A Conversation with Rudy Salas, the New Senior Vice President, Franchise and Commercial Leadership

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SS EE SS RR RR V AA IIN EE G Y 0 B 0 0 OT 1 TL ER BottlingLine ERS FOR OV Issue No. 322 • Summer/Fall 2014

A conversation with Rudy Salas, the new Senior Vice President, Franchise and Commercial Leadership

2014 Schedule How can we grow our business? …is a question that Rudy Salas asks himself CCBA Annual every day. While he encourages each of us Meeting to do the same, he knows there is no single Aug 18-19 answer and that together, we are on a jour- System Planning ney to achieve this goal. Meeting Aug 20-21 Having worked with Coca-Cola across Latin Bottler Top to Top America, in both Bottling and Company posi- Aug 21 tions, Rudy expressed his genuine excitement Mr. Salas’s pride in representing by the opportunity to work with us. He under- CLC Meeting the Coca-Cola Company and our brands Aug 26-27 scored the importance of the U.S. to the Coca- is evident and contagious. Cola Company’s overall business health and Fall Board Meeting shared his desire to continue to learn and international company. At age 11, we moved Oct 1-3 understand the unique and evolving nature to New Jersey where I finished Middle School, of Coca-Cola’s business here. With a focus on High School and University. OPC Meeting developing capability system-wide, Mr. Salas Oct 14-15 My career with Coca-Cola began 25 years is seeking to balance priorities, governance, ago as an operations manager in Puerto Rico. segmentation, contingency planning and a CLC Meeting In 1991 I was able to take a role in our Compa- reconnection to high transactions. He exudes Oct 15-17 ny Owned Bottler in Argentina, as the head of a blend of System pride and constructive Key Customers and then as a Sales Manager. Mainstream Meeting discontent. Oct 21-22 After it was purchased by Coca-Cola FEMSA Some members have had the opportunity I was able to stay with them in a Commercial BMAG Meeting to meet Mr. Salas through local meetings, Director role until 1998. Nov 19-20 however it will take time before he has an During my time in Argentina, I had the privi- opportunity to get to know everyone. So… Risk/Financial lege to be part of the group of leaders that we decided to bring Rudy to you. Below is Management Forum shaped what we today call “modern com- an edited excerpt of questions that Mr. Salas Nov 19-21 mercial leadership”. Core processes such as answered for us during his conversation with Segmented Execution, Revenue Growth Man- “the Bottling Line.” We hope you’ll enjoy. Bottler Top to Top agement (RGM), Right Execution Daily (RED) Dec 2-3 Tell us a little bit about you, your family and and Incidence Pricing were then and are now CLC Meeting your background within the Coke System. fundamental to the business turnaround there for both the company and the Bottler. Dec 10-11 I am married with two daughters and three grandchildren. I was born in Puerto Rico and Having a career that included working on was fortunate to grow up in many countries both the Bottler and Company side of the in the Americas as my father worked for an business was intentional. I learned early on continued page 2 A Conversation with Rudy Salas (cont’d)

that we are co-dependent, life with one enables the other ing things from Latin America. In particular there are three and I needed to know how both sides worked. So as my things I’d like to import. career progressed I earned roles that provided me with a • The first has to do with the love for brand Coca-Cola. 360 degree perspective on the business, most recently as The best way to represent the sentiment is by quoting Vice President, Customer and Commercial Leadership for Jose Octavio “Pacho” Reyes (the former Group President Latin America. of the Company’s operations in Latin America) when he How would you describe your leadership style? said, “drink it, love it or leave.”

