determine if the coffee has been ground appropriately either by the length of time it took to grind or by how it looks.
Three major brands of burr grinders frequently highlighted include Mazzer, Rancilio, and Gaggia, which are all seen as some of the best light commercial coffee and home coffee grinders in their class. All three brands are designed with high-end craftsmanship. Mazzer's commercial grinders offer heavy-duty cast metal bodies with durable, high capacity bean hoppers and high performance flat or conical style burrs. Their standard for high quality, precision, and durability provide coffee grinders to support any espresso operation.
The Rancilio Rocky coffee grinder sports a brushed stainless steel housing, 50mm precision grinding burrs made of hardened, tempered steel, and strong impact-resistant plastic components. With a powerful direct-drive whisper-quiet motor, and an automatic jam-sensing thermal shut-off switch, the Rocky has no competitors in its class for safety and home convenience.
Gaggia, in business since 1947, was founded by the designer of the first espresso machine and is the primary home espresso machine manufacturer in Italy. Their range of semi-automatic, super automatic, and manual espresso machines feature high quality brewing components, Italian elegance, and durability.
All three manufacturers offer the highest quality products and performance. With Rancilio migrating into the home coffee market with the Rocky, like Gaggia, it now also provides coffee lovers with the tools necessary, including 55 different precision grind settings, to create standard drip grinds or coveted coffee cappuccinos and lattes in their own homes, just like the pros.
Author Bio:
For more information Markus Yannies Recommends viewing coffee bean grinders or the best burr coffee grinder.
Find a quality coffee burr grinder.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Important-Facts-on-Burr-Coffee-Grinders&id=3871392
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Build Donor Relationships With Great Conversations
In the world of fundraising, we know that building relationships with donors is critical. One key skill that every good fundraiser must develop is the ability to converse effectively with others.
For many, meeting with and talking to donors is out of their comfort zone. If you fit this description, spend the time learning to be comfortable in your own skin when you are talking with your donors. Practice speaking with co-workers and colleagues so that you can learn to carry on a conversation and develop your skills.
When you speak with your donors, be warm and sincere, and truly interested in them. They'll feel more comfortable with you and the relationship will develop naturally. People can tell when you're forcing a smile, so be genuine. After all, these are your donors you're talking to - they are the people who make the work of your nonprofit organization possible!
Here are some tips for great conversations.
Find out what the other person is interested in. Do some research in advance if you can. Otherwise, pay attention. If you're in the donor's home or office, notice the pictures, books, and other personal items displayed. These are usually great objects for conversation starters.
Ask questions. What do they like to do? What sort of things have they done in their lives? What is happening to them now? What did they do today or last weekend? Identify things about them that you can politely ask questions about. Don't bombard the donor with questions, but ask one or two naturally as part of the conversation. You'll learn a great deal about them when you do.
Listen. This is the most important part of any conversation. Pay attention to what is being said. A conversation will not go anywhere if you are too busy thinking of something else, including what you plan to say next. If you listen well, the donor's statements will suggest questions for you to ask.
Allow them to do most of the talking. After all, you have two ears and one mount - use them accordingly! Your donor will probably not realize that they did most of the talking, and you'll get the credit for being a good conversationalist - which of course, you are!
Focus on the donor and be present in the moment. If you are too busy thinking about yourself, what you look like, or what the other person might be thinking, you will miss a great deal. Developing the relationship requires you to focus on the donor.
Practice active listening. Part of listening is letting the other person know that you are listening. Make eye contact. Nod. Say "Yes," "I see," "That's interesting," or something similar to give them clues that you are paying attention and not thinking about something else - such as what you are going to say next. Just be careful not to overdo it.
Try not to cut the person off mid-sentence. It is disrespectful to the donor. Let them finish their thoughts before you speak up.
Practice having conversations with ease and before you know it, you'll be building strong relationships with all your donors!
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach, consultant, trainer, and author. She shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards. Learn more about successful direct mail fundraising letters and get free fundraising tips in her e-zine "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" on her website at http://www.getfullyfunded.com.
Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Build-Donor-Relationships-With-Great-Conversations&id=1946761
For many, meeting with and talking to donors is out of their comfort zone. If you fit this description, spend the time learning to be comfortable in your own skin when you are talking with your donors. Practice speaking with co-workers and colleagues so that you can learn to carry on a conversation and develop your skills.
When you speak with your donors, be warm and sincere, and truly interested in them. They'll feel more comfortable with you and the relationship will develop naturally. People can tell when you're forcing a smile, so be genuine. After all, these are your donors you're talking to - they are the people who make the work of your nonprofit organization possible!
Here are some tips for great conversations.
Find out what the other person is interested in. Do some research in advance if you can. Otherwise, pay attention. If you're in the donor's home or office, notice the pictures, books, and other personal items displayed. These are usually great objects for conversation starters.
Ask questions. What do they like to do? What sort of things have they done in their lives? What is happening to them now? What did they do today or last weekend? Identify things about them that you can politely ask questions about. Don't bombard the donor with questions, but ask one or two naturally as part of the conversation. You'll learn a great deal about them when you do.
Listen. This is the most important part of any conversation. Pay attention to what is being said. A conversation will not go anywhere if you are too busy thinking of something else, including what you plan to say next. If you listen well, the donor's statements will suggest questions for you to ask.
Allow them to do most of the talking. After all, you have two ears and one mount - use them accordingly! Your donor will probably not realize that they did most of the talking, and you'll get the credit for being a good conversationalist - which of course, you are!
Focus on the donor and be present in the moment. If you are too busy thinking about yourself, what you look like, or what the other person might be thinking, you will miss a great deal. Developing the relationship requires you to focus on the donor.
Practice active listening. Part of listening is letting the other person know that you are listening. Make eye contact. Nod. Say "Yes," "I see," "That's interesting," or something similar to give them clues that you are paying attention and not thinking about something else - such as what you are going to say next. Just be careful not to overdo it.
Try not to cut the person off mid-sentence. It is disrespectful to the donor. Let them finish their thoughts before you speak up.
Practice having conversations with ease and before you know it, you'll be building strong relationships with all your donors!
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach, consultant, trainer, and author. She shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards. Learn more about successful direct mail fundraising letters and get free fundraising tips in her e-zine "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" on her website at http://www.getfullyfunded.com.
Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Build-Donor-Relationships-With-Great-Conversations&id=1946761
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A Bunn Coffee Maker - It's the Best
When it comes to brewing coffee for small or large crowds, the Bunn coffee maker is rated one of the best. Consumers will find a Bunn coffee maker not only in homes, but also in convenience stores, offices, hotels, and restaurants and even cruise ships. Bunn is a leading manufacturer of coffee makers in the world, with services to over ninety countries around the globe.
