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March 11, 2025 March 11, 2025 March 10, 2025 February 27, 2025 March 18, 2025 March 17, 2025 March 13, 2025 March 11, 2025 March 18, 2025 March 18, 2025 March 6, 2025 March 5, 2025 March 17, 2025 March 14, 2025 March 12, 2025 March 12, 2025 February 27, 2024 August 7, 2023 June 19, 2023 July 1, 2022 March 14, 2025 March 13, 2025 March 12, 2025 March 7, 2025 Howard Bryman | March 18, 2025 At the Excelsa Cafe in Ocean Beach, San Diego. All images courtesy of Excelsa Coffee Company. While most specialty coffee shops promote their rarefied high-end arabica coffees, a new coffee business in San Diego called Excelsa Coffee Company is promoting a separate species altogether. The company just opened the Excelsa Cafe in the heart of Ocean Beach, offering tastes of excelsa coffee, a variety of the liberica coffee species that — unlike arabica or robusta — has not been widely commercialized in the United States. The cafe is the latest in a series of excelsa awareness initiatives undertaken by the San Diego company. In addition to brewing freshly roasted excelsa, the company is cultivating excelsa plants through its own farm in Nicaragua, while creating a nonprofit global network for excelsa production. Like the commercialization of excelsa itself, the new coffee bar is being presented as something of a work in progress. On the one dry-walled area of its stud-bare walls, photos show scenes of excelsa production and processing on coffee farms. From the opposite wall and under exposed wooden rafters, jute coffee sacks hang. In the center of the 350-square-foot room stands the coffee counter, where hot and cold brews are served. “Think of stepping into a palapa hut in Nicaragua, to be at the very source of something special and original,” Excelsa Coffee Co-Founder Olin Patterson told Daily Coffee News. “The Excelsa Cafe is unfinished because the story of the bean is unfinished, and it is up to the customer to be a part of the story in telling us how to bring the excelsa bean to the world.” Hot and cold-brewed excelsa coffees are prepared on site with a Ground Control brewing system after roasting in Los Angeles by Ron Dizon, founder of Teofilo Coffee. “In a side-by-side comparison, generally speaking, we find that excelsa coffee has a very distinct flavor profile,” Patterson told DCN. “It has little to no bitterness. It is likely to have lower caffeine, naturally. It is likely to be naturally harvested and cultivated, and to have a complex flavor profile, including being bright, tart and fruity.” Excelsa Coffee’s current retail offerings online and at the San Diego shop are sourced from producers in Vietnam and the Philippines. The approximately 1,700 excelsa coffee trees on the company’s own farm in Nicaragua are not yet mature. The company also plans to eventually source coffee from South Sudan. “Vietnam and Philippines both provide sufficient inventory for us at the moment and we have worked closely with both supplier farms to have a quality of beans that we are confident are worthy of going to market, and the quality will only improve,” Patterson said. Excelsa (known as Coffea excelsa or Coffea liberica var. dewevre) has shown greater resistance to heat and drought thanks to its relatively strong roots, wide trunk and thick leaves. These attributes make it suitable for growing in areas not suitable for robusta and arabica, which combined represent more than 99% of the world’s commercialized coffee. Excelsa also has proven more resistant to pests and common plant diseases. The variety grows natively in South Sudan, Central African Republic, Uganda and other African countries, while commercial cultivation occurs mainly in Indonesia, India and Vietnam. “We found meaningful sources of excelsa in Southeast Asia and Africa, but wanted to see if it could grow successfully in the Americas, both to provide a viable opportunity for farmers and to be able to source coffee closer to the USA market,” said Patterson. A consumer packaged goods expert who has been involved in ingredients sourcing for a number of specialty foods, Patterson co-founded Excelsa Coffee in 2023 with Michael Mazzotta, a business and real estate professional who first tried excelsa more than a decade ago and was intrigued by its potential as a lower-caffeine and resilient alternative to traditional coffees. “We formed the company after realizing this bean could provide a viable way for farmers around the world to grow a sustainable crop, and to fill a gap in the consumer market for a lower caffeinated, bitterness-free, bright flavored, full front-to-back palate cup of coffee,” Patterson said. “We began sourcing it together, including launching our own farm in Nicaragua to help provide research and resources for other farmers who wanted to grow excelsa.” Last year the team launched the International Excelsa Coffee Organization (IECO), a nonprofit