My leadership style is best described as networked in- • The second is the shared conviction to win: the unwaver- volved empowerment; it’s an evolution from managing by ing belief that there are no obstacles that can deny us walking around. success; that we have the smarts and the passion to overcome all challenges and win; thinking big because I believe in finding the best people, providing the right re- we want big growth; unselfishly working as a team that sources, making them accountable and challenging them for our aggregate betterment, above any individual to get the job done. I believe in the power of network orga- agenda. nizations collaborating towards a common goal. I believe in getting involved with the teams as the work is being • The third would be replicating the system profitability shaped and deployed, so I can learn and share experi- story. It will take hard work to grow the categories we ences along the way. I expect of myself to engage, develop choose to participate in, remain the leader and improve and inspire my team and the system to be their best. profitability but the opportunity to do so is real. If we decide it is to be our reality, we can make it so. What about your new job excites you the most? What is different about the Coke business in the US vs. This is an important time to be working with Franchise Latin America? leadership in the U.S... We are building the organization that will lead our 21st Century Beverage Partnership for all What I find powerful is that as a whole we share the con- Bottlers. We have the privilege of establishing the new the- viction that the franchise model is unbeatable when the ater of system strategic collaboration, staging our competi- System is aligned, the passion and winning attitude in all tive set in a national yet segmented deployment, raising System associates, the responsibility of being and behav- the bar in execution standards and building on the passion ing as the leader in beverages, the conviction to be part of all associates have for Coca-Cola. the fiber of the community, and the respect for our forefa- thers who built this business. I am excited to be part of the leadership who will design and deploy the capability of this great System and that will The main differences I’ve noticed are that price promotion take our largest market in the world to the stature of excel- is a highly used sales tool in the U.S. while value-add is lence it deserves. the go to in Latin America; sales are concentrated to few customers in the U.S. while in Latin America 80% of sales Looking ahead, what is your early read on our biggest are spread across millions of medium and small customers opportunities as a system today? and finally, Latin America bases execution on variables We must all have many reasons to believe that the Coca- like distribution, availability, look of success compliance, Cola System is uniquely positioned and very well poised to cold drink equipment penetration and points of connection capture sustainable growth across the entire non-alcoholic sell through vs. an emphasis against cases on display in beverage industry. I see opportunities in spending more the U.S. time in the market, improving in-store execution, growing What will be your initial priorities? Can you share your revenues from price realization and making things simpler thoughts on how these integrate with and benefit the so we can increase our speed and agility. independent bottling business community? What are some things you saw or did in Latin America My short term priority is to learn by building relationships that you’d like to see done here in the US? with our Bottlers, meeting the sales force, the store owners Over the years I have enjoyed the value of sharing experi- and “living the market”; decide what needs to change (and ences across the system. This includes scaling what works, what does not), and importantly, simplify the way we oper- taking calculated risks and sun-setting what does not work. ate and inspire people. We must learn from the good, bad and ugly. I’m looking forward to learning alongside our Bottlers here while shar- continued page 3 2 Congratulations to ODOM Corporation – 80 Years and Going Strong

In 1933, Milt Odom arrived in Alaska to sell pharmaceuticals. Being a bright young man and seeing opportunity all around him, Milt established The Odom Company in Ketchikan and opened for business in 1934, as Anchorage Cold Storage.

In 1937, Milt decided to take a gamble on the growing popularity of bottled refreshment and legend has it, paid $1 for the Coca-Cola franchise in Anchorage, AK. Coca-Cola and The Odom Company grew together, prospering over the years amid strategic acquisitions and sales, labor strikes and natural disasters.

Congratulations to Bill, John and Jim …and the extended Odom Company family on this very special anniversary!

An era ceased when Milt passed away in 1988. Over the following decade his sons, John, Jim and Bill carried forth his legacy. The Odom brothers stewarded their organization to command a leadership position, distributing top beverages in their markets. On behalf of our Members and the Coca-Cola System, CCBA congratulates the Odom family on this milestone.

A Conversation with Rudy Salas (cont’d)

By nature of my new role I will be looking for opportunities I find people are surprised that I am very easy to read. I to embed franchise leadership capability, while providing let people know what is on my mind and consistently work the System cohesive integrated execution plans. from a position of upfront straight talk.

While it’s still too early to affirm my priorities, there are Do you have a favorite quote…or...words to live by? a number of areas we need to focus on. I look forward to “Winning is a habit created by consistent behavior.” increasing collaboration and involvement with all our Bot- – Vince Lombardi tlers. For example, improving market execution, operation- al efficiency and productivity are key areas of focus. “Do not confuse success with activity or confuse achieve- ment with progress.”– John Wooden I echo our forefather’s edict that we must remain construc- tively discontent. I do. What’s your favorite (Coca-Cola) beverage?