Bunn coffee makers are designed for home, commercial and industrial use. Their exceptional quality and sturdy design makes them a favorite with both small and large businesses. Bunn began in the coffee business in the late 1950's, founding the Bunn-O-Matic Corporation. In the early 1960's, Bunn was the first to introduce the paper coffee filter and the new design of 'automatic drip' coffeemakers.
Every so slowly, the old fashioned percolator type coffee brewer made way for the new automatic drip coffee maker that's still in wide use today. Bunn in known for their great coffee makers, and their reputation is well regarded throughout the globe for their premium brewing and beverage equipment and customer service.
Today, Bunn designers continue to churn out new coffee makers that can create not only great coffee but also espresso and juice beverages. A Bunn coffee maker maintains a water reservoir that keeps water at an optimum brewing temperature of around 200 degrees for industrial brewers, though a home version will only heat water until it reaches the coffee basket for safer use.
A Bunn coffee maker can brew a fantastic cup of coffee in about three minutes, while most coffee makers take twice as long, or until all the water is used up, making for a more bitter tasting coffee. And with most coffee makers, but not a Bunn, water drips through the coffee in the basket unevenly, while with a Bunn coffee maker, a spray head designs gets all of the coffee saturated in order to create an even tasting brew.
Even if you don't know anything about different coffee makers, a coffee drinker will be able to taste the difference between coffee brewed in a cheap coffee maker and a Bunn coffee maker.
The home version of a Bunn coffee maker offers a simple black or white design in a moderately sized coffee maker that will hold about ten cups of coffee. It comes with a sliding lid for easy access to the coffee and water reservoir, and will brew the full pot of coffee in about three minutes.
A stainless steel water reservoir keeps the internal temperature of the water at an ideal temperature for a great pot of coffee. A switch will turn the heat off in the reservoir while a warming plate keeps coffee warm without scalding. For a great cup of coffee every time you brew, try a Bunn coffee maker. Moderately priced and designed in a variety of styles and models,
Bunn coffee maker manufacturers have dedicated themselves to coffee for decades. For the best cup of coffee you've tasted in a long time, try a cup from a Bunn coffee maker.
Author Bio: Still looking for the perfect coffee? Try visiting http://www.AllCoffeeSite.com, a website that specializes in providing coffee advice, tips and resources to including information on the Bunn coffee maker.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Bunn-Coffee-Maker---Its-the-Best&id=495319
Bunn coffee makers are designed for home, commercial and industrial use. Their exceptional quality and sturdy design makes them a favorite with both small and large businesses. Bunn began in the coffee business in the late 1950's, founding the Bunn-O-Matic Corporation. In the early 1960's, Bunn was the first to introduce the paper coffee filter and the new design of 'automatic drip' coffeemakers.
Every so slowly, the old fashioned percolator type coffee brewer made way for the new automatic drip coffee maker that's still in wide use today. Bunn in known for their great coffee makers, and their reputation is well regarded throughout the globe for their premium brewing and beverage equipment and customer service.
Today, Bunn designers continue to churn out new coffee makers that can create not only great coffee but also espresso and juice beverages. A Bunn coffee maker maintains a water reservoir that keeps water at an optimum brewing temperature of around 200 degrees for industrial brewers, though a home version will only heat water until it reaches the coffee basket for safer use.
A Bunn coffee maker can brew a fantastic cup of coffee in about three minutes, while most coffee makers take twice as long, or until all the water is used up, making for a more bitter tasting coffee. And with most coffee makers, but not a Bunn, water drips through the coffee in the basket unevenly, while with a Bunn coffee maker, a spray head designs gets all of the coffee saturated in order to create an even tasting brew.
Even if you don't know anything about different coffee makers, a coffee drinker will be able to taste the difference between coffee brewed in a cheap coffee maker and a Bunn coffee maker.
The home version of a Bunn coffee maker offers a simple black or white design in a moderately sized coffee maker that will hold about ten cups of coffee. It comes with a sliding lid for easy access to the coffee and water reservoir, and will brew the full pot of coffee in about three minutes.
A stainless steel water reservoir keeps the internal temperature of the water at an ideal temperature for a great pot of coffee. A switch will turn the heat off in the reservoir while a warming plate keeps coffee warm without scalding. For a great cup of coffee every time you brew, try a Bunn coffee maker. Moderately priced and designed in a variety of styles and models,
Bunn coffee maker manufacturers have dedicated themselves to coffee for decades. For the best cup of coffee you've tasted in a long time, try a cup from a Bunn coffee maker.
Author Bio: Still looking for the perfect coffee? Try visiting http://www.AllCoffeeSite.com, a website that specializes in providing coffee advice, tips and resources to including information on the Bunn coffee maker.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Bunn-Coffee-Maker---Its-the-Best&id=495319
Friday, September 10, 2010
6 Ways to Get Attendees at Your Next Special Event
Special events are commonly used by nonprofits to raise money. From dinner/galas with silent auctions to golf tournaments and everything in between, millions of dollars are raised each year to support the work of nonprofit organizations.
Getting people to attend your special events can be a challenge, particularly if your organization is small and relatively unknown. Here are a few tips for filling your special event.
1. Have a fun and unique event. The more interesting and appealing your event sounds, the more likely people will want to come. If your event is different from all the others in your community, that will also help draw guests in.
2. Recruit media sponsors to help publicize your event. Having media attention for your event will not only help get the word out in the community, but also give your event a bit of credibility. After all, radio and television stations wouldn't talk about it if it wasn't going to be a good event, right?
3. Have a local celebrity as a spokesperson. If you have a local celebrity who is willing to be a spokesperson for your event, that will also encourage people to attend. And if guests have the chance to meet and mingle with the celebrity at the event, even better!
4. Sell corporate tables or teams. Businesses are usually willing to purchase a whole table or team full of tickets and then give them to their employees as a benefit. This is a great way to get new people exposed to your organization and fill a table or team at the same time.
5. Recruit table captains or team captains. For some events, table or team captains can be the best way to get new faces to attend. Table or team captains typically are people who are friends of your organization and who recruit their friends to fill a table.
6. Send invitations to your supporters. Don't overlook the obvious! Send an invitation to your current donors and volunteers about the event.
Want more practical tips and ideas for successful fundraising? Get the twice-monthly "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" at http://www.getfullyfunded.com
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach and speaker who shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards.
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?6-Ways-to-Get-Attendees-at-Your-Next-Special-Event&id=2346281
Getting people to attend your special events can be a challenge, particularly if your organization is small and relatively unknown. Here are a few tips for filling your special event.
1. Have a fun and unique event. The more interesting and appealing your event sounds, the more likely people will want to come. If your event is different from all the others in your community, that will also help draw guests in.
