My name is Mark Molaro and I host the online feature interview program The Alcove with Mark Molaro . We are known for smart and thoughtful conversations with fascinating and diverse guests like Naomi Klein, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Arianna Huffington and many others. Several months ago it was brought to my attention that a member of the MSI community had suggested adding my program to the cultural offerings supported by Starbucks for its customers. This idea, called ‘ Great Conversations ’ seemed to want to make the coffee house more of a hub of social and human interaction, which I found intriguing because it was by far the highest voted customer suggestion on the entire MSI website … more »

Today, election day, we launch Starbucks®Thanksgiving Blend in Starbucks stores around the country. An update of particular note for the MSI community is that we intend to brew this bold coffee until 5pm in all U.S. company and licensed stores through Thanksgiving. The coffee team here tells me this new coffee "combines lush herbal accents of full-bodied Sumatran beans with the subtle spice and cocoa notes of Guatemalan beans from the famed coffee-growing region of Antigua". I'm sure that's all true, I just know it's great! The development of this coffee was also pretty interesting. It was created as a culinary project between the Starbucks green coffee quality team … more »

Hello, My name is Jen Willig and I work for (RED)™, which launched two years ago with a mission to eliminate AIDS in Africa. Our philosophy at (RED)™ is simple: Choose (RED). When you buy (RED) products a portion of the proceeds helps people with HIV in Africa get the medicine they need to stay alive. (RED) is that simple and that powerful. I’m thrilled that Starbucks has partnered with us in this effort. Beginning today through January 2, 2009, you can help save lives in Africa by doing something that may already be part of your daily routine. For every purchase of a (STARBUCKS)RED EXCLUSIVE beverage - Espresso Truffle, Gingersnap Latte, and Peppermint Mocha Twist - at all … more »

Attention all readers! I’m Nikkole Denson and I manage the book program for Starbucks. We have been listening to all of your Book Club ideas such as start a book club , Starbooks Club , book circle , and hundreds of others. Today, we are pleased to announce that we are starting our first Starbucks book club, called the 1st Readers Club , for those of you who enjoy books, coffee, and great conversation! We hope this is the start of a very big thing, but we are starting small. We have created a 1st Readers Club on Starbucks V2V and everyone is welcome to join! The first book is The House at Sugar Beach , by Helene Cooper. The idea is to snuggle up in a comfortable chair, read this book, connect … more »

Hi there, I've seen some ideas on the site that have suggested a charity component with a Starbucks® beverage purchase. I wanted to let you know that Starbucks has begun a multi-year partnership with (Product) RED™ and the first part kicks off on November 27. Starting that day until January 3, 2009 we’ll donate five cents from the sale of any (STARBUCKS)RED EXCLUSIVE beverage at participating stores in the United States and Canada directly to the Global Fund, to help save lives in Africa. For more information, see JoinRed.com . These new drinks taste great, too: The Espresso Truffle, Peppermint Mocha Twist, and the Gingersnap Latte. Finally, we have some very fun things planned … more »

This will be aired nationwide starting 11/26, but see it on MSI now:

Hi there, I am an Idea Partner here at Starbucks working in the marketing department. I do have another role here in the company and that is being the co-president of the Starbucks Access Alliance (SAA). The SAA is a great network of people here at Starbucks whose mission is to promote equal access for all partners and customers. We connect with each other around disability issues and keep the concept of accessibility and universal design at the forefront of our daily work. As I was going through the site and saw the Your Employees idea, it got me thinking about how proud I am to work for Starbucks. This isn’t the first time I have heard a story similar to this one. What really strikes … more »