Is there an interesting fact about you that most people I delight in the original taste of an ice cold Coca-Cola. I would be surprised to know? drink one every day – and often more than once a day! 3 Fly-In to Win… Coca-Cola Needs You!

The independent bottling industry can be traced to individuals, small Kirk Tyler, a second generation ABA board towns and strong relationships, not to mention our role in local econo- member affirmed the fly-in as one of the mies across the U.S. Nowhere is this role more significant than during the best avenues for ensuring that the “collec- American Beverage Association’s Spring “Annual Fly-In.” The signature tive voice of America” is heard. Kirk shared event, hosted by the ABA, offers a unique opportunity for members to a great example of how we can harness the speak directly and visit with elected officials and their staff. positive power of leveraging key connec- The “Fly-In” is an excellent forum to positively inform and influence deci- tions made at the Annual Fly-In. sions regarding potential regulation or legislation related to our industry. It “We all have offices, plants and /or sales enables our bottling community to illustrate, in person, the local impact of centers. By inviting local lawmakers to a bill or tax to your businesses and employees. A full two and a half days our facilities they have an opportunity to of meetings and receptions provide access and an optimal platform to bal- meet our employees, real people and their ance dialogue with the facts. constituents, who live and work within their The Coca-Cola Company office in Washington, DC, collaborates with ABA voting districts. This helps move beyond the to prepare an agenda that focuses on the top policy issues and maps Coca- media hype and understand the real lives Cola bottling participants with their respective legislative representative. of the citizens they represent. As business ABA’s Officers and Board of Directors includes an impressive cross-section owners and leaders, we all wrestle with of the beverage industry, with the Coca-Cola System well represented. demands on our time, and question whether Claude Nielsen currently serves as an ABA Board Officer with CCBA we can afford to ‘take time’ away from the members, Kirk Tyler, Larry Lordi, Frank Harrison, Jack Pelo and Sally Har- business. The Annual Fly-In is not only time gis serving on ABA’s Board of Directors. The board also includes Company well spent, but time we can’t afford NOT to business associates Katie Bayne, Sandy Douglas and Seth Goldman (Hon- take, especially when we consider the long est Tea.) term impact of a tax or a restrictive policy on our business.” Please consider attending and participating in the 2015 ABA “Fly-In” next Spring.

E.P. Severns accepts Indiana’s highest honor for distinguished service

While no surprise to us, on July 1st, at his Rotary Club meeting, our very own E.P. Severns, President of Coca-Cola Bottling of Kokomo was surprised with a Sagamore of the Wabash Award. This award is the highest honor Indiana’s governor can bestow and reserved for those who provide distinguished service to the state or the governor.

Born and raised in Kokomo, E.P. began working at his family’s Coca-Cola franchise in 1947, at the age of 17 and in 1959, became president of the company.

E.P. has been inducted into the Beverage World Hall of Fame as E.P. accepted the Saga- well as their Hall of Legends, not to mention, the Kokomo-Howard more of the Wabash County Sports Hall of Fame — in recognition of Kokomo Coca award from Indiana State Cola’s support of youth sports — and the Howard County Hall of Representative, Mike Legends. Karickhoff. Also pictured are County Commissioner, E.P., we know your extended Coca-Cola family joins us in Paul Wyman and Kokomo congratulating you on this well-deserved honor and distinction! Mayor, Greg Goodnight. 4 Continuing the Journey Towards a 21st Century Beverage Partnership Model

Our system continues to evolve as we see continued progress in The Coca-Cola Company refranchising and the journey towards a 21st Century Beverage Partnership Model. Four of our Member Bottlers have completed all or part of their transactions announced in April 2013 to expand their territories. Focus now is on effectively transition- ing the acquired territories into each Bottlers’ operations and closing the remaining transactions. Each transition is being handled with great care and diligence and the learnings are expected to facilitate more successful and rapid future expansions. TRANSACTIONS CLOSED