2. Recruit media sponsors to help publicize your event. Having media attention for your event will not only help get the word out in the community, but also give your event a bit of credibility. After all, radio and television stations wouldn't talk about it if it wasn't going to be a good event, right?
3. Have a local celebrity as a spokesperson. If you have a local celebrity who is willing to be a spokesperson for your event, that will also encourage people to attend. And if guests have the chance to meet and mingle with the celebrity at the event, even better!
4. Sell corporate tables or teams. Businesses are usually willing to purchase a whole table or team full of tickets and then give them to their employees as a benefit. This is a great way to get new people exposed to your organization and fill a table or team at the same time.
5. Recruit table captains or team captains. For some events, table or team captains can be the best way to get new faces to attend. Table or team captains typically are people who are friends of your organization and who recruit their friends to fill a table.
6. Send invitations to your supporters. Don't overlook the obvious! Send an invitation to your current donors and volunteers about the event.
Want more practical tips and ideas for successful fundraising? Get the twice-monthly "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" at http://www.getfullyfunded.com
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach and speaker who shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards.
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?6-Ways-to-Get-Attendees-at-Your-Next-Special-Event&id=2346281
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Coffee - The Importance of a Moderate Quantity
A cup of coffee definitely makes your day gleaming and enthusiastic. It is quite accepted that most of us start our day with the sip of this ultimate taste. The decent aroma, rich color and scrumptious taste makes us fell great. In a nutshell a cup of coffee, when you are even on your bed is really an experience that you look for everyday. The lure of a coffee mug, you just can not take your eyes off it.
Innumerable people give a head start to their day by sipping this extraordinary taste. Whether you are at home, whilst at work or on the move, a cup of nice coffee is a treat for your mind and body. I am quite sure that you will not compromise with the refreshing feeling that it gives you. As we generally go about our daily lives, we get stressed and sometimes feel really exhausted. In this case the remedy is only a cup of delicious coffee.
Coffee stands out to be one of the most researched ingredients of the world. However there are plentiful reasons for these ongoing researches. Some of us believe that coffee adversely affects our health and wellness. Contrary to that a major chunk finds it refreshing and energizing. There are various myths and fact associated with this still the popularity graph is ascending higher. Undoubtedly there are some health issues with it that can result in to troubling situations.
"Excess of everything is bad". It is not only a preaching or a quote but it is a reality. Anything if consumed in excess quantity can lead to hazardous outcomes and same is the case with the coffee. The moderate quantity, precisely 4 or 5 regular cup sizes a day are permissible but beyond that, the consequences can be severe. This standard quantity is set for the adults and if you have managed to be in limits, it can positively contribute to your health.
You can enhance your healthy diet with a moderate quantity of coffee and it can support you to accomplish your wellness goal. The reasonable quantity can help you to battle with the pressure and anxiety that a hectic day brings in. Compensating a physically active working day with rational intake can offer beneficial results. On the other hand the excess consumption may cost you a lot.
Pregnant women, children and people suffering with prolonged diseases should try to minimize the consumption. Coffee actually contains caffeine which should be taken in an appropriate quantity otherwise it may lead to severe results. Definitely it makes you keep going all through the day but do not allow it to rule over you.
Author Bio:
Take care of your health, finances, and retirement with one solution. Using the secrets of the Ganoderma Mushroom you can now enjoy the benefits of our Ganoderma Lucidum coffee. Fore more information visit us: Ganoderma Lucidum coffee
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee---The-Importance-of-a-Moderate-Quantity&id=4054188
Innumerable people give a head start to their day by sipping this extraordinary taste. Whether you are at home, whilst at work or on the move, a cup of nice coffee is a treat for your mind and body. I am quite sure that you will not compromise with the refreshing feeling that it gives you. As we generally go about our daily lives, we get stressed and sometimes feel really exhausted. In this case the remedy is only a cup of delicious coffee.
Coffee stands out to be one of the most researched ingredients of the world. However there are plentiful reasons for these ongoing researches. Some of us believe that coffee adversely affects our health and wellness. Contrary to that a major chunk finds it refreshing and energizing. There are various myths and fact associated with this still the popularity graph is ascending higher. Undoubtedly there are some health issues with it that can result in to troubling situations.
"Excess of everything is bad". It is not only a preaching or a quote but it is a reality. Anything if consumed in excess quantity can lead to hazardous outcomes and same is the case with the coffee. The moderate quantity, precisely 4 or 5 regular cup sizes a day are permissible but beyond that, the consequences can be severe. This standard quantity is set for the adults and if you have managed to be in limits, it can positively contribute to your health.
You can enhance your healthy diet with a moderate quantity of coffee and it can support you to accomplish your wellness goal. The reasonable quantity can help you to battle with the pressure and anxiety that a hectic day brings in. Compensating a physically active working day with rational intake can offer beneficial results. On the other hand the excess consumption may cost you a lot.
Pregnant women, children and people suffering with prolonged diseases should try to minimize the consumption. Coffee actually contains caffeine which should be taken in an appropriate quantity otherwise it may lead to severe results. Definitely it makes you keep going all through the day but do not allow it to rule over you.
Author Bio:
Take care of your health, finances, and retirement with one solution. Using the secrets of the Ganoderma Mushroom you can now enjoy the benefits of our Ganoderma Lucidum coffee. Fore more information visit us: Ganoderma Lucidum coffee
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee---The-Importance-of-a-Moderate-Quantity&id=4054188
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Build the Board of Your Dreams With Proactive Recruiting
Are you reactive or proactive when it comes to recruiting new Board members? Reactive recruiting can leave you with more problems than solutions. Unfortunately, reactive recruiting is the way that many Boards go about bringing new people in. They wait until it's time to have new members in place and then hastily recruit friends and neighbors just to fill seats or reach the magic Board member number set out in their bylaws. Being proactive and having a plan to recruit the right people with the skills and talent you need can help ensure your Board is successful.
Proactive Board recruiting starts with evaluating the skills needed on your Board. A simple matrix can offer a fresh look at what your organization needs in its top leadership. Do you need someone with banking or finance expertise? How about someone with marketing or communications skill? Do you need an attorney? Someone with human resource experience? How about someone who is comfortable fundraising? Across the top of the matrix, write the skills your organization needs. You'll probably have some needed skills that are unique to your organization.
Sample matrix
Banker Attorney Marketer Fundraiser (Skill) (Skill) (Skill) (Skill)
Now down the left side of the matrix, list your current Board members. Then, check the boxes so you can see which of the needed skills are already on your Board.
