One hundred years ago, the territory size of a Coca-Cola Bottler was
determined by the delivery capacity of a mule. The bottling business has
changed drastically since that time, and The Coca-Cola Bottlers’
Association (CCBA) has driven innovation and supported Bottlers every
step of the way.
CCBA will mark its 100-year anniversary and recognize the pivotal role
of independent Bottlers in the Coca-Cola system with a special
celebration at the World of Coca-Cola on Aug. 19, 2013. Bart Gobeil,
Chief Operating Officer of the State of Georgia, will present a
commendation to the Association on behalf of Georgia Governor Nathan
Deal. This honor recognizes the unique impact that CCBA has made in
supporting the local communities in which its Members operate.
“Since the earliest days of Coca-Cola, our bottling partners have been
integral to the Coca-Cola system’s growth and success,” said Steve
Cahillane, Executive Vice President & President of Coca-Cola Americas.
“With the help of The Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association, our Coca-Cola
products are refreshing the world, inspiring moments of optimism and
happiness, more than 1.8 billion times per day.”
While the anniversary celebration of CCBA will take center stage, the
evening will also feature the announcement of three “Living Legends”
from the ranks of the Bottling Community. The distinction recognizes
outstanding contributions to the bottling system by strengthening CCBA,
improving the industry, fostering collaboration among Bottlers or
supporting strategic philanthropy. These unique awards were created as
part of CCBA’s Centennial celebration and recipients will be selected
from a list of 14 distinguished nominees. As the culmination of weeks of
voting, the announcement will add a sense of drama to the festivities.
CCBA has played a critical role not only within The Coca-Cola system but
in the industry for the past 100 years. From its early adoption of the
iconic contour bottle to the development of product liability
protection, the Association has been at the forefront of innovation in
the beverage industry. As product and packaging development accelerates,
the ingenuity and close partnership of Coca-Cola’s independent Bottlers
is more crucial than ever.
“Over the past century, The Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association has
continually developed and redefined the beverage business,” said John
Gould, Executive Director of CCBA. “Now, we eagerly renew our promise
for the next century: to enhance the business of our members, to unite
the system through new opportunities and challenges and to leave
communities better and happier than we found them.”
Thanks to its network of 69 independent Coca-Cola Bottlers operating
throughout the United States, CCBA has long been characterized by its
members’ local roots. The Bottlers of CCBA serve local customers, fuel
local economies and make a positive difference where they live and work.
Over the past decade alone, CCBA’s Foundation donated more than $30
million to a variety of local charities, including educational
institutions and youth organizations that encourage active, healthy
lifestyles.
“The Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association helps empower us as members to
leave a positive mark everywhere we do business,” said Claude Nielsen,
Chairman of the Board and CEO, Coca-Cola United, a CCBA member. “As a
local face of Coca-Cola, our Company is privileged to play an important
role in the communities in which we operate and contribute to the
success of the world’s most recognized brand.”
In further tribute to CCBA’s commitment to philanthropy and community,
the evening’s program will feature a performance by acclaimed violinist
and Coca-Cola Scholar Jourdan Urbach. The Atlanta Young Singers (AYS)
will also entertain guests with fun, Coke-themed songs. The AYS program
is a non-profit choral group that has provided musical training and
service opportunities to Atlanta youth since 1975. Today it offers five
different choirs with a total of more than 210 young artists, ranging
from age seven to 18.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage
company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still
brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, our Company's
portfolio features 16 billion-dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta,
Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply,
Georgia and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling
beverages, ready-to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through
the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than
200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of more than 1.8 billion
servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable
communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our
environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe,
inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic
development of the communities where we operate. Together with our
bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers
with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit
Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com,
follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CocaColaCo
or check out our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com.
About the Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association
The Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association has been serving Bottlers and
helping them thrive for 100 years. Today the Association’s membership
includes all 69 independent, American Bottlers of Coca-Cola, as well as
associate members in Bermuda and Puerto Rico. CCBA’s core mission is to
help build the long-term sustainable value of its Members by growing
their businesses and supporting their efforts to connect with their
communities. We are proud of the unique and special role we play in the
success of the world’s most recognized trademark and a Business System
that has meant so much to so many.
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