• Coca-Cola Bottling High Country assumed its new, expanded territories on December 31, 2013. This increased High Country’s presence in Wyoming and Montana supplementing its existing operations in Wyoming as well as South Dakota, Northern Colorado and Northeastern Utah. • Coca-Cola Bottling Company United is completing its transactions in phases. Two of several transactions with The Coca-Cola Company have closed: one in the Oxford-Anniston market on March 29, and the other with Scottsboro Coca-Cola in Scottsboro, AL, on May 27th. These transactions, as well as the agreements still pending, will ultimately expand Coca-Cola Bottling Company United’s presence across Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and the Florida panhandle. • On May 28th, Swire Coca-Cola USA assumed its new franchise territories in the Denver and Colorado Springs markets. These markets border Swire’s existing territories and increase its franchise population served from 6.2 million to 10.7 million. • And finally, also in MayCoca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated assumed a portion of its new territories in Morristown and Johnson City, TN. This transaction signified the first phase of Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consoli- dated‘s proposed franchise territory expansion that includes markets in parts of Tennessee and Kentucky. Further transaction closings are expected in the months ahead.

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS PENDING • Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works, Inc. continues its work towards definitive agreements and eventual closure on its refranchising transaction. Since Corinth’s expansion is a multi-party transaction involving both The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Consolidated, the unique attributes of their transaction require additional time and staging to complete.

• And as previously reported, The Coca-Cola Company has signed Letters of Intent with two new potential entrants to the US Bottling System: J. Christopher and M. Jude Reyes of Reyes Holdings, L.L.C. for distribution rights in greater Chicago and Troy Taylor for Central Florida, including Tampa/St Petersburg. Definitive agreements are expected by year-end.

Congratulations to our Association Members participating in this process. We look forward to sharing more news as the balance of these transactions are completed and transitioned. 5 Best Practices Flow Freely “Under the Trees”

In 1903, few envisioned that a fishing club started on Lake Waukomis, about 5 miles outside of Corinth, Mississippi would become the site of a Southeastern Coca-Cola Bottler’s business conference with legendary status. Like so many System tradi- tions….this is not only a story to share, but an example of best practices in action by Bottlers who continue to evolve with and build their business. Lake Waukomis is a Chickasaw Indian name that is synonymous with “free flowing spring.” It turns out this name could not be more appropriate, as “the Waukomis meeting” has become a special one, where ideas flow.

It all started in 1968, when television advertising was becoming popular but only large markets were transmitter Cities. Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works, as well as many other Coca-Cola Bottlers at the time, did not participate in this advertising. So the Company put together “Advertising Co-ops” wherein all Bottlers would participate in the cost of TV advertising in pro- portion to the benefit they received. That’s when a group of bottlers from “Marketing Area 57,” got together in Memphis, TN to discuss how they would share in the cost of local TV advertising. Bottlers from Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Alabama—both large and small—took part in that first gathering.

At the end of the meeting, everyone agreed they should make it an annual event. When a volunteer was sought to host the meeting the following year, Sandy Williams hesitantly raised his hand. Every year since, this annual meeting has been graciously hosted by the Williams brothers, the third generation of their family to lead Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works.

The original meetings were attended by Bottlers in the immediate vicinity where they exchanged ideas and shared challenges. It always took place on Thursday, with an agenda and a menu that’s become another anticipated part of this get-together. The meeting became so popular that The Coca-Cola Com- pany had to find a way to get involved! They did this by hosting an additional session on Wednesday afternoon and the Williams added an annual party for that night. The party is hosted by Kenneth Williams, graciously inviting everyone to his Lake house on nearby Pickwick Lake.

When weather permits, everyone attending the meeting gathers in a circle under a canopy of pine and oak trees and shares a report on their business. Sandy Williams noted that he wasn’t sure which year they first sat out under the trees, stating, “We didn’t do it thinking we would be creating any sort of tradition. It was more a matter of necessity—too many people in too small a place to sit inside—so we moved outside.”