Sample matrix
Banker Attorney Marketer Fundraiser (Skill) (Skill) (Skill) (Skill)
Bob X
Sue X X
David X
Ann X
This exercise should show you where your holes are. In the sample matrix, we can see that the organization needs someone who is an attorney. Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking you can get just any attorney! You need someone who has an interest in the work the organization is doing and who is willing to serve. If that person is already a donor of the organization, all the better! They are already demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
Another useful tool in proactive board recruiting is a Board member agreement. This simple document details the things that you expect your Board members to do, like attend meetings, participate in fundraising events, and making a financial contribution to the organization. Giving a potential Board member a 'heads up' about their responsibilities can help them make a better decision about joining your Board and get them off on the right foot to being a great Board member!
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach, consultant, trainer, and author. She shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards. Learn more about building successful boards and get free fundraising tips in her e-zine "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" on her website at http://www.getfullyfunded.com.
Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Build-the-Board-of-Your-Dreams-With-Proactive-Recruiting&id=1916336
Proactive Board recruiting starts with evaluating the skills needed on your Board. A simple matrix can offer a fresh look at what your organization needs in its top leadership. Do you need someone with banking or finance expertise? How about someone with marketing or communications skill? Do you need an attorney? Someone with human resource experience? How about someone who is comfortable fundraising? Across the top of the matrix, write the skills your organization needs. You'll probably have some needed skills that are unique to your organization.
Sample matrix
Banker Attorney Marketer Fundraiser (Skill) (Skill) (Skill) (Skill)
Now down the left side of the matrix, list your current Board members. Then, check the boxes so you can see which of the needed skills are already on your Board.
Sample matrix
Banker Attorney Marketer Fundraiser (Skill) (Skill) (Skill) (Skill)
Bob X
Sue X X
David X
Ann X
This exercise should show you where your holes are. In the sample matrix, we can see that the organization needs someone who is an attorney. Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking you can get just any attorney! You need someone who has an interest in the work the organization is doing and who is willing to serve. If that person is already a donor of the organization, all the better! They are already demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
Another useful tool in proactive board recruiting is a Board member agreement. This simple document details the things that you expect your Board members to do, like attend meetings, participate in fundraising events, and making a financial contribution to the organization. Giving a potential Board member a 'heads up' about their responsibilities can help them make a better decision about joining your Board and get them off on the right foot to being a great Board member!
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach, consultant, trainer, and author. She shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards. Learn more about building successful boards and get free fundraising tips in her e-zine "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" on her website at http://www.getfullyfunded.com.
Article Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Build-the-Board-of-Your-Dreams-With-Proactive-Recruiting&id=1916336
Monday, September 6, 2010
Coffee - The Importance of a Moderate Quantity
A cup of coffee definitely makes your day gleaming and enthusiastic. It is quite accepted that most of us start our day with the sip of this ultimate taste. The decent aroma, rich color and scrumptious taste makes us fell great. In a nutshell a cup of coffee, when you are even on your bed is really an experience that you look for everyday. The lure of a coffee mug, you just can not take your eyes off it.
Innumerable people give a head start to their day by sipping this extraordinary taste. Whether you are at home, whilst at work or on the move, a cup of nice coffee is a treat for your mind and body. I am quite sure that you will not compromise with the refreshing feeling that it gives you. As we generally go about our daily lives, we get stressed and sometimes feel really exhausted. In this case the remedy is only a cup of delicious coffee.
Coffee stands out to be one of the most researched ingredients of the world. However there are plentiful reasons for these ongoing researches. Some of us believe that coffee adversely affects our health and wellness. Contrary to that a major chunk finds it refreshing and energizing. There are various myths and fact associated with this still the popularity graph is ascending higher. Undoubtedly there are some health issues with it that can result in to troubling situations.
"Excess of everything is bad". It is not only a preaching or a quote but it is a reality. Anything if consumed in excess quantity can lead to hazardous outcomes and same is the case with the coffee. The moderate quantity, precisely 4 or 5 regular cup sizes a day are permissible but beyond that, the consequences can be severe. This standard quantity is set for the adults and if you have managed to be in limits, it can positively contribute to your health.
You can enhance your healthy diet with a moderate quantity of coffee and it can support you to accomplish your wellness goal. The reasonable quantity can help you to battle with the pressure and anxiety that a hectic day brings in. Compensating a physically active working day with rational intake can offer beneficial results. On the other hand the excess consumption may cost you a lot.
Pregnant women, children and people suffering with prolonged diseases should try to minimize the consumption. Coffee actually contains caffeine which should be taken in an appropriate quantity otherwise it may lead to severe results. Definitely it makes you keep going all through the day but do not allow it to rule over you.
Author Bio:
Take care of your health, finances, and retirement with one solution. Using the secrets of the Ganoderma Mushroom you can now enjoy the benefits of our Ganoderma Lucidum coffee. Fore more information visit us: Ganoderma Lucidum coffee
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee---The-Importance-of-a-Moderate-Quantity&id=4054188
Innumerable people give a head start to their day by sipping this extraordinary taste. Whether you are at home, whilst at work or on the move, a cup of nice coffee is a treat for your mind and body. I am quite sure that you will not compromise with the refreshing feeling that it gives you. As we generally go about our daily lives, we get stressed and sometimes feel really exhausted. In this case the remedy is only a cup of delicious coffee.
Coffee stands out to be one of the most researched ingredients of the world. However there are plentiful reasons for these ongoing researches. Some of us believe that coffee adversely affects our health and wellness. Contrary to that a major chunk finds it refreshing and energizing. There are various myths and fact associated with this still the popularity graph is ascending higher. Undoubtedly there are some health issues with it that can result in to troubling situations.
"Excess of everything is bad". It is not only a preaching or a quote but it is a reality. Anything if consumed in excess quantity can lead to hazardous outcomes and same is the case with the coffee. The moderate quantity, precisely 4 or 5 regular cup sizes a day are permissible but beyond that, the consequences can be severe. This standard quantity is set for the adults and if you have managed to be in limits, it can positively contribute to your health.
You can enhance your healthy diet with a moderate quantity of coffee and it can support you to accomplish your wellness goal. The reasonable quantity can help you to battle with the pressure and anxiety that a hectic day brings in. Compensating a physically active working day with rational intake can offer beneficial results. On the other hand the excess consumption may cost you a lot.
Pregnant women, children and people suffering with prolonged diseases should try to minimize the consumption. Coffee actually contains caffeine which should be taken in an appropriate quantity otherwise it may lead to severe results. Definitely it makes you keep going all through the day but do not allow it to rule over you.
Author Bio:
Take care of your health, finances, and retirement with one solution. Using the secrets of the Ganoderma Mushroom you can now enjoy the benefits of our Ganoderma Lucidum coffee. Fore more information visit us: Ganoderma Lucidum coffee
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee---The-Importance-of-a-Moderate-Quantity&id=4054188
Saturday, September 4, 2010
The Importance of Exceeding Donor Expectations
Building relationships with donors is probably the most important thing you can do as a Fundraiser. After all, good fundraising is based on relationships. One thing you can do to easily set your organization apart from all the rest in your donors' minds is to exceed their expectations.
