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Dr. Kazi Anis Ahmed, Director, Kazi and Kazi Tea Estate, Ltd. Dr. Kazi Anis Ahmed is the Director of the Kazi and Kazi Tea Estate, Ltd. (KKTE) as well as the Director and CEO of Organics and Education for Gemcon Group in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At KKTE, Dr. Ahmed has helped establish the guiding organic values and policies that allowed KKTE to emerge as the first successful organic tea estate in Bangladesh. He personally oversaw the international SGS Organic and USDA Organic certification processes. After launching Kazi & Kazi Tea as the first organic brand in the local market, he is now leading plans for Tetulia to become the first branded Bangladeshi tea for international export. Dr. Ahmed is also leading the founding of an innovative co-operative affiliate with over 1,000 members. Dr. Ahmed received Bachelor's, Master's and Ph.D. in literature from Brown, Washington and New York Universities, respectively.
Anthony L. Almada, MSc, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, IMAGINutrition
Anton Angelich, Group Vice President - Marketing, Virginia Dare
Mim Beim, Owner, Beaming with Health
Mark Blumenthal, Founder and Executive Director, American Botanical Council (ABC)
Charles Cain, Director of US Operations, TeaGschwendner
Lara Christenson, Director of Natural Products Industry Research, SPINS
Miss Millie Coleman, Herstorian
Ashlie Cravens, Manager, A Spot for Tea
Pearl Dexter, Editor/Publisher, TEA A MAGAZINE®
Babette Donaldson, Author Babette Donaldson is the author and creator of the illustrated books, Emma Lea’s First Tea Party and Emma Lea’s Magic Teapot and the non-fiction workbook, Fundraising With Tea. She has a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Ceramic Art from San Francisco State University. During her graduate work in ceramics she was introduced to the world of tea. “Interpret Teapot” was a frequent assignment requiring research into the worldwide history and culture of tea. Studies of the leaf and brew were a logical next step. “When I discovered the health benefits, I decided to devote my time to popularizing tea with children. I would like them to seek out alternatives to canned sodas and thrive on tea gatherings with their families.” Tea Suite was her first tea business, creating a non-profit tea fundraising program supporting art education in schools. She is currently organizing the Pacific States Tea Business Association. back to top
Lynn Dornblaser, Director of Consulting, Mintel Custom Solutions With more than 20 years experience tracking and analyzing new product trends, Lynn Dornblaser brings a unique perspective to Mintel Custom Solutions on the consumer marketplace and future new product development. Based in Chicago as director of consulting for Mintel Custom Solutions, Dornblaser is responsible for providing trend analysis and new product expert knowledge to clients. She regularly leads product ideation meetings for a variety of consumer packaged goods companies. Dornblaser was also fundamental to the development and growth of Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a database that internationally tracks new product introductions. back to top
Karen Durkin, MBA, Principal, Houldsworth, Russo & Co. Karen L. Durkin is a Principal for Houldsworth, Russo & Co.and specializes in business coaching services for organizations that are seeking the maximum potential of their resources. She works with leaders and employees to build opportunities to reach their desired goals and to address the roadblocks to success. Karen received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration at the University of North Texas and earned her Master’s of Business Administration at University of Louisiana. She has 25 years experience in consulting and training with a variety of industries that has equipped her to understand the complex needs of individuals and organizations, such as ExxonMobil, AT&T, and small entrepreneurial businesses as well. She has established herself as a top rated facilitator and has established a reputation as a dynamic motivator on the national speaker’s circuit. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern Nevada teaching in the Masters of Business Administration program, an Adjunct Professor in the Executive MBA program at University of Nevada Las Vegas, and is a Professional Certified Coach from the International Coaching Federation. back to top
Alexander Eichener, Esq., Attorney at Law, Kanzlei am Justizzentrum, Brüggeman & Eichener Alexander Eichener came to tea from a background in wine tasting and wine writing; being raised by a mother and an aunt who were perfumers may have helped his nose. He studied the laws, history, medieval latin and islamology, in Tübingen and Heidelberg, did research in Berkeley, and after formative years in Academia, now earns his living legally in Germany (specialized in administrative law and judicial review). Specific to tea, he has written before in Kenyan print and online papers, and he now also dabbles himself in a bit of rather amateurish (but delightful) tea-making. Personal puzzle pieces: He believes in the potential and the great future of Africa and Africans, and is always surprised how small the world has become today. When he doesn’t read, he devours all kinds of sweets and pastry, German and Austrian white wines, music from Gregorian Chant to Tori Amos and K.T. Tunstall, poetry from Baudri de Bourgeuil and prose from Pat Califia. back to top