While much has changed over the last 46 years, Sandy credits a core group of Bottlers in their region, “who along with their families and a great staff, are completely dedicated to the Coca-Cola business. And because of that, this meeting has always been worthwhile . . . not only to exchange “best practices”, but to continue to see old friends.”

This meeting continues to attract a growing number of participants and representatives from many bottling ownerships, including CCR, Consolidated, United and Northern New England, as well as most of the original core bottlers—Corinth, Starkville (Clark) and Meridian, MS., and Huntsville, AL—along with folks from several other Southeastern region Bottlers, The Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association and the Company.

Each year, this unique setting offers a forum that facilitates understanding and discussion of ways to optimize our business and the realities of a 21st century bottler. It’s about charting a path to a better future, in spite of today’s challenges. It also underscores our interdepen- dence with each other and with The Coca-Cola Company.

6 Coca-Cola of Alaska Provides the “Go-To” Refreshments for Second Oldest Footrace in America

According to folklore, the tradition of the Mount Marathon Race® began sometime before 1915, when two sourdoughs (an Alaskan term for a longtime resident) argued about the possibility of climbing and descending the mountain in less than an hour. The argument led to a friendly wager that would be settled by holding a race, with the loser to furnish drinks for the crowd. They also proposed the race take place on a holiday – and why not the 4th of July? Well, the optimistic sourdough lost his bet, as the first winning racer took one hour and twenty minutes to complete his run up the mountain and back down again. Of course, the port town of Seward had a steady stream of arriving ships with fresh challengers who thought they could win the race. Many believe that is how the race, believed to be the second oldest Sharing samples of Coca-Cola products footrace in America, evolved. with the crowd at the parade Official records document 1915 as the date when the Mount Marathon Race® began as an organized run. Since then, the event has become a regular part of the Independence Day celebration in Seward. The foot race is a climb– a mile and a half up Mt. Marathon , at 3022 feet above sea level and a descent, a mile and a half down, complete with cliffs, scree (rock) fields, waterfalls, and a spectacular view. The race is a rugged 3.1 miles and in spite of its challenges, attracts a diverse range of participants including teens, seniors and Olympic athletes. Coca-Cola of Alaska has sponsored the race for the last 5 years with funding and product at the finish line and top of the mountain and TEAM ODOM ready to activate Mt. Marathon shares samples with the crowd during the parade. Regardless of the day of the week it falls on, the event always takes place in Seward, AK on the 4th of July. And…if you happen to be a runner looking for a new challenge, the website for the race is: http://mmr.seward.com/

Coca-Cola United’s Chattanooga Bottling Company Celebrates 115 Years & Breaks Ground for Innovative New Facility

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United’s Chattanooga division broke ground on July 21st to build a new, state-of-the-art distribution and sales facility at an abandoned, vacant industrial site off W. Shepard Road, in Chattanooga. The ceremony marked the company’s 115th anniversary of doing business in Chattanooga – the same day it launched the very first Coca-Cola bottling operation in the world.

Local leaders emphasized the revitalization The new facility will handle sales, order and new life the facility will offer to the sur- generation, truck loading and distribution, in rounding communities and added that addition to its current location on Amnicola this location wasn’t the easiest or most highway. This construction represents economical option for Coke to choose. an investment of 62 million dollars as Coke United’s expressed their confi- well as the retention of 270 jobs, that dence in the city’s continued growth otherwise, would have been moved and in a relationship that started elsewhere. Chattanooga Coca-Cola in 1899. “It only seems historically also expects to add 43 new jobs at the appropriate, historically right and new location. The facility is scheduled frankly commercially right for us to to open January 2016. re-invest in this community,” said Claude Nielsen, Coca-Cola United’s CEO. 7 Sustainability in Action

Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated is educating and reinforcing sustainable consumer behavior through its “Recycle and Win” program. “Recycle and Win” promotes awareness of good recycling practices by rewarding consumers for recycling correctly. Originally introduced in 2011, the program has increased recycling rates wherever it’s been implemented.