Before you can exceed your donors' expectations, you need to know what they expect from you. More than likely, they expect to be treated fairly and with respect. The probably expect to be thanked for their gift with a letter. At events, they expect to have some fun.
What do we do to go above and beyond these expectations? What do we do that sets people talking, creating incredible word-of-mouth publicity for our organizations? It's not usually hard or expensive to do, but it does require some thought.
Here are some tips for exceeding your donors' expectations.
o Thank donors warmly, sincerely, and promptly every time. Make sure they know how much you appreciate their support. And be consistent about it. Add hand-written notes to your correspondence. Pick up the phone and call just to say 'thank you.'
o When donors visit your facility, treat them warmly. Give them an insider's tour. Tell them about your future plans for your organization.
o Invite your best donors to lunch with your Executive Director and/or your Board President. Ask their opinion about your work and tell them about upcoming plans for your programs. People love to feel special and having access to the top people in your organization will give them an exclusive glimpse into your plans.
o At events, do your best to give donors a great experience. Try to add a twist or an element of fun that will leave them talking about your organization for weeks to come. Recently, I attended a high school graduation that ended in fireworks. It definitely created word-of-mouth for the school because it was such an unusual and unexpected finish.
If you really want to know what your donors expect from you, ask them. Do a survey to find out what they want. Then you'll be much better able to give them a great experience with your organization.
Want more practical tips and ideas for successful fundraising? Get the twice-monthly "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" at http://www.getfullyfunded.com
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach and speaker who shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards.
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Exceeding-Donor-Expectations&id=2505745
Before you can exceed your donors' expectations, you need to know what they expect from you. More than likely, they expect to be treated fairly and with respect. The probably expect to be thanked for their gift with a letter. At events, they expect to have some fun.
What do we do to go above and beyond these expectations? What do we do that sets people talking, creating incredible word-of-mouth publicity for our organizations? It's not usually hard or expensive to do, but it does require some thought.
Here are some tips for exceeding your donors' expectations.
o Thank donors warmly, sincerely, and promptly every time. Make sure they know how much you appreciate their support. And be consistent about it. Add hand-written notes to your correspondence. Pick up the phone and call just to say 'thank you.'
o When donors visit your facility, treat them warmly. Give them an insider's tour. Tell them about your future plans for your organization.
o Invite your best donors to lunch with your Executive Director and/or your Board President. Ask their opinion about your work and tell them about upcoming plans for your programs. People love to feel special and having access to the top people in your organization will give them an exclusive glimpse into your plans.
o At events, do your best to give donors a great experience. Try to add a twist or an element of fun that will leave them talking about your organization for weeks to come. Recently, I attended a high school graduation that ended in fireworks. It definitely created word-of-mouth for the school because it was such an unusual and unexpected finish.
If you really want to know what your donors expect from you, ask them. Do a survey to find out what they want. Then you'll be much better able to give them a great experience with your organization.
Want more practical tips and ideas for successful fundraising? Get the twice-monthly "Bright Ideas for Fundraising" at http://www.getfullyfunded.com
Author Bio:
Sandy Rees is a nonprofit fundraising coach and speaker who shows small nonprofit organizations how to raise more money, gain more supporters, and strengthen their Boards.
(c) Sandy Rees, CFRE
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Exceeding-Donor-Expectations&id=2505745
Friday, September 3, 2010
Green Home Building Design With Coffee Composite Building Materials
Who said coffee is only for drinking?
Through some very innovative thinking, students at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia, have built what is considered the first coffee wood composite house.
This is a very appropriate accomplishment for a top academic institution in a country known for its quality coffee. From the seed to the cup and now to sweet, sweet coffee home!
How did they do it?
Graduate engineering students began academic work about building homes with a focus on "design for sustainability." Their professor, Jaime Medina, Director of the Research Center of Polymer Processing ("Centro de Investigacion en Procesamiento de Polimeros) of the University of the Andes in Bogota supervised the project.
The main objectives were,
• Low construction costs. Light weight. Portability.
• Ease of maintenance. Non toxicity.
• Flexibility. Sturdiness.
• Identifying an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials such as wood.
• Tree logging is responsible for significant deforestation in the country.
• Reducing the use of chemicals in the construction process to promote good health standards.
• Over a period of two years, the students evaluated multiple eco-friendly materials to build homes such as banana plants, palm trees, bamboo, coffee, etc.
To understand why coffee became the front runner for the new construction material in this academic project, it is important to review some basics about the steps in the coffee processing. From the seed to the cup, coffee goes through several natural steps,
• Planting the coffee trees and cultivating them for years before they bear fruit (coffee cherries).
• Harvesting the cherries using "strip picking" or "selective picking" methods.
• Processing the coffee cherries using "dry method" or "wet method."
• Drying the beans if they have been processed using the "wet method."
• Milling the beans to remove the parchment layer (endocarp) from wet processed coffee.
• Hulling dry processed coffee to remove the entire dried husk of the dried cherries.
• At every step of its production, coffee is repeatedly tested for quality and taste.
• Exporting is the next step for the milled coffee also called "'green coffee."
• Finally, roasting and brewing coffee completes the cycle to the cup from the seed.
Each of these steps utilizes every part of the coffee tree and its fruit except for the dried husk which has been usually considered garbage and discarded --until now!
• Coffee garbage ("dried husk" or "cisco" in Spanish) became the innovative ingredient the students mixed with recycled PVC to design pre-fabricated panels for home construction.
• The result is a material that is strong, light, practical, inexpensive, easy to build and very eco friendly.
• The coffee composite building panels offer easy installation and durability.
• It is possible to build a house from this new material in about one week.
• This is an excellent solution to address population housing needs among low income groups.
At first glance, it is difficult to spot the difference between a regular prefabricated wood laminate panel and the new coffee composite panels.
• What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really dried coffee husk panel mixed in with recycled PVC for a nice and useful finish.
• The panels look almost like pieces of a giant Lego game that you can fit, one by one, without using any glue or cement to form the house.
Materials of this type are available elsewhere in the world, commonly referred to as "plastic wood composite." What is different with this project is that in Colombia, they did not use sawdust or wood. Instead, the main ingredient is dried coffee husks. This is a first for such application!
• The project received the support of "Colciencias," the government institute created to support scientific research in Colombia
• The new production material is now branded under the name Wood Pecker (how appropriate!).
• The goal is to commercialize the use of this new home building material.
Adding a coffee composite building material to the list of Colombian exports some day would certainly be most appropriate for this coffee exporting country. It makes you wonder, what will they think of next?
So, here's a toast to innovation and a perfect time to enjoy a good cup of Colombian Supremo!
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Home-Building-Design-With-Coffee-Composite-Building-Materials&id=4072708
Through some very innovative thinking, students at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia, have built what is considered the first coffee wood composite house.
This is a very appropriate accomplishment for a top academic institution in a country known for its quality coffee. From the seed to the cup and now to sweet, sweet coffee home!
How did they do it?
Graduate engineering students began academic work about building homes with a focus on "design for sustainability." Their professor, Jaime Medina, Director of the Research Center of Polymer Processing ("Centro de Investigacion en Procesamiento de Polimeros) of the University of the Andes in Bogota supervised the project.
The main objectives were,
• Low construction costs. Light weight. Portability.
• Ease of maintenance. Non toxicity.
• Flexibility. Sturdiness.
• Identifying an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials such as wood.
• Tree logging is responsible for significant deforestation in the country.
• Reducing the use of chemicals in the construction process to promote good health standards.
• Over a period of two years, the students evaluated multiple eco-friendly materials to build homes such as banana plants, palm trees, bamboo, coffee, etc.
To understand why coffee became the front runner for the new construction material in this academic project, it is important to review some basics about the steps in the coffee processing. From the seed to the cup, coffee goes through several natural steps,
• Planting the coffee trees and cultivating them for years before they bear fruit (coffee cherries).
• Harvesting the cherries using "strip picking" or "selective picking" methods.
• Processing the coffee cherries using "dry method" or "wet method."
• Drying the beans if they have been processed using the "wet method."
• Milling the beans to remove the parchment layer (endocarp) from wet processed coffee.
• Hulling dry processed coffee to remove the entire dried husk of the dried cherries.
• At every step of its production, coffee is repeatedly tested for quality and taste.
• Exporting is the next step for the milled coffee also called "'green coffee."
• Finally, roasting and brewing coffee completes the cycle to the cup from the seed.
Each of these steps utilizes every part of the coffee tree and its fruit except for the dried husk which has been usually considered garbage and discarded --until now!
• Coffee garbage ("dried husk" or "cisco" in Spanish) became the innovative ingredient the students mixed with recycled PVC to design pre-fabricated panels for home construction.
• The result is a material that is strong, light, practical, inexpensive, easy to build and very eco friendly.
• The coffee composite building panels offer easy installation and durability.
• It is possible to build a house from this new material in about one week.
• This is an excellent solution to address population housing needs among low income groups.
At first glance, it is difficult to spot the difference between a regular prefabricated wood laminate panel and the new coffee composite panels.
• What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really dried coffee husk panel mixed in with recycled PVC for a nice and useful finish.
• The panels look almost like pieces of a giant Lego game that you can fit, one by one, without using any glue or cement to form the house.
Materials of this type are available elsewhere in the world, commonly referred to as "plastic wood composite." What is different with this project is that in Colombia, they did not use sawdust or wood. Instead, the main ingredient is dried coffee husks. This is a first for such application!
• The project received the support of "Colciencias," the government institute created to support scientific research in Colombia
• The new production material is now branded under the name Wood Pecker (how appropriate!).
• The goal is to commercialize the use of this new home building material.
Adding a coffee composite building material to the list of Colombian exports some day would certainly be most appropriate for this coffee exporting country. It makes you wonder, what will they think of next?
So, here's a toast to innovation and a perfect time to enjoy a good cup of Colombian Supremo!
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Home-Building-Design-With-Coffee-Composite-Building-Materials&id=4072708
Green Home Building Design With Coffee Composite Building Materials
Who said coffee is only for drinking?
Through some very innovative thinking, students at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia, have built what is considered the first coffee wood composite house.
This is a very appropriate accomplishment for a top academic institution in a country known for its quality coffee. From the seed to the cup and now to sweet, sweet coffee home!
How did they do it?
Graduate engineering students began academic work about building homes with a focus on "design for sustainability." Their professor, Jaime Medina, Director of the Research Center of Polymer Processing ("Centro de Investigacion en Procesamiento de Polimeros) of the University of the Andes in Bogota supervised the project.
The main objectives were,
• Low construction costs. Light weight. Portability.
• Ease of maintenance. Non toxicity.
• Flexibility. Sturdiness.
• Identifying an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials such as wood.
• Tree logging is responsible for significant deforestation in the country.
• Reducing the use of chemicals in the construction process to promote good health standards.
• Over a period of two years, the students evaluated multiple eco-friendly materials to build homes such as banana plants, palm trees, bamboo, coffee, etc.
To understand why coffee became the front runner for the new construction material in this academic project, it is important to review some basics about the steps in the coffee processing. From the seed to the cup, coffee goes through several natural steps,
• Planting the coffee trees and cultivating them for years before they bear fruit (coffee cherries).
• Harvesting the cherries using "strip picking" or "selective picking" methods.
• Processing the coffee cherries using "dry method" or "wet method."
• Drying the beans if they have been processed using the "wet method."
• Milling the beans to remove the parchment layer (endocarp) from wet processed coffee.
• Hulling dry processed coffee to remove the entire dried husk of the dried cherries.
• At every step of its production, coffee is repeatedly tested for quality and taste.
• Exporting is the next step for the milled coffee also called "'green coffee."
• Finally, roasting and brewing coffee completes the cycle to the cup from the seed.
Each of these steps utilizes every part of the coffee tree and its fruit except for the dried husk which has been usually considered garbage and discarded --until now!
• Coffee garbage ("dried husk" or "cisco" in Spanish) became the innovative ingredient the students mixed with recycled PVC to design pre-fabricated panels for home construction.
• The result is a material that is strong, light, practical, inexpensive, easy to build and very eco friendly.
• The coffee composite building panels offer easy installation and durability.
• It is possible to build a house from this new material in about one week.
• This is an excellent solution to address population housing needs among low income groups.
At first glance, it is difficult to spot the difference between a regular prefabricated wood laminate panel and the new coffee composite panels.
• What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really dried coffee husk panel mixed in with recycled PVC for a nice and useful finish.
• The panels look almost like pieces of a giant Lego game that you can fit, one by one, without using any glue or cement to form the house.
Materials of this type are available elsewhere in the world, commonly referred to as "plastic wood composite." What is different with this project is that in Colombia, they did not use sawdust or wood. Instead, the main ingredient is dried coffee husks. This is a first for such application!
• The project received the support of "Colciencias," the government institute created to support scientific research in Colombia
• The new production material is now branded under the name Wood Pecker (how appropriate!).
• The goal is to commercialize the use of this new home building material.
Adding a coffee composite building material to the list of Colombian exports some day would certainly be most appropriate for this coffee exporting country. It makes you wonder, what will they think of next?
So, here's a toast to innovation and a perfect time to enjoy a good cup of Colombian Supremo!
