Do not read this if you are trying to give up chocolate!! I’m not a bona fide chocoholic by any means.  In fact, I’m not one to seek out chocolate.  Don’t get me wrong, if it’s put in front of me, I don’t stand a chance, but I don’t crave chocolate or go out of my way to get it.  That is, until now…  Last night, I attended a networking event hosted by Taza Chocolate in Somerville, MA (www.tazachocolate.com).  The founder of Taza, Alex Whitmore has always been passionate about food and committed to social responsibility.  He and business partner, Larry Slotnick have a very clear mission and run their company in a way that is 100% consistent with this mission and their shared values, even when it takes more time and results in smaller profit margins.  They both left successful careers in unrelated industries to pursue their dream. 

Alex gave us a tour of his facility and explained the entire production process.  (You can learn the same thing by going on the web site, without the passion or Alex’s explanation and stories.)  What I learned last night totally changed my perspective on chocolate…  oh, great…another thing I have to wrestle with.  Thanks guys!   And, it inspired me because Alex and Larry are true values driven entrpreneurs, doing well, inspite of today’s economic realities!  Congratulations and good luck.  If you have defied my recommendation not to read this and have gotten this far, it will be worth your while to check out their site and find out where you can get Taza Chocolate in your neighborhood.  You won’t be sorry!  And now, I’ve got to go to the gym and work off last night’s ‘dinner’.