Through partnering with select cities, counties and customers across its territories, CCBCC offers residents an opportunity to win gift certificates for groceries, if “caught” recycling the right way. Retail partners include BI-LO, Harris Teeter, Ingles, Kroger and Piggly Wiggly. Not only is this program easy to understand and execute, it’s also good for our planet! The program has been implemented in more than 40 communities, from small towns to Lauren Steele, Senior VP – Corporate Affairs, big cities like Charlotte, Raleigh and Nashville. CCBCC and Mayor Theresa Tomlinson Recycle and Win is expected to expand to additional cities and towns across of Columbus, GA share a “sustainable photo-op.” Coke Consolidated’s geography.

The official Recycle & Win Patrol team visits neighborhoods to catch (correct) recycling in action

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Hosts Local Educators

In late June, a group of approximately 200 math and science teachers were given exclusive access inside a Coca- Cola bottling plant, the Snyder Production Center in Charlotte, N.C., for a special tour as part of a program called “Lessons from the Real World”. The program has received excellent media coverage with the Coca-Cola plant tour adding informative and fun elements!

“Lessons from the Real World” illustrates and helps the participating educators develop their students’ understanding of how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) can be used in real life. The program’s objective is to share and show educators roles and real jobs where STEM skills actually come into play, and are applied, beyond the traditional paper and pen. Bob Bedell, CCBCC Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, expressed his endorsement of the program, sharing how it “empowers teachers to get a better understanding of what’s going on in the business environment.” Bob then stated how this experience offers benefits and a practical answer to the often heard question …”why do I need to learn this -- where am I ever gonna use it?”

8 Living Positively in Action: Expanding a Fitness Tradition in Corinth

Regional Health Center, helps put the icing on the cake, while providing complementary activities and educational materials that support healthy lifestyles.

Kenneth Williams founded the race in 1982, creating an annual tradition that has encouraged and rewarded physical fitness in the Corinth community for over three decades. Parents in those early years encouraged their kids to participate in the local ‘rite of passage’ known as Coke 10k. Now, those same kids are adults leading their own children in this annual event. It’s common to see three generations of families participating.

An extension of the racing event is the Coke 10k Kids Get Fit Initiative. This On Saturday, May 3rd of this year, the Corinth Coca-Cola unique initiative provides classroom Classic 10K Race took place in Corinth, MS. What makes leadership and curriculum for 4th grade this unique is that this was the 33rd consecutive year that students across the Corinth and Alcorn this event has been held. It’s a labor of love put on by the School Districts. As the Corinth team loyal employees of Corinth Coke, when the first race drew began planning this program, they discovered an exist- 160 runners. This year, like last year, the race maxed out at ing initiative sponsored by Road Runners Club of America 1500 runners, demonstrating its amazing popularity. Run- (RRCA) that coincided with their ideas in serving the needs ning Times, one of the sport’s leading magazines, designat- of Corinth’s local youth. RRCA’s program is called “Kids ed it as “One of the 100 Great Short Races” in the U.S. Run America” and was implemented in response to the Corinth’s Coke growing national concern for the health status of children 10K offers a across the country. The RRCA program is designed to fitness experi- meet the physical activity goals outlined by the USDA ence that can for children from kindergarten through sixth grade. Kids be shared and Run America creates materials to help establish fitness used through- programs that can be implemented through a physical out the year. education or classroom From daily wellness curriculum, “Koach Ken- in a variety of settings neth Williams” (regular school/after- Twitter tips, (twitter.com/marathonkoach), to its ‘Kids Get school or community Fit’ Initiative, the race has evolved into a proactive com- based.) munity health juggernaut. This year’s event celebrated the achievements of a few of its most outstanding participants, ordinary runners who have done extraordinary things, Kids Run America by designating them as Coke 10k Gold Standard Bearers. team can make it These are runners that have made the biggest contribu- easy to establish tions to fitness. a fitness tradition in your market or The entire community contact the “Koach” joins Corinth Coke and to learn more. adds greatly to the tradition of the Coke 10k. Corinth Coke’s partner in Coke 10k, Magnolia 9 A Bittersweet Farewell to Farmington Coca-Cola and Mr. Jim Sweet!

