NYC Certification Seminar was a Success!
Being the first seminar of its kind for STI, it had to focus on the basics and we learned about tea’s history,
the different types of tea and what makes them distinct, the different growing regions, the health benefits,
the correct ways to prepare and taste tea and the story behind the recent growth of specialty tea. Richard
and the other speakers were clear in their message and communicated their passion for tea. The incredible
photos that Richard shared with us served to humanize the product as we saw the range of tea plantations and
the workers on the farms. The seminar was well thought out and flowed well from one subject to another so that
we left at the end of the day with a real understanding of tea that can be augmented with more seminars on more
specialized issues in the future.
-Richard Guzausakas, China Mist Tea Company, Consultant/Certification Instructor
I sent our new Sales Manager all the way from Seattle to New York to take the seminar
for the purpose of getting some in depth tea knowledge to go along with his extensive
beverage industry knowledge and the STI Certification Seminar met my expectations dead
on. I also attended the seminar in order to evaluate the quality and appropriateness
of the material and presentation. The seminar not only covered the material I wanted
our Sales Manager to learn, but left him excited, wanting more information and a
follow-up seminar. As an employer, I was very satisfied that the seminar was backed
up with some teeth by an exam at an appropriate level for the material presented.
I feel the company's money was well spent and I will definitely send our Sales
Manager to a class for the next level of certification.
-Ken Rudee, Barnes & Watson Fine Teas, Owner
I enjoyed the experience and felt I learned a good amount. I do look forward to
future classes getting into more depth in certain areas. My one comment would be
that we either needed time to read the manual (could be sent out ahead of time)
or that we either have a chance to study (review) before the test or that that
the instructor gives a clear recap to make sure he emphasizes the things we should
remember for the test. Overall, for the first class, it was well done. Enjoyed
the slides of the tea fields!
-Barbara Noureldin, Globe Trends Inc., Marketing Manager
The recently held Specialty Tea Institute Certification Program is yet another
indication of the increasing popularity of tea in the United States. The pioneering
participants who attended this first program are the vanguard of a much larger group
of individuals for whom the pursuit of tea knowledge has become an important pursuit.
One which will lead to new understanding about this simplistic but mysterious beverage
which has captured the attention of consumers, the trade, scientists, and the
medical community alike.
The STI Certification Program is a work in progress and like tea itself,
will likely take on many forms as it is more fully developed.
-Joe Simrany, Tea Association of USA, President