Ronald Eng, Owner, Infusions of Tea Mr. Eng is the co-founder of Infusions of Tea, a San Diego based retail and on-line resource for premium teas and fine gifts. Mr. Eng is an avid proponent of the application of new technologies to increase profitability within the specialty retail sector. He has presented seminars previously at the World Tea Expo and numerous international scientific meetings. Prior to transitioning to the retail industry in 2003, Mr. Eng was a Director of Business Development for several leading biotechnology companies. back to top
Donna Fellman, Director, Tea Education Alliance (T.E.A.) As director of the Tea Education Alliance (T.E.A), Donna offers professional consulting and staff training programs, and publishes educational materials about tea. She is co-author of Tea Here Now, (Inner Ocean Publishing, 2005) exploring a relationship to tea as a teacher and a lifestyle. She holds the chair of STI's Education Committee and leads the STE Certification Program. Donna has been a student of chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, through the Urasenke Foundation since 1997 and has been a meditation practitioner for 25 years. back to top
Shirley Frazier, President, Sweet Survival/Websites for Retailers.com Shirley Frazier is recognized worldwide as one of the foremost experts on marketing strategies for independent business owners. She maintains ten Web Sites, including WebSitesforRetailers.com, is author of three books including Marketing Strategies for the Home-Based Business, and is the owner of Sweet Survival®, a consulting firm specializing in business and marketing support. Her clients include Macy's, Barnes & Noble, Total Wine, and thousands of florist shops and confectioners nationwide. Shirley's expert opinions are published in gift, gourmet, and business magazines, and she frequently appears on CNBC, Fox Channel 5, and the Food Network. back to top
Sanjay Gupta, President & CEO, Tea Connexions From caretaker to CEO in just over a decade. While caretaking was not a bad job to finance university, Sanjay Gupta knew he wanted to do something more than unplugging toilets and collecting overdue rent. Hungry for freedom, he gladly swapped his utility belt for a corporate nameplate, Connexions Trading International Inc. Researching new opportunities, Gupta made several trips to India. In India, he met two very attractive discoveries. The first, a beautiful young woman, Suruchi, would soon become his wife and business partner. The second, Gourmet Teas Beautifully Packaged, launched Tea Connexions in 1997. Today, Tea Connexions has 100s of independent Distributors marketing their unique products. In 2007, Sanjay and Suruchi launched Leaftea Marketing Solutions Inc. (LTMS) to manage their many tea ventures. Brands managed by LTMS include Tea Connexions, Healthy Cup, Web Tea Biz, and several others. LTMS offers marketing, warehousing, logistics, and distribution solutions to its clients. back to top
Kathleen Halliman, Owner, Kathleen’s Tea Room Kathleen's named after Tami's Great Grandmother, opened in March of 2005. After home schooling her four daughters all through their educational years, Tami was left wondering what to do with herself. A tea room seemed the perfect fit. Her love for hospitality and encouragement influences women to be "still" in an inviting warm environment. Tami now serves as Secretary for the Southern Association of Tea Businesses. The use of tea in Kathleen's recipes has allowed Tami and her staff, the honor of being featured in The Tea Experience Digest, Tea Time Magazine, and the book The Tea Experience - Favorite Recipes from Celebrated Travel Destinations. The use of tea has also set Kathleen's apart from the many other restaurant choices in the Asheville, NC area, making it a favorite stop for locals and tourist. back to top
Eliah Halpenny, CEO & President, Big Island Tea Eliah Halpenny is a native of Canada who moved to Hawai`i to join her husband, Cam Muir, a professor of Genetics at the University of Hawai`i - Hilo. Her background is in marketing and advertising, before which she worked as a soil surveyor and professional gardener. In 2001, Eliah was inspired by a USDA study to begin investigating the feasibility of growing Camellia sinensis in Hawai`i. In January of 2002, Eliah planted her first 8 tea seeds, which began her love affair with the plant and the inception of Big Island Tea. The farm now has 5,000 plants in the ground and Eliah is fine-tuning her processing recipes. Eliah Halpenny and Cam Muir are part of the burgeoning tea industry in Hawai`i, living, growing and processing gourmet, whole leaf tea on their 5 acre farm on the slope of the Mauna Loa volcano. back to top
