MS HR41

Recognizes Tim and Katara James for establishing Southern Aroma Coffee Roasters in Winona, the first specialty coffee roaster in Mississippi, after relocating from Georgia in 2008

The couple sources Arabica beans directly from farmer co-ops worldwide, including organic, Direct Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Fair Trade certified coffees

Southern Aroma won a state contract from the Mississippi Development Authority to provide coffee service to 11 Mississippi Welcome Centers, replacing a previous out-of-state company

The business serves as the only Mississippi company certified by major manufacturers for commercial brew equipment sales and service in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee

Commends the entrepreneurial spirit and investment in Mississippi by the James family, who started their business in their Georgia garage before moving to pursue the opportunity full-time