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Home-Building-Design-With-Coffee-Composite-Building-Materials&id=4072708
Through some very innovative thinking, students at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia, have built what is considered the first coffee wood composite house.
This is a very appropriate accomplishment for a top academic institution in a country known for its quality coffee. From the seed to the cup and now to sweet, sweet coffee home!
How did they do it?
Graduate engineering students began academic work about building homes with a focus on "design for sustainability." Their professor, Jaime Medina, Director of the Research Center of Polymer Processing ("Centro de Investigacion en Procesamiento de Polimeros) of the University of the Andes in Bogota supervised the project.
The main objectives were,
• Low construction costs. Light weight. Portability.
• Ease of maintenance. Non toxicity.
• Flexibility. Sturdiness.
• Identifying an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials such as wood.
• Tree logging is responsible for significant deforestation in the country.
• Reducing the use of chemicals in the construction process to promote good health standards.
• Over a period of two years, the students evaluated multiple eco-friendly materials to build homes such as banana plants, palm trees, bamboo, coffee, etc.
To understand why coffee became the front runner for the new construction material in this academic project, it is important to review some basics about the steps in the coffee processing. From the seed to the cup, coffee goes through several natural steps,
• Planting the coffee trees and cultivating them for years before they bear fruit (coffee cherries).
• Harvesting the cherries using "strip picking" or "selective picking" methods.
• Processing the coffee cherries using "dry method" or "wet method."
• Drying the beans if they have been processed using the "wet method."
• Milling the beans to remove the parchment layer (endocarp) from wet processed coffee.
• Hulling dry processed coffee to remove the entire dried husk of the dried cherries.
• At every step of its production, coffee is repeatedly tested for quality and taste.
• Exporting is the next step for the milled coffee also called "'green coffee."
• Finally, roasting and brewing coffee completes the cycle to the cup from the seed.
Each of these steps utilizes every part of the coffee tree and its fruit except for the dried husk which has been usually considered garbage and discarded --until now!
• Coffee garbage ("dried husk" or "cisco" in Spanish) became the innovative ingredient the students mixed with recycled PVC to design pre-fabricated panels for home construction.
• The result is a material that is strong, light, practical, inexpensive, easy to build and very eco friendly.
• The coffee composite building panels offer easy installation and durability.
• It is possible to build a house from this new material in about one week.
• This is an excellent solution to address population housing needs among low income groups.
At first glance, it is difficult to spot the difference between a regular prefabricated wood laminate panel and the new coffee composite panels.
• What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really dried coffee husk panel mixed in with recycled PVC for a nice and useful finish.
• The panels look almost like pieces of a giant Lego game that you can fit, one by one, without using any glue or cement to form the house.
Materials of this type are available elsewhere in the world, commonly referred to as "plastic wood composite." What is different with this project is that in Colombia, they did not use sawdust or wood. Instead, the main ingredient is dried coffee husks. This is a first for such application!
• The project received the support of "Colciencias," the government institute created to support scientific research in Colombia
• The new production material is now branded under the name Wood Pecker (how appropriate!).
• The goal is to commercialize the use of this new home building material.
Adding a coffee composite building material to the list of Colombian exports some day would certainly be most appropriate for this coffee exporting country. It makes you wonder, what will they think of next?
So, here's a toast to innovation and a perfect time to enjoy a good cup of Colombian Supremo!
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Home-Building-Design-With-Coffee-Composite-Building-Materials&id=4072708
Green Home Building Design With Coffee Composite Building Materials
Who said coffee is only for drinking?
Through some very innovative thinking, students at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia, have built what is considered the first coffee wood composite house.
This is a very appropriate accomplishment for a top academic institution in a country known for its quality coffee. From the seed to the cup and now to sweet, sweet coffee home!
How did they do it?
Graduate engineering students began academic work about building homes with a focus on "design for sustainability." Their professor, Jaime Medina, Director of the Research Center of Polymer Processing ("Centro de Investigacion en Procesamiento de Polimeros) of the University of the Andes in Bogota supervised the project.
The main objectives were,
• Low construction costs. Light weight. Portability.
• Ease of maintenance. Non toxicity.
• Flexibility. Sturdiness.
• Identifying an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials such as wood.
• Tree logging is responsible for significant deforestation in the country.
• Reducing the use of chemicals in the construction process to promote good health standards.
• Over a period of two years, the students evaluated multiple eco-friendly materials to build homes such as banana plants, palm trees, bamboo, coffee, etc.
To understand why coffee became the front runner for the new construction material in this academic project, it is important to review some basics about the steps in the coffee processing. From the seed to the cup, coffee goes through several natural steps,
• Planting the coffee trees and cultivating them for years before they bear fruit (coffee cherries).
• Harvesting the cherries using "strip picking" or "selective picking" methods.
• Processing the coffee cherries using "dry method" or "wet method."
• Drying the beans if they have been processed using the "wet method."
• Milling the beans to remove the parchment layer (endocarp) from wet processed coffee.
• Hulling dry processed coffee to remove the entire dried husk of the dried cherries.
• At every step of its production, coffee is repeatedly tested for quality and taste.
• Exporting is the next step for the milled coffee also called "'green coffee."
• Finally, roasting and brewing coffee completes the cycle to the cup from the seed.
Each of these steps utilizes every part of the coffee tree and its fruit except for the dried husk which has been usually considered garbage and discarded --until now!
• Coffee garbage ("dried husk" or "cisco" in Spanish) became the innovative ingredient the students mixed with recycled PVC to design pre-fabricated panels for home construction.
• The result is a material that is strong, light, practical, inexpensive, easy to build and very eco friendly.
• The coffee composite building panels offer easy installation and durability.
• It is possible to build a house from this new material in about one week.
• This is an excellent solution to address population housing needs among low income groups.
At first glance, it is difficult to spot the difference between a regular prefabricated wood laminate panel and the new coffee composite panels.
• What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really dried coffee husk panel mixed in with recycled PVC for a nice and useful finish.
• The panels look almost like pieces of a giant Lego game that you can fit, one by one, without using any glue or cement to form the house.
Materials of this type are available elsewhere in the world, commonly referred to as "plastic wood composite." What is different with this project is that in Colombia, they did not use sawdust or wood. Instead, the main ingredient is dried coffee husks. This is a first for such application!
• The project received the support of "Colciencias," the government institute created to support scientific research in Colombia
• The new production material is now branded under the name Wood Pecker (how appropriate!).
• The goal is to commercialize the use of this new home building material.
Adding a coffee composite building material to the list of Colombian exports some day would certainly be most appropriate for this coffee exporting country. It makes you wonder, what will they think of next?
So, here's a toast to innovation and a perfect time to enjoy a good cup of Colombian Supremo!
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Home-Building-Design-With-Coffee-Composite-Building-Materials&id=4072708
Through some very innovative thinking, students at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia, have built what is considered the first coffee wood composite house.