Robert Hedrick, President, Holton & Heath, Ltd. Robert, along with his wife Diane, owned Carolina Coffee and Tea in Greensboro, North Carolina. Robert has trained retail employees with such companies as Office Deport, Manpower Inc, Church Impressions, and Image Logistics Corporation. He has trained retail associates in all parts of the United States and in five foreign counties. Buying an existing coffee shop in 2002, his business plan called for increasing the tea and gift sales. When purchased, the shop had a selection of approximately 8 teas and mostly coffee related gift items. By expanding the shop’s tea selection to over 80 teas and adding a wide selection of tea and coffee accessories, he was able to increase sales 49% by increasing the customer base and the average sale. Robert since sold the shop and is now President of Holton & Heath Limited a consulting firm for small businesses. back to top
JoAnn Hines, Packaging Diva, Packaging University Ms. Hines is a packaging consultant with more than 30 years global packaging experience and expertise. She has a comprehensive command of the power of branding, design and merchandising on packaging and how it can influence the consumer to buy, or NOT. As an industry leader, she is committed to promoting packaging as a merchandising tool. She has traveled the world speaking on packaging trends and technologies and was invited to speak at the White House on US packaging innovations and how that could translate into business opportunities with China. Her day is spent researching packaging trends and technologies for her clients and in doing so keep them abreast of trends and innovations that impact their business. Because she is independent she can offer an unbiased opinion on the viability of new or breakthrough packaging concepts. Her packaging trend columns are syndicated around the globe. In addition to advising numerous analysts about packaging she is also member of the Faith Popcorn BrainReserve. back to top
Paul Holmgren, Ph.D., Founder, Dr. Paul's School of Tea & Health Paul Holmgren, Ph.D. (Dr. Paul) is a biologist, educator and purveyor of scientific information relating tea and health. He has taught human pathology to university health profession students for many years. Recently retired, he is now pursuing his passion: learning and teaching about tea and health. He has completed Levels I & II of the Specialty Tea Institute Certification Program. In 2007 he founded Dr. Paul's School of Tea and Health that provides timely scientific support materials for tea and health professionals. back to top
Chris Houchens, Marketing Speaker/Writer/Blogger, Shotgun Concepts Chris Houchens is a marketing speaker, writer, blogger, and owner of Shotgun Concepts, a marketing firm that provides guidance on marketing strategy to today's forward thinking companies. Houchens has spent years working in both media and marketing, in the broadcasting, online, print, and healthcare fields. Houchens is a contributing writer and source for numerous online resources and print publications. He was the reviewer and wrote the foreword for the 2006 book, A Marketer's Guide to HIPAA and he is also a co-author of the 2007 book, Achieving Customer Mindshare through Advertising. His blog, the Shotgun Marketing Blog, is read daily by hundreds of readers and is ranked by Advertising Age magazine as one of the top 150 marketing blogs in the world. Chris is a well-known marketing speaker delivering marketing keynotes and other presentations worldwide to conferences, meetings, and private corporate events. Find out more at http://www.chrishouchens.com/ back to top
Loren Israelsen, Executive Director, Utah Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) Mr. Israelsen is Executive Director of the Utah Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), a trade association of dietary supplement companies committed to safety, science and quality. UNPA was founded in 1991 with the mission to create a new legislative model for the regulation of dietary supplements. This was realized by passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) in 1994. Since then, UNPA has worked closely with Congress, FDA and allied trade associations to assure full and proper implementation of DSHEA.Loren Israelsen has been deeply involved in the commercial and regulatory issues facing the global dietary supplement industry since 1982. He has served as vice president/general counsel to the American Herbal Products Association, co-founder and counsel to the European American Phytomedicine Coalition (EAPC), industry liaison to FDA’s Expert Advisory Committee on Ephedra, issue manager for dietary supplements for the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (TABD), a founding member and executive board member of the International Alliance of Dietary Supplement Associations (IADSA), industry advisor to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), and an expert panel member to IFT’s Functional Food Report published in 2005. For years, he has worked closely with the leading academic institutions and publications in the natural health field, including sitting on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University, the Editorial Board of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, among others. Mr. Israelsen has authored over 150 articles, book chapters and has lectured in over 30 countries on dietary supplement and functional food issues. He is the recipient of the NBJ Lifetime Achievement Award, the NNFA President’s Award and the B.Y. Morrison Lecture and Medal. He was honored to be included in Natural Health Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Hall of Fame. Mr. Israelsen received his B.S. in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude, from Utah State University. He attended the Oxford University Queens College Jurisprudence Program in Oxford, England and received his J.D. from J. Rueben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, where he also was elected president of the Student Bar Association. back to top
