Do you remember the barista buddy program we created for the WBC in Atlanta? Well the idea is back for the 2011 regional barista competitions as well as the USBC in Houston.

If you're thinking about getting involved with barista competitions, think about helping as a barista buddy.

The idea is to provide all competing baristas with a buddy that will be there to support and assist, whether it be making a run to the closest market or helping to iron a table cloth, your help will be greatly appreciated.

We're currently working on creating "barista buddy" as an option on the volunteer registration page, but for now feel free to register to volunteer at your regional's page, which you can find at usbaristachampionship.org.

If you're interested in being a buddy you can also email BGA Chair Scott Lucey at scottlucey@gmail.com to discuss further and get connected to your chapter representative, or of course contact your chapter representative directly. Contact info can be found at baristaguildofamerica.net/contact.html

Here's a brief overview of the Buddy Code of Conduct and Expectations:

- Do Not answer any competition or score sheet questions, please direct those questions to an organizing member of the SCAA.

- Attend competitor's meeting taking place the Friday and Saturday mornings before competition.

- If you've made any commitments prior to the competition, please make it a point to communicate that information to an organizing SCAA/BGA member in your region.

- Be available during practice time slots for competitors.

- Always be available during the hours of competition.

- Be there for the announcement of the finalists and winners if possible.

Competitor's Code of Conduct

- Please be upfront with your Buddy about how much help you would like.

- Please do not expect your buddy to purchase anything for you without you reimbursing them.

- Please respect your buddies time.

We thank all who may be interested in helping, it's with your help that our coffee community is as great as it is.

This installment of Five Questions features Jessica Brooks, whose the Education & Training Specialist for Allegro Coffee Company in Denver, Colorado. She like long walks on the beach, listening to Gomez, and drinking good hard cider. She also wears glasses, but that's irrelevant. She competed in last year's USBC, and Here's her five questions. Enjoy, and if you live near her, buy her a cup of coffee the next time you see her.

1. Why are you a BGA member?
It makes me want to be more involved in the barista community both locally and on a larger level. There are so many baristas out there doing some really great things - they make me want to be better. That's really the whole point, right?

2. What's the best part of being in the coffee industry?
I am always learning something. Just when I think I know what I am tasting or talking about with some level of certainty, I learn something new that keeps me on my toes. It's really limitless.

3. What's your favorite cheese?
A nice sharp English farmhouse cheddar, served with some crusty bread and pickles.

4. If you could make coffee for anyone, who would it be and what and how would you make it?
I would make Bolivian Café Takesi brewed on a Technivorm or a vacuum pot. Delicious. I would make it for no one in particular, just anyone willing to try it. On second thought, anyone willing to try and maybe for Steve Martin if he brings his banjo.

5. Who's your favorite band or artist?
I am slightly obsessed with the band Gomez. Great live show and they don't take themselves too seriously.