for information and resources such as DNA fingerprinting, sensory analysis and research, species validation and farm accreditation. As the organization grows, general managers will be appointed to oversee membership and observe best practices in each country and then share these insights on the website in support of farmers everywhere, the group said. “We cannot find established protocols for growing excelsa, so our efforts with the IECO is to establish protocols and guidelines on a grassroots level to support the growth of the excelsa industry,” said Patterson. “We are near breaking ground on new farms with new leadership in other countries like Brazil, USA, Honduras and Ethiopia.” At the San Diego cafe, Patterson said, success will be measured more by growing awareness and appreciation than in dollars and cents. “Our cafe is not intended to be an economic driver for our business, but a research and development lab to give us real time feedback from the customer,” Patterson said. “Come visit us, and we will intentionally try to take 40 minutes of your time sharing about the excelsa bean.” Excelsa Cafe is located at 1855 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in San Diego. Comments? Questions? News to share? Contact DCN’s editors here. For all the latest coffee industry news, subscribe to the DCN newsletter. Howard Bryman Howard Bryman is the associate editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine. He is based in Portland, Oregon. Tags: California, excelsa, Excelsa Coffee Company, International Excelsa Coffee Organization, liberica, Michael Mazzotta, Ocean Beach, Olin Patterson, Ron Dizon, San Diego, Teofilo Coffee, varieties E-News Subscribe
Lagos is not only the commercial hub of Nigeria, with a booming population but also the largest city in West Africa. Lagos boasts an impressive number of primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. ALSO READ: Nigeria’s most expensive secondary school—₦49m in school fees! According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the educational landscape of Lagos State is as follows: Primary Schools: Lagos State has 1,189 primary schools as of the latest records. Secondary Schools: The state is home to 1,146 secondary schools. Tertiary Institutions: Lagos State also boasts a number of universities and higher institutions. There are 12 tertiary institutions, including public and private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Population Density: With an estimated population of over 20 million people, Lagos has a large number of children, teenagers, and adults in need of educational facilities. This high population density is a significant driver behind the demand for more schools. Urbanization: As a commercial hub, Lagos attracts people from all parts of Nigeria and even other countries, leading to an increase in both residential and educational infrastructure. New settlements and localities continuously sprout in Lagos, necessitating more schools to serve residents. ALSO READ: The most expensive primary school in Nigeria where they pay ₦30m for tuition Here’s a list of some notable schools across different levels in Lagos State: Corona School – Various locations in Lagos Lekki British International School – Lekki Chrisland School – Ikeja, Victoria Island, and Lekki St. Saviours School – Ikoyi British International School – Victoria Island Rainbow College – Lagos Mainland and Lekki Penchriss School – Victoria Island The Learning Place – Lekki Lagos Preparatory and Secondary School – Ikoyi Lagos State Model College – Kankon, Badore Bishop Howells Memorial School – Surulere Atlantic Hall – Poka, Epe Queens College – Yaba International School Lagos – University of Lagos The American International School Lagos – Victoria Island Green Springs School – Anthony and Lekki St. Gregory’s College – Obalende Aquinas College – Surulere Doregos Private Academy – Ipaja Loyola Jesuit College – Ikeja The Ambassadors College – Ota Igbobi College – Yaba Day Waterman College – Ikoyi University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Akoka Lagos State University (LASU) – Ojo Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) – Yaba Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) – Ikorodu Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka Pan-Atlantic University – Lekki Lagos Business School – Lekki American University of Nigeria (AUN) – Victoria Island School of Nursing and Midwifery, Lagos – Yaba National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) – Victoria Island University of Science and Technology, Lagos (USTL) – Lekki ALSO READ: You need a minimum of ₦47million for a master’s programme in Canada