Frank Jaksch, President and CEO, ChromaDex, Inc. Frank Jaksch is the President, CEO and co-founder of ChromaDex, Inc. With more than 20 years of laboratory, general management, sales, marketing, and business development experience, Frank provides strategic vision and direction for ChromaDex, Inc. He is responsible for all of ChromaDex´s operations, with key focus on the technical sales and marketing and efforts. Frank has management experience in analytical chemistry, diagnostics, sales and marketing with global industry leaders such as Phenomenex and ICN Pharmaceutical. Frank provides the overall vision and leadership to the group as well as significant technical, sales and marketing experience in scientific products to the food, beverage, cosmetic, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical markets. Most recently, he managed the International Subsidiary and International Business Development divisions at Phenomenex, a multi-million dollar global business representing over 30% of the global market for analytical chemistry supplies. Frank focused on developing new international subsidiaries for Phenomenex. Between 1993 and 1999 Frank setup sales and marketing offices Australia, England, Germany and New Zealand. Frank returned to the US from New Zealand in July of 1999 and started ChromaDex in September of 1999. Frank has also co-written a book with Dr. Mark Roman (ChromaDex) and Dr. Mingfu Wang (Rutgers University), “The Handbook of Analytical Methods for Dietary Supplements”, which was published by the American Pharmacists Association in June of 2005. Frank has a BS in Chemistry and Biology, from Valparaiso University. back to top
Beth Johnston, President, Teas Etc., Inc. Beth Johnston left a national marketing position in health care to develop a newly found passion back in 1998. A delicious cup of tea enjoyed on her honeymoon sparked that passion and soon after she established Teas Etc., with offices in Lake Worth, Florida and Shanghai, China. With little direction or tea knowledge Beth put her natural enthusiasm, strong sales ability and marketing background to work. On a shoestring budget she devised creative marketing strategies and a high energy plan that has led to her company's success. Beth writes a monthly educational newsletter and has written numbers articles on diverse industry topics that have appeared in various print publications and online. Beth's passion and energy is obvious in her interactive, thought provoking speaking style which will leave you brainstorming, marketing and generating revenue. back to top
Brian Keating, Tea Buyer/Blend Master, Allegro Coffee Company (A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Whole Foods Market) Brian Keating has spent more than 25 years working within the U.S. specialty tea industry; most recently assisting Allegro Coffee with their expansion into specialty tea. His tea business experience spans tea retailing, branded consumer products, wholesaling, and product development. He is also the publisher of the Specialty Tea Is “Hot” Report™ (http://www.teareport.com/). back to top
Jon Kliegle, Pastry Chef, Kathleen’s Tea Room Jon started his love for baking and tea at the age of eight, adding in tea to cakes and cookies just for fun. Music has always been a love of his as well bringing him all over the country as musician and cook for the bands. In between shows Jon spent his off time testing out the various tea rooms he would come across around the states. After spending five years on the road Jon decided to take a break and get a steady job, and to his likening, finding a lovely Tea Room and Girl to settle down with in the mountains of North Carolina. Now Jon is constantly trying out new ways to bake and cook with tea, adding it in as a staple ingredient at Kathleen's Tea room in Fletcher, NC. back to top
Elizabeth Knight, Owner, Tea with Friends Elizabeth Knight is the author of several bestselling books on the subjects of tea and entertaining including Tea With Friends, now in its fifth printing, Tea in the City New York- a tea lover’s guide to sipping and shopping in the city, and Celtic Teas With Friends. The former tea sommelier for the historic St. Regis Hotel in New York City is a frequent guest on national television and radio programs including The Home Shopping Network, Real Simple Television, The Travel Channel, and also appeared as Royal Doulton’s tea and entertaining expert at major retailers across the country. Knight develops special events and visual merchandising for manufacturers, retailers, and tradeshows, including Harney & Son’s Fine Teas, The Pfaltzgraff Company, Royal Doulton, Villeroy & Boch, as well as independent clients. back to top
