In October 2016, 9&10 News highlighted Higher Grounds Coffee’s front-page recognition in The Wall Street Journal. The local report featured co-founder Chris Treter discussing the company’s work with coffee-growing cooperatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including its commitment to purchasing coffee at a premium and supporting communities affected by conflict.

The coverage also explored the work of Higher Grounds’ sister nonprofit, On the Ground, to support survivors of sexual violence and advance gender equality. For Higher Grounds, the national recognition helped bring greater attention to the people and partnerships behind our coffee, reinforcing our belief that coffee can create meaningful opportunities both in Northern Michigan and in the communities where it is grown.