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), in the United States, health care reform legislation signed into law by U.S. Pres. Barack Obama in March 2010, which included provisions that required most individuals to secure health insurance or pay fines, made coverage easier and less costly to obtain, cracked down on abusive insurance practices, and attempted to rein in the rising costs of health care. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or “Obamacare,” was widely considered the most far-reaching health care reform act since the passage of Medicare, the U.S. government program guaranteeing health insurance for the elderly, in 1965. A centrepiece of Obama’s campaign for the presidency was reform of the U.S. health care system—one that left some 45 million people uninsured. In February 2009, just one month after his inauguration, Obama addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress, imploring them that the time was right for overhauling health care: [W]e must also address the crushing cost of health care. This is a cost that now causes a bankruptcy in America every thirty seconds. By the end of the year, it could cause 1.5 million Americans to lose their homes. In the last eight years, premiums have grown four times faster than wages. And in each of these years, one million more Americans have lost their health insurance. It is one of the major reasons why small businesses close their doors and corporations ship jobs overseas. And it’s one of the largest and fastest-growing parts of our budget. In June details began to emerge, with Obama favouring a so-called “public option,” a government insurance program that would compete with private businesses. The pharmaceutical industry, which had helped to scuttle Pres. Bill Clinton’s health care reform attempt in 1993–94, said that it would support reform. In August, as members of Congress went home to their districts and held town hall meetings, strident opposition to the efforts began to emerge. Decrying the reform as “socialized medicine” and “Obamacare” (a term that Obama himself later embraced), protestors heckled supporters of health care reform—mostly directing their anger at Democrats, particularly Arlen Specter, a Republican-turned-Democrat supporter of the legislation, whose town hall meeting on August 11 with more than 1,000 people almost erupted into physical violence. Among the grievances cited by opponents was that the bill would amount to a government takeover of the health care industry and, falsely, result in the alleged creation of “death panels” that would withhold care of critically ill people. On September 9 Obama went before another joint session of Congress to outline his reform measures, discussing the stakes and arguing that it should be a bipartisan effort: I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last. It has now been nearly a century since Theodore Roosevelt first called for health care reform. And ever since, nearly every President and Congress, whether Democrat or Republican, has attempted to meet this challenge in some way. Legislation was soon introduced, and it became clear that the Democrats in the House of Representatives favoured more sweeping reform than those in the Senate. Although the Democrats had, in theory, a filibuster-proof majority (60 votes) in the Senate, aided by independents Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Lieberman’s vote for a public option as well as the votes of conservative Democratic senators could not be assured. Thus, Senate majority leader Harry Reid attempted to craft a bill that could gain the support of his caucus as well as some moderate Republican senators, such as Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine. On November 7 the House of Representatives passed its version of the health care bill, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, by a slim margin of 220–215. Thirty-nine Democrats voted against the legislation, and one Republican, Anh (“Joseph”) Cao of Louisiana, backed the measure. Aiding passage was a compromise on abortion language, because some conservative pro-life Democrats, including Bart Stupak of Michigan, threatened to withhold support unless language were added restricting coverage of abortion in any health insurance plan that received federal subsidies. The Senate then proceeded with its debate on health care, with the hope of passing legislation before Christmas. The public option, included in the House version, was jettisoned in early December, as it became clear that such a provision would not pass the Senate. Abortion once again threatened to derail the process. An amendment similar to Stupak’s in the House, proposed by Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson and Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, was voted down in the Senate 54–45, and it was unclear if Nelson would support passage without the amendment or without tougher language on abortion. Nevertheless, on December 24, with all Democrats uniting, the Senate passed its version of the legislation 60–39, which would provide health care to more than 30 million uninsured Americans.