Elisabeth Knottingham, Owner, The Teacup Elisabeth Knottingham is the owner of The Teacup in Seattle Washington, a successful tea leaf retailer that serves up thousands of pounds of tea leaves a year. Elisabeth is a published author, and has instructed on dozens of subjects, but loves nothing more than talking about tea. back to top
John C. Kramer, Co-Owner, Miss Rosemarie's Special Teas LLC John C. Kramer and his wife, Rosemarie, own and operate Miss Rosemarie's Special Teas Salon and Shoppe, in Birmingham, Alabama. John graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and graduated from Michigan State University with a Masters in Business Administration. John has worked with large public and small independent companies from the Auto industry to GE Capital, in the United States and internationally. Having run his own successful consulting practice over the last few years, he has gained valuable experience in all business operating practices. He has worked with many smaller entrepreneurial companies to help manage train and improve their operations and to guide their growth. back to top
Guang Lee, Owner, Hou De Fine Tea Before starting Hou De Fine Tea in Houston, TX in 2004, Guang has been an avid collector of pu-erhs, yixings and aged oolongs since 90's. Helped by solid relations with farmers/producers in Yunnan, Taiwan and Fujian, Hou De quickly establishes itself as a prime source for rare and fine teas/teawares and knowledge. Guang has been holding several tea tasting workshops in Houston and writing articles to share his passion and knowledge of teas in local and international publications. In June 2007, Guang co-hosted the Professional Pu-erh Tasting Event in Pasadena, CA with Taiwan’s publisher of Pu-erh Teapot Magazine. This is the first time such event being held outside Asia. back to top
Linda Appel Lipsius, Consultant, Tetulia Estate-Direct Organic Teas Linda Appel Lipsius is managing the launch of Tetulia Estate-Direct Organic Teas in the United States and the United Kingdom. Prior to working with KKTE, Ms. Lipsius was a Vice President with Orange Glo International (OGI) where she Linda launched OxiClean, Kaboom, Orange Glo and Orange Clean in the US, UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea. Utilizing multiple channels of distribution reached through innovative marketing and PR programs, the brands quickly rose to market-leading positions. Prior to Orange Glo, Mrs. Lipsius directed marketing campaigns for Roche Laboratories’ Rocephin and Tamiflu at Young & Rubicam. Linda earned her BA from Columbia University and MBA in finance from New York University. back to top
Norma Manty, Founder & Formulator, Tea Naturals Skin Care LLC Norma has been interested in tea and natural body care for a long time. She turned her life-long enthusiasm for tea into a wholesale organic loose-leaf tea company in New Zealand. The Kerikeri Organic Tea Company directly sourced and imported premium tea from organic tea estates around the world and custom-blended them with native New Zealand botanicals. While sourcing native botanicals for her teas, she learned about the powerful antioxidant and therapeutic benefits of tea extracts topically applied as skin care. After selling her New Zealand tea company, she returned to the United States and launched Tea Naturals Skin Care, a company combining her love of tea and natural body care. Tea Naturals Skin Care is a simple, natural, and affordable skin care line based on organic tea extracts, pure essential oils, and botanicals. All of Tea Naturals Skin Care products feature tea extracts as a main ingredient. back to top
Jeanine Marnewick Ph.D., Senior Researcher, Antioxidant Research Group, Faculty of Health & Wellness Sciences Jeanine grew up in South Africa where Rooibos has a long tradition. She has been enjoying it since childhood. Jeanine started her professional career 18 years ago as a medical virologist and since established herself as a biochemist. The past 10 years she has focused on researching the health promoting properties of two indigenous herbal teas, Rooibos and Honeybush. These studies were initiated when she was a research scientist at the South African Medical Research Council which resulted in the first scientific evidence published on the cancer modulating properties of these two endemic herbal beverages. Currently Jeanine is a senior researcher at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology where they have recently completed the first clinical trial to investigate the health benefits of Rooibos in adults. This pioneering study focused on the potential of Rooibos to protect against oxidative stress associated with the development of heart disease. back to top
Rob McCaleb, President, Herb Research Foundation Rob McCaleb is an internationally recognized expert on botanicals, natural foods and supplements; and sustainable natural products. As a researcher, consultant, writer and educator he is a leading proponent of natural health care with botanical and nutritional products. McCaleb is the founder and president of the Herb Research Foundation in Boulder, CO, a research and education organization focusing on plants used in foods, dietary supplements, medicines and cosmetics. He also heads Sustainable Natural Products, Inc., which helps international companies succeed in the dynamic natural products marketplace, while helping the natural products industry to build more sustainable business and supply chains and to ride the wave of public support for corporate social and environmental responsibility. For over 30 years, Rob has provided advisory services for natural products development, labeling, marketing and promotion. back to top
