Granted, it's a small step from a manufacturing standpoint, but Starbucks is looking to do something big when it comes to putting Americans back to work. The company announced yesterday that it was introducing four new items manufactured in the U.S., as part of the Create Jobs for USA program.
With each purchase, Starbucks contributes a set amount to the program, which provides funds to support small businesses across the country. The program builds on the "Indivisible" theme, with the word appearing prominently on the collection, which includes:
- Indivisible Mug $9.95/$2 donated to charity
- Indivisible Coffee $14.95/$5 donated to charity
- Indivisible Wristband $5/$5 donated to charity
- Indivisible Tumbler $11.95/$2 donated to charity
"The Create Jobs for USA Fund is enabling Americans to unite in helping Americans get back to work, and the Indivisible collection provides several new ways for our customers to show their support," said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and CEO of Starbucks, in a statement.
![[Image: Create Jobs for USA]](/public/images/discussions/16076/create-jobs-still.jpg)
Starbucks will also offer for sale in its shops former Senator Bill Bradley's new book "We Can All Do Better." The book, which retails for $24.99, will be sold in Starbucks for $19.99. The publisher, Perseus Books Group, will make a $5 donation to the Create Jobs for USA Fund with each purchase.
One of the businesses helped by Starbucks was American Mug & Stein in East Liverpool, OH. According to Reuters, Starbucks' order for a 16-ounce ceramic mug made from materials sourced in the U.S. helped the company expand from 14 to 22 workers.
As the Reuters piece points out, American companies have sent many manufacturing jobs overseas. There are about 12 million current jobs in the sector, down from 20 million in 1980, based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor.