At Starbucks, the values that guide every decision we make can be found in our mission statement: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. For 40 years, we have lived these values in the ways we ethically source our coffee beans and work to improve the lives of the people who grow them; in how we participate in the neighborhoods where we do business, operate our stores and care for the environment.
I have always felt that we must balance our responsibility to create value for shareholders with a social conscience. Our fiscal 2010 global responsibility report reflects our commitment to transparency in these efforts and our intent is to openly share the challenges we encounter as well as the progress we are making in our efforts to live up to our responsibilities as a global corporate citizen and a neighbor next-door.
Embracing this responsibility, we are celebrating Starbucks 40th anniversary by deepening our hands-on commitment to community service – a tradition that has been integral to our mission for many years. Throughout the spring of 2011, our partners (employees) and customers at Starbucks stores throughout the world will be volunteering thousands of hours to benefit local neighborhoods, from Shanghai to Seattle.
I have always believed that companies have a shared responsibility to give back to the communities they touch. Today, perhaps more than ever, people are looking to the business community to help address many of the complex issues facing our world. At Starbucks, we acknowledge that responsibility, and will once again set a new standard of corporate responsibility.
Thanks to the efforts of Starbucks partners we have made significant strides these past few years, from exploring new ways to recycle used paper cups to continuing to reduce the environmental impact of operating our company-owned stores. And every day, the words of our mission are brought to life in small, often uncelebrated ways by Starbucks partners, customers, farmers, suppliers and neighbors. Although we are proud of all that we have accomplished, we recognize that there is so much more to do. I promise that we will continue to conduct our business in ways that will earn your admiration and trust.
Warm regards,
Howard Schultz
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