Wendy McPhee, Principal, Wendy McPhee Design & Marketing Wendy McPhee has been helping clients find better solutions for packaging, and marketing for the last ten years, through her company, Wendy McPhee Design & Marketing. As a board member of the Environmental Forum of Marin, and her family ownership in the retail natural health food business for two decades, she is passionate about finding solutions for clients that combine creativity with responsibility to help the future health of our planet. As a former art director of The Nature Company, Discovery Channel Stores McPhee holds an MBA in Strategic Leadership, a BA in Industrial Design, and has had the pleasure of additional studies in design from Milton Glaser at the NY School of Visual Arts and the Specialty Tea Institute’s certification program. back to top
Glenn Meder, President, Rich Purity - a Brand of Purity Systems, LLC Glenn Meder has been in the water treatment and bottled water industry for over 17 years and has considerable experience in the US and in foreign markets including South America and Asia. Glenn has trained hundreds of people across the world on water contamination and treatment issues and on business strategy. Glenn is the President of Rich Purity, a leading provider of premium drinking water systems for homes and businesses. back to top
Nigel Melican, Managing Director, Teacraft Ltd. Nigel spent 27 years with Unilever Research (UK) Ltd leading R&D, trouble-shooting and technology transfer in diverse areas from horticulture to sanitary protection product development. During this time Nigel worked on all aspects of tea production improvement: from marginal condition planting to factory process optimization and post process value addition. He founded Teacraft Ltd in 1990 to supply much needed technical support to the tea industry, particularly equipment for quality control and novel processing. Teacraft also sells specialty loose teas through its mail-order company Nothing But Tea (www.nbtea.co.uk) and supplies world-class technical consultancy and training through Tea Technology Associates. While he works with all sectors of the tea industry Nigel is particularly committed to assisting handmade tea manufacture by small farmers and has exclusive sales rights to several types of handmade teas from Africa and Asia. back to top
Anupa Mueller, President, Eco-Prima, Inc. & Silver Tips Tea Room Anupa Mueller has a thriving wholesale and retail tea business in New York. Schooled in Darjeeling, India, she learned early about tea. Anupa started her wholesale company, Eco-Prima 12 years ago with just her family’s tea, Makaibari Darjeeling, but soon expanded to importing teas from all over the world. Anupa was one of the first to market Organic and Fair Trade teas in the US and now carries a full line of varietals and flavored teas as well as tea accessories. She brings a passion and enthusiasm to all aspects of tea. Eight years ago, she opened Silver Tips Tea Room in Tarrytown, New York. Here, Anupa enjoys the one-on-one contact with individual customers and advances the cause of tea through tea tastings, flyers, newsletters and, of course, daily interactions with consumers. back to top
Philip Parda, Founder and President, Zhong Guo Cha (ZGC or Middle Kingdom Tea) Philip Parda, Founder and President of Zhong Guo Cha (ZGC or Middle Kingdom Tea), a wholesale tea import business, has spent over 30 years learning about tea and enjoying its many benefits. . In 2004, Parda launched ZGC, a tea company specializing in the selection, importation and wholesaling of fine loose-leaf tea from China, Japan, Taiwan and Nepal. He is a regular guest speaker and teacher at the Specialty Tea Institute’s tea certification courses; a guest lecturer at a wide variety of tea expos and healthy living seminars throughout the country; and an active leader in regional tea tastings. Parda is a member of the Specialty Tea Institute Advisory Board. He provides expert information on tea, health benefits and Asian culture. Parda lives in Killingworth, Connecticut, and has two children. For “the tea professor,” his passion is tea, and tea is his business! back to top
Manuja Peiris, Chief Executive, International Tea Committee (ITC) Manuja Peiris joined the tea trade as a Taster in 1977 in Sri Lanka, managing departments in two exporting firms, over 12 years. Having joined the ITC in 1990, his genuine passion for tea and knowledge, has been a huge asset for the ITC in their endeavour to serve the tea industry. He has been associated with tea for over 30 years and as a widely travelled man, is a well-known figure in tea circles in most parts of the world. In recent years, he has been instrumental in convincing countries such as China, Vietnam, Japan, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Nepal, to become Country Members of the ITC and has convinced several private companies to acquire Corporate membership. Though his early days were spent tasting and trading of tea, he has worked tirelessly to expand membership and make compilation of statistics increasingly comprehensive whilst creating advertising opportunities for the tea industry, within a target audience. He also played a major part in initiating the facilitation of discussions of key industry issues, between Producer and Consumer Country Members within the ITC. back to top