This is a very appropriate accomplishment for a top academic institution in a country known for its quality coffee. From the seed to the cup and now to sweet, sweet coffee home!
How did they do it?
Graduate engineering students began academic work about building homes with a focus on "design for sustainability." Their professor, Jaime Medina, Director of the Research Center of Polymer Processing ("Centro de Investigacion en Procesamiento de Polimeros) of the University of the Andes in Bogota supervised the project.
The main objectives were,
• Low construction costs. Light weight. Portability.
• Ease of maintenance. Non toxicity.
• Flexibility. Sturdiness.
• Identifying an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials such as wood.
• Tree logging is responsible for significant deforestation in the country.
• Reducing the use of chemicals in the construction process to promote good health standards.
• Over a period of two years, the students evaluated multiple eco-friendly materials to build homes such as banana plants, palm trees, bamboo, coffee, etc.
To understand why coffee became the front runner for the new construction material in this academic project, it is important to review some basics about the steps in the coffee processing. From the seed to the cup, coffee goes through several natural steps,
• Planting the coffee trees and cultivating them for years before they bear fruit (coffee cherries).
• Harvesting the cherries using "strip picking" or "selective picking" methods.
• Processing the coffee cherries using "dry method" or "wet method."
• Drying the beans if they have been processed using the "wet method."
• Milling the beans to remove the parchment layer (endocarp) from wet processed coffee.
• Hulling dry processed coffee to remove the entire dried husk of the dried cherries.
• At every step of its production, coffee is repeatedly tested for quality and taste.
• Exporting is the next step for the milled coffee also called "'green coffee."
• Finally, roasting and brewing coffee completes the cycle to the cup from the seed.
Each of these steps utilizes every part of the coffee tree and its fruit except for the dried husk which has been usually considered garbage and discarded --until now!
• Coffee garbage ("dried husk" or "cisco" in Spanish) became the innovative ingredient the students mixed with recycled PVC to design pre-fabricated panels for home construction.
• The result is a material that is strong, light, practical, inexpensive, easy to build and very eco friendly.
• The coffee composite building panels offer easy installation and durability.
• It is possible to build a house from this new material in about one week.
• This is an excellent solution to address population housing needs among low income groups.
At first glance, it is difficult to spot the difference between a regular prefabricated wood laminate panel and the new coffee composite panels.
• What appears to be a natural wood grain pattern is really dried coffee husk panel mixed in with recycled PVC for a nice and useful finish.
• The panels look almost like pieces of a giant Lego game that you can fit, one by one, without using any glue or cement to form the house.
Materials of this type are available elsewhere in the world, commonly referred to as "plastic wood composite." What is different with this project is that in Colombia, they did not use sawdust or wood. Instead, the main ingredient is dried coffee husks. This is a first for such application!
• The project received the support of "Colciencias," the government institute created to support scientific research in Colombia
• The new production material is now branded under the name Wood Pecker (how appropriate!).
• The goal is to commercialize the use of this new home building material.
Adding a coffee composite building material to the list of Colombian exports some day would certainly be most appropriate for this coffee exporting country. It makes you wonder, what will they think of next?
So, here's a toast to innovation and a perfect time to enjoy a good cup of Colombian Supremo!
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Home-Building-Design-With-Coffee-Composite-Building-Materials&id=4072708
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Effective Fundraising For Nonprofits
Effective fundraising for nonprofits is hard to come by these days, but with billions of dollars lost in nonprofit revenue in the past two years, fundraising is more important than ever. Many schools are in dire need of funding, and even with cookie dough fundraising and writing fundraising letters to local supporters, they are finding it harder than ever to survive the financial hardships. Fundraisers like selling cookie dough are becoming less effective as people are less willing to spend money. In the same manner, fundraising letters are becoming completely ineffective. People just don't have the money to give to their favorite charity organizations these days.
Many school fundraising events have changed from the traditional product sales, and donation requests in the past two years. A new focus has been placed on online fundraising and fundraising websites that allow schools and other organizations to raise money with little or no startup costs. These campaigns also allow supporters to support their favorite organization with little or no extra cost. These online campaigns have proved to be effective fundraising for nonprofits in need.
Raising money through the Internet is an easy fundraising idea that has already earned millions of dollars over the past few years. There are a few different fundraising ideas that utilize the power of the World Wide Web.
Magazine sales have become a very popular school fundraiser. With very little startup costs, schools will receive necessary fundraising tools and support to run a successful fundraiser. Individual schools have raised thousands of dollars in a single magazine fundraiser.
Discount shopping is another fundraising idea for schools that utilizes the Internet. Each time people shop online, they can donate a percent of their purchase to the selected organization of their choice. There are no costs associated with this program. Schools are to simply sign up and people can begin shopping for them. This program has proved to be effective fundraising for nonprofits because shoppers are saving each time they buy online, through free shipping and other discount promotions only seen online. They can purchase items online and donate to their favorite nonprofit without spending an extra cent.
There are many ideas for school fundraisers that have been successful in the past, but the new focus has been placed on fundraising through the Internet. Stop worrying about planning and startup costs with traditional school fundraisers and get started raising money online today.
Author Bio:
Get started with online fundraising today, or take a look at some more effective fundraising ideas.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Effective-Fundraising-For-Nonprofits&id=4373475
Many school fundraising events have changed from the traditional product sales, and donation requests in the past two years. A new focus has been placed on online fundraising and fundraising websites that allow schools and other organizations to raise money with little or no startup costs. These campaigns also allow supporters to support their favorite organization with little or no extra cost. These online campaigns have proved to be effective fundraising for nonprofits in need.
Raising money through the Internet is an easy fundraising idea that has already earned millions of dollars over the past few years. There are a few different fundraising ideas that utilize the power of the World Wide Web.
Magazine sales have become a very popular school fundraiser. With very little startup costs, schools will receive necessary fundraising tools and support to run a successful fundraiser. Individual schools have raised thousands of dollars in a single magazine fundraiser.
Discount shopping is another fundraising idea for schools that utilizes the Internet. Each time people shop online, they can donate a percent of their purchase to the selected organization of their choice. There are no costs associated with this program. Schools are to simply sign up and people can begin shopping for them. This program has proved to be effective fundraising for nonprofits because shoppers are saving each time they buy online, through free shipping and other discount promotions only seen online. They can purchase items online and donate to their favorite nonprofit without spending an extra cent.
There are many ideas for school fundraisers that have been successful in the past, but the new focus has been placed on fundraising through the Internet. Stop worrying about planning and startup costs with traditional school fundraisers and get started raising money online today.
Author Bio:
Get started with online fundraising today, or take a look at some more effective fundraising ideas.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Effective-Fundraising-For-Nonprofits&id=4373475
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