The visit provided Assemblywoman Russell with an opportunity to brew coffee, received a lesson from a veteran barista about how to make a favorite beverage and being guided through a coffee tasting.
"I got to learn the difference between macchiatos, lattes and cappuccinos," she quipped. "But more importantly I had an opportunity to really understand Starbucks' programs that support our veterans, our active duty soldiers and their families.
Assemblywoman Russell had an opportunity to visit with Starbucks' employees, many that are military spouses, during her visit. The program is designed to give policy makers an opportunity to learn more about the in-store experience as well as gain a better understand of its philosophy, including its commitment to be military friendly.
The Starbucks store on Arsenal Street in Watertown was dedicated as a military family store last August.
Starbucks stores with the military family designation are run primarily by veterans and military spouse. Each store, according to a Starbucks release, works with a nonprofit partner in the community to provide services for veterans and their families.
The Watertown store was one of the first eight Starbucks military family stores opened in the country. Starbucks has also committed to hire 10,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2018.
Assemblywoman Russell said the store in Watertown is very military friendly.
"Most of their staff are military spouses. Starbucks has a program that allows military spouses to transfer to different locations and maintain stable employment when their solider receive new orders and have to move to a different base," she said.
"Starbucks also focus on hiring veterans to provide a career pathway as they transition from the military back in to civilian life," according to Assemblywoman Russell.
"Starbucks has long been known as a company that cares about its employees and has a strong social conscience. This program for veterans and military spouses is just one component of their commitment to support the communities they serve," she said.
Assemblywoman Russell said she also benefitted from having an opportunity to visit with Starbucks' employees.
"It was an honor to listen to the spouses' stories and their desire to work for a company that values the contributions they and their families are making for our country," she said.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, gets tips on working behind the bar at Starbucks from store manager Lacey Hare. Coffee master Courtney O'Conner is shown in the background.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, left, visits with Theresa Sellitto, Central New York district manager for Starbucks.
Assemblywoman Addie Russell posed with the Starbucks crew after taking part in the company's Behind the Bar program. Pictured are (l-r): District Manager Theresa Sellitto, Assemblywoman Russell, Arsenal Street Starbucks store manager Lacey Hare and coffee master Courtney O'Conner.
Assemblywoman Addie Russell chats with military spouse Emily Jeffery during a visit to the Starbucks on Arsenal Street in Watertown. Starbucks has a program that benefits military spouses when soldiers are deployed to different bases.