For the last 34 years, Farmington Coca-Cola Bottling & Distribu- tion Company was rarely mentioned without including Jim Sweet. While Farmington finalized its acquisition by The Coca-Cola Company in February, we were challenged to develop this article without also sharing a little about the rich history of this franchise of 92 years. Tucked away in the beautiful state of Maine, Farmington Coca-Cola Bottling & Distribution Company was established after Cassius Clark acquired bottling franchise rights in 1922. Like most of our independent bottling community, the family line of management was strong. Mr. Clark led the franchise for many years before invit- Farmington Coca-Cola Bottling & ing his son and daughter to help him run the business. Mr. Clark’s Distribution Company in Farmington, Maine daughter, Frances married Ken Trask and ultimately bought out her brother to become sole owner. Frances, like her father, also shared the business with her children, Alan, Paul and Barbara. Alan joined the Company in 1970 and brother Paul in 1974. Dur- ing this period, their sister Barbara married a gentleman named Jim Sweet, who managed a radio station in Portland. Jim was building a successful career in broadcast and was regularly offered opportunities and promotions by his Company’s management. Those opportunities always included relocating to different cities across the country….a tough choice when you love where you live and have strong family ties. Then another, new opportunity beckoned to Jim with a strong call. That call was answered when Jim joined Farmington Coca-Cola on New Year’s Day in 1980….and never looked back! He started in sales and delivery and over the years has worked in every role that one can imagine necessary to a local bottling and distribution facility. Over time the business evolved with consistent stewardship from Jim, with his tight team of 19 employees including his daughter Jennifer who continues to work for the CCR team in Farmington. As CCBA talked with Jim to congratulate him, he thanked his brother-in-law, Allan Trask, Farmington’s owner and President and expressed his loyalty and admiration for our System and fellow Bottlers. He is quick to share thanks to colleagues at Coca-Cola Northern New England, operating in adjacent territories and collaborating on the business for many years. Jim also complimented the Coca-Cola Refreshments team, who he worked with to facilitate a seamless transition and integration and praises the CCR transition manager Mike Clift. Congratulations Jim on 34 meaningful years with the Coca-Cola System! A Changing of the Guard at ‘Fort Smith’

After 38 years of service, Bob Meek retired earlier this year from The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Fort Smith, passing the torch to his nephew, Robert R. Hunter. Rob joins the business as General Partner, working with his cousin, Roger Meek. The Meek family has owned and operated CCBC of Fort Smith for 111 years!

Rob and Roger are both fourth generation and part of our extended Coca-Coca family of Bottlers.

Congratulations Bob — on a job well done. We wish you the best And... WELCOME Rob to your extended Bottling family. It’s now official! 10 In Memoriam The Coca-Cola family lost a longtime friend and leader in May. We know you join us in sharing condolences with his family.

E.T. Summers This obituary is an edited reprint from The San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio, TX

E.T. Summers, Jr. went home to be with the Lord and united with his wife, parents, and many friends on May 13, 2014. He was the oldest child born on July 2, 1918 in New Orleans, Louisiana to E.T. Summers, Sr. and his wife, Albertine Summers. In 1926 his family moved to Cuero, Texas, where E.T. grew up. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1939, he returned home to join the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Cuero, Texas and the family business. He also married the love of his life and “soul mate” Lou Cretia Morris on July 8, 1941. Not long after that, E.T. was deployed to Europe as a Captain in the U.S. Army, and after serving, returned to Cuero to make his home. E.T. and Lou Cretia were married 63 years prior to her death in 2005. The couple was blessed with three children who survive him: Linda Summers Wagner and husband, Ed Wagner of Port Lavaca, Toby Summers and wife, Lana of San Antonio, and John M. Summers and wife, Nancy of Meridian, Mississippi. He is also survived by a sister, Elmire S. Cash of Victoria, Texas, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Over his lifetime, in addition to bottling Coca-Cola, E.T. served in the U.S. Army during World War II, went to Harvard Business School and served as Chairman of the Board of Trust Texas Bank (formerly Cuero Federal Savings & Loan Association.).