Nancy Ogbue-Nwosu is a Digital Marketing Analyst, Social Impact Leader, and Global Advocate for Digital Inclusion and Economic Growth, aligning her mission with the UN’s SDGs 4 and 8. With a Master’s in Digital Marketing Analytics, she empowers individuals and businesses through AI-driven strategies, digital tools, and her Business of Social Media Marketing Training, which has trained over 500 professionals. As the founder of Street Aid Africa Foundation, she has impacted over 12,000 street-connected children across 160 locations in Nigeria, tackling education, poverty, and digital inclusion. A sought-after speaker on AI, digital literacy, and women’s empowerment, Nancy has been featured on the Times Square Billboard and in top publications, earning recognition as a Top African Educator. When not driving change, she enjoys the gym and spending time at the beach with loved ones. What inspired you to pursue a career in digital marketing, and how did you transition into this space? During COVID-19, I wrote a book that received 500 downloads in less than a week. This sparked my curiosity about how to make people buy from the internet and led me into social media marketing. Two months after the pandemic, I wrote a paid eBook and made ₦500,000 in one month—that was my wake-up call. Over time, I invested in learning, testing strategies, and refining my expertise. Eventually, I transitioned fully into digital marketing. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing Analytics while helping businesses and individuals achieve tangible results through strategic online positioning. Your mission aligns with the UN SDGs, particularly in education and economic growth. What motivated your focus on these specific goals? Access to quality education and economic empowerment is fundamental to individual and societal growth. I’ve witnessed firsthand how digital skills can change lives, especially in Africa, where youth unemployment is a major challenge. Through my Business of Social Media Marketing Training, I am not just teaching young adults digital marketing skills—I am providing them with a tool for financial independence. We cannot achieve decent work and economic growth without quality education. I believe that when people are equipped with the right knowledge, they can create opportunities for themselves and their communities. How has Artificial Intelligence transformed digital marketing, and what role do you see it playing in the future? AI has revolutionized digital marketing by enhancing personalization, automating repetitive tasks, and improving data-driven decision-making. From chatbots providing real-time customer support to AI-powered analytics predicting consumer behavior, the possibilities are endless. AI also plays a crucial role in content creation, ad targeting, and customer segmentation, making marketing more efficient and effective. In the near future, AI will continue to drive hyper-personalization, voice search optimization, and even more advanced automation, allowing brands to connect with audiences in ways never before possible. Everyone should start leveraging AI now. Many businesses struggle with adopting digital tools. What are some key strategies you recommend for organizations looking to scale digitally? Start with a Clear Digital Strategy – Many businesses dive into digital marketing without a roadmap. Define your objectives, audience, and key performance indicators. Leverage Automation – Automating tasks like email marketing, lead generation, and customer support saves time and improves efficiency. Invest in Training – Digital tools evolve quickly. Businesses must invest in ongoing training for their teams. I highly recommend my training, BOSMM. Prioritize Content and SEO – Invest in high-quality content and a strong SEO strategy to ensure visibility and organic growth. Leverage Data Analytics – Data-driven decisions will always yield better results. Businesses must analyze their performance regularly to refine their strategies. Any serious business should leverage these five strategies. You’ve helped businesses generate millions in revenue through content marketing and sales funnel strategies. Can you share a success story that highlights this impact? One of my most memorable success stories is working with a coach who needed to stop trading time for money. If she didn’t show up, she didn’t earn. So I helped her create a coaching program to monetize her expertise. She had a wealth of knowledge but lacked a clear strategy to attract and convert her audience. Through my guidance, we developed a compelling content marketing strategy, optimized her sales funnel, and launched a high-ticket coaching program. Within three months, she had over 50 students for a program priced at $889, scaling her business beyond what she thought was possible. This reaffirmed my belief in the power of strategic digital marketing and the tangible results I can deliver. What are the most common mistakes businesses make in social media marketing, and how can they be avoided? Inconsistent Posting – Many brands fail to show up consistently, which affects engagement. A well-structured content calendar can help maintain regularity. Lack of a Clear Strategy – Posting without a goal leads to wasted effort. Businesses should define clear objectives for their social media activities. Many people have no idea why they are online. Ignoring Analytics – Data does not lie. Brands that fail to analyze their performance miss out on optimization and scaling opportunities. Neglecting Engagement – Social media is about conversations, not just broadcasting. Responding to comments, DMs, and engaging with followers builds trust. Listen to your audience, give them what they want, and they will take care of you. Over-Promotion Without Value – Some brands only show up to sell. Constantly selling