Founded in 1971 in Seattle's Pike Place Market, Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Spices, as it was originally called, "brews" its famous blends in more than 43 countries, including the United States. Now called Starbucks Coffee Company, the business is no longer just about coffee and tea. Starbucks has its own line of bottled water, craft drinks, fresh food, entertainment, merchandise, and a Starbucks card. The company has received numerous awards for its outstanding business practices. Fortune magazine ranked it as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2008 (Starbucks, 2008). The Starbucks Experience provides consumers and the general public with a direct line of corporate communication. From friendly baristas to CEO Howard Schultz's press releases, Starbucks keeps its "partners" informed. Starbucks' corporate communication structure is exceptional. Rather you are in their store purchasing a Caramel Frappuccino®, visiting their website or watching one of their commercials on television; as a consumer, the message is loud and clear. Pick up any newspaper and you'll likely find an article about the coffee giant. Starbucks is committed to its more than 172,000 partners (employees) and community. “We realize that our employees are the cornerstone of our success and we know that their ideas, commitment and connection with our customers are truly the essential elements of the Starbucks experience” (Starbucks, 2008). Visit Starbucks.com and enter a virtual world of delights. Consumers can "taste" over 30 coffee blends; find Starbucks coffee shop locations or learn about Starbucks Hear Music®, where customers can “burn personalized CDs, use listening stations to explore music recommendations, enjoy a handcrafted Starbucks® beverage, or browse the web via (a) T-Mobile Wi- Fi bar enabled” (Starbucks, 2008). Starbucks uses its website to communicate with its consumers about the company's mission, social responsibility, ethnicity and corporate compliance, diversity relations, and communications. press. Consumers can also read the latest “rumor responses” that Starbucks wants to clear up on misinformation about the company. With one "click" of a button you can purchase Starbucks products or check the balance on your Starbucks card: the Starbucks website has customers' needs in mind. Advertisements are the key to doing business and promoting a company's products or services to its consumer customers. Starbucks is no exception. The coffee giant is “out there”; from TV commercials to your own line of entertainment.