Natalie Arrowood, Author at Coca-Cola Consolidated

Coca-Cola Consolidated To Honor Military Members During Memorial Day Weekend at Coca-Cola 600

Natalie Arrowood2023-05-24T13:44:31-04:00May 23, 2023|Community Engagement, Company News|

This weekend, Coca-Cola Consolidated will join NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway to honor the Memorial Day holiday.  The Coca-Cola 600 is considered one of NASCAR’s “Crown Jewel” races, not only because it’s the longest race on NASCAR’s year-long schedule, but it’s also an event that revolves around honoring and remembering U.S. Military service men and women who gave their lives in active duty defending our country.

Coca-Cola Consolidated and our partners at The Coca-Cola Company have a longstanding history of honoring the service and sacrifice of our military members and their families.

On May 1, leaders from Coca-Cola Consolidated, The Coca-Cola Company, NASCAR and defending Coca-Cola 600 winner Denny Hamlin traveled to Washington, D.C. to honor the upcoming holiday by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 servicemen and women and their families from every major United States conflict since the American Revolution.

As part of NASCAR Salutes Together with Coca-Cola, NASCAR and Coca-Cola will host Gold Star Families during Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where a show car with fan messages will be on display. Another highlight for the weekend will include the traditional display of fallen service members featured on the windshields of 40 NASCAR Cup Series cars.

Volunteers from Coca-Cola Consolidated, NASCAR, Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Independence Fund renovated the home of Charlotte-area Army Veteran Kemp Harvey the week before the Coca-Cola 600. During a small reveal, Harvey received tickets to this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600, where he’ll be cheering on his favorite Coca-Cola family driver Joey Logano. He also received gift cards to Harris Teeter.

The Coca-Cola 600 will air on FOX this Sunday, May 28  starting at 6 p.m., with exclusive pre-race coverage and NASCAR Race Day starting at 5 p.m.

South Atlantic Canners, Inc. expanding Lee County, South Carolina operations

Natalie Arrowood2023-05-15T16:04:22-04:00May 15, 2023|Company News|

South Atlantic Canners, Inc. (South Atlantic Canners), a Coca-Cola production cooperative that includes several Coca-Cola distributors, plans to expand its Lee County operations. The $28.7 million investment will create 15 new jobs over the next five years.

“South Atlantic Canners’ expansion is yet another indication that companies are not only finding success in South Carolina but also recognize it as a place where they can continue to thrive for years to come. This expansion is a clear indication of their confidence in our state, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.” –Gov. Henry McMaster

Located in Bishopville, South Atlantic Canners plans to renovate its existing facility and add new, state-of-the-art equipment. South Atlantic Canners is managed by Coca-Cola Consolidated.

“This investment reinforces the commitment of Coca-Cola distributors to manufacture our products in Lee County and South Carolina. This investment will positively impact our ability to serve our team, customers and communities, and hopefully encourages future economic development in the region.” -South Atlantic Canners, Inc. Senior Plant Director Troy Santoscoy

The expansion is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2027. Initial hiring for new positions is underway; interested applicants should visit www.work4coke.com for more information.

Rain Barrel Workshop Aims to Increase Rainwater Collection in Columbus

Natalie Arrowood2023-04-10T11:03:12-04:00April 10, 2023|Sustainability|

More than 100 Columbus, Ohio residents participated in a first of its kind workshop to convert Coca-Cola syrup barrels to residential rain barrels.

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther joined Coca-Cola Consolidated, the City of Columbus, Keep Columbus Beautiful, The Coca-Cola Company and the Ohio Beverage Association at the rain barrel workshop on March 18.

“You all are helping us further our goals of making Columbus safer, healthier and greener and better positioned for the next generation,” said Mayor Anthony Ginther.

This pilot project highlights the sustainability practices of reusing rainwater in the Columbus community.

“As Columbus’s local Coca-Cola bottler, we embrace our responsibility to improve the communities where we live and work,” said Alexandria Gormley, Government Affairs Director, Coca-Cola Consolidated.

Coca-Cola Consolidated and Kroger to Close the Loop at the 2023 Kentucky Derby

Natalie Arrowood2023-04-10T10:40:38-04:00April 8, 2023|Sustainability|

For the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Kroger and Churchill Downs are teaming up to recycle bottles and cans from this year’s race.

Fans will have opportunities to recycle at Churchill Downs during this year’s races and Kroger’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste team will be on site with gift cards for those who are caught green handed recycling bottles and cans.

