Orange-based coffee company delivers coffee to air traffic controllers amid shutdown

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WWLP) – Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee Company delivered fresh-roasted coffee to air traffic controllers at Bradley International Airport on Friday as a gesture of appreciation and solidarity during the ongoing government shutdown.

The Orange-based coffee company, known for its commitment to social responsibility, said the effort is part of its mission to “use business as a vehicle for positive change,” extending that philosophy beyond the global network of coffee farmers it partners with to those serving the public locally.

“We need to do something and coffee obviously helps people stay awake and alert and is warm and comforting,” said Beth Spong, CEO of Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee. “So we thought now is the time for us to do that again and let people know how much we appreciate that.”

“At Dean’s Beans, we believe in using business as a vehicle for positive change, from the coffee farmers we work with around the world to the people who keep us safe here at home,” the company said in a statement. “When shutdowns and uncertainty hit, we see it as our responsibility to show up with something simple but meaningful: a good cup of coffee and a reminder that they’re not forgotten.”

The company emphasized the essential role of air traffic controllers, who continue to ensure traveler safety despite the financial uncertainty caused by the shutdown. “We recognize the vital role air traffic controllers play in keeping travelers safe, including our own team when we visit coffee farmers around the world,” the company said.

To add a personal touch, Dean’s Beans created a custom logo with airplanes, thanking the workers for keeping the skies safe and traffic flowing. The gifts included chocolate-covered coffee beans and a variety of hats, aiming to bring some joy to the workers during this challenging time.

This isn’t the first time Dean’s Beans has stepped in to support government workers during a shutdown. The company previously made similar coffee deliveries to show appreciation for air traffic controllers working without pay under difficult circumstances.

Beth Spong highlighted the importance of the air traffic controllers’ work, stating, “Their job is critically important, planes would not be flying in this country if air traffic controllers were not at work– so we want to be at work supporting them.”

The coffee company provided 81 pounds of coffee and other items to support the workers who had not been paid for 17 days. Dean’s Beans hopes its contribution will provide some comfort and support to the air traffic control workers at Bradley International Airport as they continue to work under difficult circumstances.