Jane Pettigrew, International Tea Consultant and Writer In 1983, with two friends, Jane opened and ran Tea-Time, an art deco style teashop in southwest London. Since those busy but fun days, she has written 12 books on various aspects of the beverage, its manufacture, associated table wares, rituals, history and recipes. Over the years, she has also worked as editor of Tea International, as Managing Director of St James's Teas and as consultant and trainer to The UK Tea Council. She regularly trains staff at some of the London's most important five star hotels including the Dorchester, Grosvenor House, the Waldorf, Browns and The Savoy and runs monthly Tea Masterclasses for anyone who wants to know more about tea in order to enhance their business or personal life. Jane speaks at conferences and events around the world and appears regularly on television and radio. back to top
Bruce Richardson, Owner, Elmwood Fine Teas & Benjamin Press Bruce Richardson has been at the forefront of America’s tea renaissance since 1990 when he began one of America’s best-known tearooms, the Elmwood Inn in Perryville Kentucky. He has fed the country’s thirst for tea knowledge by producing ten tea books, including The New Tea Companion with Jane Pettigrew, The Great Tea Room of America, The Great Tea Rooms of Britain, Looking Deeply into Tea, three Elmwood Inn recipe books, and the Tea in the City travel guides. His stories, photographs, and commentary can be found regularly in Fresh Cup and TeaTime magazines. Bruce serves on the Advisory Board for STI and is a frequent speaker at tea events across the country. After 14 years, he and his wife, Shelley closed their successful tearoom in order to focus on their other businesses, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas and Benjamin Press. They host TEA 101, an annual seminar for aspiring tea entrepreneurs. back to top
Jessica Robinson, Head of Sales and Marketing, Choice Organic Teas Jessica Robinson heads sales and marketing for Seattle-based Choice Organic Teas. Through her ten years of specialty tea industry experience, she has developed a passion for making the techniques and language of tea tasting accessible to consumers and trade members alike. She encourages people to move beyond their personal preferences and to evaluate teas objectively. A contributor to the 6th edition of the “Specialty Tea is ‘Hot’ Report” and to the Specialty Tea Institute’s certification program, Jessica has tasted and sourced thousands of seasonal offerings, designed QC programs, and authored articles on the history, culture, and consumption of tea. Her background includes time with Upton Tea Imports and Barnes & Watson Fine Teas. When not thinking about tea, Jessica enjoys applying her tasting skills to Pacific Northwest wines and microbrews. back to top
Christophor Rodriquez, Marketing Manager, WEBbeams Christophor Rodriquez has a background in graphic design and marketing. On an invitation by Brian to a Fresh Cup Road Show in Minnesota about a year and a half ago, Chris was enamored with the specialty beverage scene. At that show he realized the culture of the café industry was the perfect fit for him to apply his knowledge. Since then he has worked at WEBbeams as the Marketing Manager and has spoken with Brian at shows around the US. It is Chris’s personal and professional goal to help educate café owners on how important a specialty Wi-Fi system can enhance the brand image, and thus profitability, of independent and chain cafés alike. back to top
Ken Rudee, Owner and Director of Tea, Barnes & Watson Fine Teas® Ken Rudee is the Owner and Director of Tea at Barnes & Watson Fine Teas®. His company specializes in providing premium hot and iced teas to prominent hospitality and foodservice clients. He has consulted with diverse organizations (including world renowned retailers, some of the world’s largest coffee companies, top US culinary schools, and AAA Five Diamond Hotels) to successfully integrate premium tea into their operations. He also has professional training from the Culinary Institute of America and is a CPA (inactive). Ken is an active member of the specialty tea industry throughout the United States. He is a founding member and sits on the board of directors of the Specialty Tea Institute of the Tea Association of the USA. Ken also is a Specialty Tea Institute Certified Tea Instructor and sits on the Specialty Tea Institute’s Tea Professional Certification Committee. back to top