This partnership will help collect used bottles and cans to be remade into new packaging.

Cleaning up Nashville’s Waterways

Natalie Arrowood2023-04-10T08:57:52-04:00March 31, 2023|Sustainability|

Coca-Cola Consolidated partnered with Mill Creek Watershed Association and Osprey Initiative to remove litter in and around Nashville’s Antioch Park.

More than 30 volunteers, including Coke Consolidated teammates, joined the effort. Bottles collected from the cleanup will be recycled and remade into new bottles.

Water is the main ingredient in the beverages we bottle and we pledge to protect every drop. Coca-Cola Consolidated is protecting waterways, like those in Antioch Park, in communities served across its territory.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Renews Partnership with RBC Heritage

Natalie Arrowood2023-03-23T14:33:07-04:00March 28, 2023|Company News|

Coca-Cola Consolidated has signed a five-year extension as the official non-alcoholic beverage provider of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.

Coca-Cola products have been served at the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing since the PGA TOUR event debuted in 1969 at Harbour Town Golf Links, 55 years ago.

“We are proud to be associated with such an iconic brand who has a history of helping others. Coca-Cola Consolidated’s continued support for almost a half century is unprecedented and has quenched the thirst of our loyal spectators and sponsors,” said Steve Wilmot, President of the Heritage Classic Foundation.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Heritage Classic Foundation,” said Heather Hucks, VP of Consumer Connections. “Coca-Cola and RBC Heritage both have rich roots in the Lowcountry. For 55 years, we have been refreshing fans as the official non-alcoholic beverage provider at the only annual PGA TOUR event in South Carolina. We look forward to partnering with the tournament to positively impact the community through our sustainability efforts.”

Coca-Cola Consolidated developed a local program designed to help collect and recycle packaging from the tournament. Consolidated partnered with local organizations, like i2Recycle and Bluffton High School, to renew this recycled material into new packaging.

“The Heritage Classic Foundation’s partnership with Coca-Cola Consolidated continues to grow and positively affect the community. The tournament recycling programs we have implemented together have kept over 100,000 bottles and cans out of landfills,” said Wilmot.

The 55th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will take place April 10-16, 2023 over the famed Harbour Town Golf Links. Tournament tickets are on sale at www.rbcheritage.com.

Coca-Cola Consolidated has more than 1,300 teammates working at 7 facilities in the state, including a production center in Bishopville, SC, a cooperative managed by Coca-Cola Consolidated.

Coca-Cola Consolidated and the Washington Wizards Plant 25 Trees

Natalie Arrowood2023-04-10T10:44:16-04:00March 23, 2023|Sustainability|

Coca-Cola Consolidated, the District’s local Coca-Cola bottler, the Wizards and non-profit organization Casey Trees planted 25 trees, including multiple cherry blossoms, to celebrate the Wizards’ 25th anniversary since rebranding to the Wizards name.

The new cherry blossom trees were planted at the Royal Courts apartments located in Southeast, D.C. The tree planting was commemorated with a Wizards and Cherry Coke branded park bench made of 100% recycled Coca-Cola bottles. 

DJ Heat, Wizards Dancers, G Wiz and alumni Phil Chenier and Harvey Grant were all be on hand to celebrate the cherry blossom season and to commemorate the event. Members of the Ward 8 community, including residents of the Royal Courts Apartments, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony with Cherry Coke floats, Wizards giveaways, and more.

According to Casey Trees, tree planting helps with stormwater absorption, clean air and mitigating climate change and heat. For every $1 spent on trees, from planting to maintenance, there is a $2.23 return on investment. Each year, D.C. trees filter 44,274,580 cubic feet of water. This is equal to about 500 Olympic-size pools. In 2022 alone, Casey Trees planted over 5,000 trees throughout the District.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Launches Career Pipeline for Technical Schools

Natalie Arrowood2023-04-13T10:31:34-04:00March 14, 2023|Company News|

Apply Now

Coke Consolidated is funding apprenticeships at Central Piedmont Community College to spur interest in high-demand positions in manufacturing, equipment services and fleet maintenance at its Charlotte-area facilities.

Qualified applicants will receive financial support for career certificates in fields such as manufacturing/warehouse mechanics, equipment services technicians and diesel technicians, while gaining experience through part-time positions at Coke Consolidated.

The application process is open and will close on Friday, April 28. Click here for more information on the apprenticeship application process.