E.T. served and was recognized by his local community for Distinguished Service. He also served as President of the Texas Soft Drink Association, Board Member of the National Soft Drink Associa- tion, and Board Member of the Atlanta based, Coca-Cola Bottlers Association.

Coca-Cola was indeed, in the Summers family blood with sons Toby serving as President of Coca-Cola Bottling Company of The Southwest from 1988-1998 and John as its Vice-President from 1989-1998. John is also currently General Manager for Meridian and Union City Coca-Cola Bottling Companies.

E.T. was affectionately known by various terms of endearment such as Pops or Pappa by his family and as E.T. or “Satch” by his friends. The greatest legacy he leaves his family is his opti- mism, love, trust, and faith in God. “Pops” never failed to publicly express his love for God, Family, Coca-Cola, Trust Texas Bank, or his beloved hometown of Cuero, Texas.

E.T. considered himself blessed beyond measure and was humbled by his many blessings.

11 Protect Your Bottom Line

2014 Annual Loss Control Forum 2014 Spring Financial Management Highlights Forum In our last issue of the Bottling Line we highlighted a key Understanding the many influences on our economy and benefit of participation in CCBA’s Property and Casualty how market volatility, supply chain, healthcare and the Program. As Bottlers and Distributors of Coca-Cola, we can consumer beverage landscape will impact the business is find ourselves in the “eye of the storm” when it comes to risk essential to our individual and collective success. management. Understanding your risks and having a plan that optimizes safety and minimizes loss is a formula for success that can be easily overlooked….until an accident or some other unfortunate incident occurs.

It’s easier than you think to take advantage of this formula for success. It starts with CCBA’s Property & Casualty Program!

In addition to a complete library of safety, training and loss control materials, participation in your Association’s Captive program includes an opportunity to attend its Annual Loss Control Forum. This year’s Forum was held on May 7-8th, in Chattanooga, TN with participation by both our member bottling community and beer distributors who participate in the Association’s property and casualty program. The forum This year’s Financial Management Forum, held in Santa is where members can share experiences and learn about new Fe, featured an informative agenda focusing on subjects best practices in step with today’s workforce and business relevant to all Coca-Cola Bottlers. The meeting started environment. The depth of the information presented and with an update from the ABA focusing on current access to subject matter experts, specializing in the unique political issues impacting our entire beverage industry, needs of our business make this annual event an exceptional followed by a discussion on the economy from Wells value. The strong ROI relationship of an organization’s Fargo. We ended the first day with a robust discussion investment in safety training is the cornerstone of this on a subject challenging all companies – HEALTH CARE program. The agenda included tough subjects, such as how LEGISLATION! The following two days featured expert to deal with an active shooter and emergency evacuation perspectives on the importance of the supply chain training, to the influence of standards on pallet wrapping, in today’s beverage market, business updates on key equipment use and managing and implementing OSHA Coca-Cola Company initiatives, and an enlightening regulations. look at the importance of managing your company’s If you haven’t explored risk exposure on employment practice and fiduciary participation in this claims. Industry expert, John Faucher, also offered an program that is designed interesting perspective on our industry from an analyst’s and structured spe- point-of-view. cifically for Coca-Cola The Financial Management Forum is open to all Bottlers and beverage Bottlers and provides an excellent opportunity to distributors with your collaborate with fellow members, industry col- unique protection needs leagues and experts. The session is designed to pro- in mind, it’s time to contact your Association. For more vide insight and access that supports your financial information, contact Charles Norton at 678-539-2304 and business planning. ([email protected]) or Ann Burton at 678-539-2302 ([email protected])

3282 Northside Parkway, Suite 200 | Atlanta, GA 30327 All rights reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form without permission. If you have stories or information about your Bottling organization or employees that you want to include in our next edition of the Bottling Line, contact Linda Peluso at the Association at 678-539-2309. 12