One hundred years ago, bottled Coca-Cola was delivered by mules. Industry practices have changed drastically since 1913, and The Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Association (CCBA) has driven innovation and supported bottlers like Macon Coca-Cola, a CCBA member, every step of the way. Macon Coca-Cola is one of 69 U.S. Independent Bottlers of Coca-Cola. CCBA has been an important part of the industry over the last 100 years. CCBA has made an impact on developing product liability protection, accelerating innovation, and so much more. This month CCBA celebrated its centennial anniversary at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta.
The celebration included honoring three "Living Legends" from the Bottling Community. Three winners were awarded among 14 nominees. One of the winners was Edwin C. “Cookie” Rice from our neighbors down in Springfield! The evening also featured performances by an acclaimed violinist and previous Coca-Cola Scholar, Jourdan Urbach, as well as the Atlanta Young Singers, a non-profit group that provides musical training to the youth of Atlanta. They sang "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke" to a room full of Coke people! It was a special moment.
Having the celebration at the World of Coke was really fun. The exhibit of the vault including the secret formula was open and we were able to explore this area. This had not been added the last time I was in Atlanta so I really enjoyed it.
There were also vintage Coke trucks outside the building which were really interesting.
This was such a fun celebration! Here's to 100 more years with CCBA!
