WATERVILLE, ME, 11/29/2023 – Central Maine Growth Council and KV Connect are pleased to present their 2023 Emerging Leader of the Year Award to Churchill Elangwe-Preston, founder of Mbingo Mountain Coffee. The award was presented at Central Maine Growth Council’s Annual Meeting celebration, sponsored by Central Maine Motors, Kennebec Savings Bank, MaineGeneral Health, and Huhtamaki.
Churchill founded Mbingo Mountain Coffee in 2022 in Waterville with a focus on sustainably and ethically sourcing coffee beans from international farmers. Produced by smallholder coffee farmers in Columbia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda, Churchill has continued to utilize his personal experience as a coffee and cocoa farm owner to connect farmers to local communities.
“Churchill’s remarkable journey with Mbingo Mountain Coffee has had a significant and far-reaching impact on the local and international stage. His visionary approach to business not only bolsters Waterville’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem but also forges connections between Maine and coffee-growing regions across the globe. By fostering collaboration between farmers and local communities, he exemplifies the true power of entrepreneurship in effecting positive change,” says Central Maine Growth Council Development Coordinator and KV Connect Chair Sabrina Jandreau. “Over the past year, we have had the pleasure of working closely with Churchill, witnessing his leadership and commitment to ethical practices that serve as an inspiring example for young professionals everywhere. We are proud to honor him with the 2023 Emerging Leader of the Year Award. Churchill’s work is a testament to what can be achieved when passion, sustainability, and entrepreneurship converge, leaving a lasting legacy both locally and internationally.”
Sold locally at Holy Cannoli on Main Street in downtown Waterville and online via https://mbingomountaincoffee.com/, Mbingo Mountain Coffee leverages eight distinct flavors to quench your thirst. Mbingo Mountain Coffee is locally manufactured in Waterville.
“I am deeply honored to receive the 2023 Emerging Leader of the Year Award from the Central Maine Growth Council and KV Connect. Mbingo Mountain Coffee is not just a business for me; it’s a passion and a commitment to making a positive impact on both coffee farmers and the communities they are a part of,” articulates Elangwe-Preston. “Through our sustainable and ethical sourcing practices, we aim to create a bridge between the rich coffee-growing regions of Columbia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, and our local community in Waterville. Coffee has the power to connect people across borders, cultures, and backgrounds. It’s not just about the beans; it’s about the stories, the livelihoods, and the shared love for this incredible beverage. I truly believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for coffee farmers while delivering exceptional coffee experiences to our customers.”
Central Maine Growth Council thanks Churchill for his valuable contributions to the community and region and looks forward to future initiatives from 2023’s Emerging Leader of the Year.
About Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC):
Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust regional economy. Our belief is that the standard of living and quality of life of our citizens is best served by a vibrant, healthy economy. This is accomplished with a strong successful business community.
About Mbingo Mountain Coffee:
Founded in March of 2022, Mbingo Mountain Coffee is a Micro Roasting Coffee company based in Waterville, Maine. Founded by an African immigrant with a coffee and cocoa farming background. This successful electrical engineer wanted to do something that would connect his current community in the United States with his community and farming background, hence starting the roastery. At MMC, we are committed to providing the best quality and ethically sourced coffee, roasted to perfection.
Last modified: January 24, 2024