without offering valuable content turns people away. A balance between education, entertainment, and promotion is key. Through your Business of Social Media Marketing Training, you’ve empowered over 500 professionals. What key skills do you believe are essential for digital marketing success today? Data Analytics – Making data-driven decisions to optimize marketing efforts. Personal Branding & Positioning – Establishing authority in a niche to attract ideal clients. Content Strategy & Creation – Knowing how to create compelling content that resonates with the audience. Sales Funnels & Email Marketing – Understanding how to nurture leads and convert them into paying customers. SEO & Paid Advertising – Mastering organic and paid strategies for visibility and growth. How do you ensure that your trainees stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape? I focus on three things: continuous learning, hands-on practice, and community. My training programs are updated regularly to reflect industry changes. I also provide my trainees with real-world projects and case studies, ensuring they gain practical experience. Lastly, I have created a thriving community where professionals can network, find employment opportunities, and stay ahead of industry trends. The Alumni Community is powerful. As a mentor and educator, what advice do you have for young Africans looking to build a career in digital marketing? Start where you are and stay consistent. The digital marketing space is vast, but you don’t have to know everything at once. Pick a niche, master it, and build from there. Invest in continuous learning, apply what you learn, and don’t be afraid to market yourself. Most importantly, leverage online communities and mentorship to accelerate your growth. Being featured on the Times Square Billboard and in major publications is a huge milestone. What does this recognition mean to you, and how has it influenced your work? It’s a testament to the impact of my work and a reminder that consistent effort pays off. This recognition has opened doors for partnerships, meaningful conversations, and collaborations that continue to amplify my mission. What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects, partnerships, or goals you’re particularly excited about? Definitely! I am working on my mentorship program to help more people launch and scale digital marketing agencies. Studying abroad for my Master’s has exposed me to a lot. My team and I are also working on digital outreaches for underserved communities through my NGO, which I’m excited to share with the world soon.
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Sections Secondary WBBJ-TV JACKSON, Tenn. – Kim Tedford will be retiring from her role as Regional Director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department on April 4, 2025. Shanna Wilbanks, current Regional Epidemiologist and Communicable and Environmental Disease Services Director with the Health Department, has been appointed as her replacement. Tedford’s career at the Health Department has spanned 32 years. During that time, she has held multiple roles, including public health nurse, nursing director and Emergency Response Medical Task Force leader. She assumed the role of Regional Director in 2015. Tedford was at the helm of the Health Department during the Covid-19 pandemic. She had the responsibility of overseeing the response and communicating every aspect of the disease’s progress and its impact on the community. Her leadership and poise during this time of crisis earned her widespread respect. In 2022 she was named Woman of the Year by the Jackson Rotary Club. “I am honored to have led this department over the past decade and grateful for the experiences I’ve had throughout my career,” Tedford said. “I am very proud of our employees and the work we have done to protect the health of this community. I will continue to be a devoted supporter of public health during retirement.” “Kim Tedford’s leadership has left a lasting impact on our community, especially during some of the most challenging times in public health. Her dedication and steady hand have ensured the well-being of so many in Madison County, and we are deeply grateful for her service,” said Madison County Mayor A. J. Massey. “We are also excited to welcome Shanna Wilbanks into this new role,” he added. “Her expertise and commitment to public health make her the perfect choice to lead the department into the future.” Shanna Wilbanks brings 22 years of diverse public health experience to her new role as Regional Director. As a former WIC nutritionist and health educator, she has worked directly with many members of the Madison County community to teach behaviors that promote good health and wellness. She has also served as Volunteer Coordinator for the Medical Reserve Corp — a national network of medical volunteers who support public health activities in times of emergency response and recovery — and played a pivotal role in Covid19 response. In her most recent position, Wilbanks leads a team responsible for tracking the spread of diseases and making sure our community is ready for disease emergencies. “I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as the next Regional Director and would like to thank Kim for her steady guidance and leadership,” Wilbanks said. “Our department has a strong foundation built on service and commitment to community health. I’m looking forward to building an even stronger future alongside a very talented team.” “I am confident the Health Department will be in great hands with Shanna,” Tedford said. “She exemplifies the ‘servant leader’ mindset, and will bring a unique skillset and deep passion for public health to further advance our mission of protecting and improving the health of our community.” For more Madison County news, click here.