Kristen Schneider, Esq., President and Founder of Keria Teas, LLC Kristen Schneider is the President and founder of Keria Teas, LLC, a successful tea retail shop and tearoom in Round Rock, Texas, just north of the State Capitol in Austin. Kristen holds a law degree from the University of Texas, School of Law, where her specialties included products liability and medical malpractice. As a Senior Adjunct Professor, she taught legal classes for thirteen years before retiring to open Keria Teas. Kristen is a published author, and a requested speaker on tea, and has successfully completed levels one and two of the Tea Certification Program offered by the Specialty Tea Institute. Kristen has lived in the Austin area for 23 years along with her husband and three children. back to top
Steve Schwartz, CEO and Founder, Art of Tea Years of intense study in preventative medicine at the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico lead Steve Schwartz, the Founder of Art of Tea, to become a leading purveyor in organic specialty teas. Every year since his studies in 1996, Steve has traveled extensively returning with rare and exclusive teas and select botanicals from around the world, combining them with Art of Tea’s unique approach to custom blending for wholesale and retail outlets across North America. Steve creates cutting edge tea programs for some of the most respected hotels, spas and restaurants. The success of his tea trainings reflect his natural gifts as an educator, engaging and inspiring even the most skeptical tea drinker with his enthusiastic outlook and passion for tea. Steve has been featured on Martha Stewart, E! Entertainment and has offering lectures around the world and lead his company to win 1st and 2nd place at the 2007 WTE. back to top
Den Shirakata, President, Den’s Tea, Inc. Den Shirakata was born in Shizuoka, Japan in 1969 as a third generation tea merchant. From early childhood, his family’s tea business had him involved in all aspects of the tea trade. In 1996, he succeeded his father as President of Shirakata Denshiro Shoten, Inc. - a tea manufacturer in Shizuoka for 90 years. In 2000, Den established Den's Tea in California as a distributor of authentic Japanese green tea in North America. Den created a unique system to deliver ultra fresh teas and has been successful in the niche Japanese Tea market in North America. Den is recognized as a Japanese Tea authority and is well versed in the history, culture, production and health benefits of tea. He holds the title of “Japanese Tea Instructor” and has given numerous seminars in Japan and the United States, including the World Tea Expo and Specialty Tea Institute Symposium. back to top
Tammy Siebert, Owner, A Spot For Tea Tammy Siebert has been a passionate tea entrepreneur for eleven years. She is the establisher and owner of A Spot for Tea in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She has hosted hundreds of tea parties to celebrate many special occasions. The tearoom has been featured in Tea Time Magazine, Tea A Magazine, Discover Oklahoma, a statewide travel show, Fox 25 Morning News Show, Tea Radio, as well as other local publications. A Spot For Tea made a relocation in October 2006 jumping from 4600 square feet to 14,000+ square feet, making it a unique Tea Event Center with five specialty rooms. Tammy has authored a tearoom cookbook, tea journal and is a Level II Certified Tea Professional by STI. She takes to heart the tearoom's mission statement of "Bringing you joy in a teacup". Tammy shares the love of tea with her husband Eric and their three sons. back to top
Kim Slater, Director of Consulting, Canadean Kim Slater is Principal of Canadean Consulting, the Consulting and Projects Division of Canadean, which over the last 10 years has established itself as a highly effective specialist beverage Consultancy that has undertaken a wide range of confidential strategic and commercial projects for beverage companies and allied industries. This has included assignments on Hot Beverages, including Tea, Soft Drinks, Dairy and Alcoholic Drinks. Kim has 30 years experience in the Beverage Industry. Prior to Canadean was with Guinness Brewing Worldwide [now Diageo] where he was Strategic Brands Director. In this position he was responsible for portfolio development, consumer planning and for driving the growth of new products and innovation across the world. Before this he held a range of positions with Guinness including Regional Marketing Director (Africa-America’s) and Project Director Acquisitions. As New Product Development Controller at Guinness Brewing he led the team that developed the “widget” and Canned Draught Guinness. He was based in the USA for a year as SVP Marketing during the period that Guinness owned New Era Beverages and the Sundance brand. Previous to Guinness, Kim Slater had 7 years in marketing at Schweppes, where he worked on the core Schweppes brands. He started his career in marketing with Procter & Gamble. back to top
Tim Smith, Chief Leaf, The Teasmith LLC Born into a family of entrepreneurs, Tim believes that operating a small business is more than a mere job, it is a lifestyle. After selling his distribution company to a publicly traded corporation, the urge to return to a private company found him in the form of specialty tea. Tim received a BSBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and his MBA from Creighton University. A lifelong proponent of small business, he has been Vice President of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of The Small Business Council, and a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business.&nbs |