“These scholarships exemplify our commitment to empowering the next generation of diverse servant leaders,” said Dave Katz, President and Chief Operating Officer at Coke Consolidated. “We’re looking for talented candidates who want to grow their skillsets and their careers.”

“Coke Consolidated is dedicated to providing opportunities for new and existing teammates to continuously learn and grow,” said Brent Tollison, a Senior Vice President at Coke Consolidated and member of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Board of Trustees.

“We want to invest in people and to provide the resources and encouragement they need to achieve their goals,” he said. “These aren’t job opportunities. These are career opportunities.”

Coke Consolidated is committed to workforce development and economic opportunity in the communities it serves. Applicants selected for an apprenticeship will have ongoing training and leadership development opportunities, as part of their employment experience.

Central Piedmont’s credentialling programs are flexible and designed to meet the needs of students who also are working part-time. Coke Consolidated’s apprenticeship program targets the more than 65% of adults in the region who don’t have a bachelor’s degree.

“Central Piedmont is pleased and proud to partner with Coke Consolidated to offer students a pathway to invaluable work experience and rewarding, high-demand careers in manufacturing,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont President. “We are eager to open the program, and we thank Coke Consolidated for their support and collaboration.”

Coke Consolidated is working with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (CLT Alliance) to highlight opportunities in the manufacturing sector and to promote scholarships for interested applicants. Charlotte is home to more than 3,600 manufacturing companies, which together employ over 145,000 people. 7,500 new manufacturing jobs have been announced in the region since 2020, according to CLT Alliance.

“Manufacturing is integral in the Charlotte Region, and the industry and next generation of talent are poised to shape our future economy,” said CLT Alliance President and CEO Janet LaBar. “We applaud Coke Consolidated’s commitment to strengthening our workforce and believe collaborations like this will strengthen our pipeline, enrich our economy, and provide a pathway to opportunity for our region’s residents.”

Coca-Cola Consolidated currently has open positions in the Charlotte area, including many technical jobs. Learn more by visiting www.work4coke.com

Coca-Cola Consolidated Named Forbes Best Midsize Company for Second Year

Natalie Arrowood2023-02-21T16:13:36-05:00February 22, 2023|Company News|

Coca-Cola Consolidated, the nation’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, is honored to be named one of Forbes “Best Midsize Companies” for 2023. This marks the second year in a row that Coke Consolidated has been named to this list.

Forbes, which partnered with Statista to generate this year’s list, conducted outreach to 45,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees. Factors that survey respondents were asked to consider included workplace culture, virtual as well as on-site benefits, and efforts around diversity and inclusion.

The full list of recipients can be viewed on the  Forbes website.

Spreading Holiday “Joy” in the Carolinas

Natalie Arrowood2022-12-21T11:55:19-05:00December 21, 2022|Community Engagement|

Holiday cheer and the giving spirit were in effect for more than 350 deserving families during the 4th annual Joy to the Carolinas event held Tuesday, December 6 at Carowinds’ WinterFest.

Coca-Cola Consolidated partnered with the Carolina Panthers to provide a night of family activities along with giveaways of toys and essential items, such as food, winter clothing, and shoes.

Families started their night picking up winter gear and shoes from Samaritan’s Feet, with the Grinch making a special appearance. Children then walked to get photos with Santa before entering the park as holiday music played outside.

Josh Gelinas, vice president, communications of Coca-Cola Consolidated, said it was “uplifting” to see smiles across children’s faces as they celebrated the holiday season at Joy to the Carolinas.

“Serving is at the heart of our purpose at Coke Consolidated,” Gelinas said. “We just want to wish everyone across the Carolinas a peaceful and joyful holiday season.”

Artificial snow fell from the sky to wrap up a welcome show for guests, which included appearances from the TopCats, Sir Purr, PurrCussion drumline, and a group of more than a dozen Panthers players.

“Tonight, I had this moment of paying it forward and just being able to be blessed to be in this position to do what we do,” said Carolina Panthers owner Nicole Tepper. “You know, if it wasn’t for my husband – who supports me and every big idea I have, which just means the world – and having the Panthers, Coca-Cola Consolidated, everyone come together tonight; I really felt a moment of, ‘Wow, this is a blessing.'”

Guests wrapped up the night with Second Harvest Food Bank take-home meals, sponsored by Harris Teeter, before their final trip to Toyland, sponsored by The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation.

natalie

About Natalie Arrowood