What a great day in Montgomery, Alabama!

Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED had previously announced it would make a $35 Million capital investment in Montgomery, Alabama.   On Tuesday, May 10, associates, community members, and city and county officials gathered to celebrate a result of that investment … the official Grand Opening of Montgomery Coca-Cola’s new state-of-the-art, 855,000 square-foot facility located at 4919 Westport Boulevard in Montgomery, Alabama.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held outside in front of the modern new facility.  In the early hours of that morning, rain was encroaching on the Montgomery areas.  However, as the event hour approached, comfortable temperatures under sunny skies appeared. As guests arrived for the ceremony, the Carver High School Band played familiar Coca-Cola jingles.

After welcoming attendees, Allen Smoot, South Alabama Division Director for Coca-Cola UNITED, began with a moment of silent prayer recognizing and honoring veterans, military, and their families for their commitment, service, and sacrifice.  Ceremoniously, Carver High School Band then began the National Anthem while Carver’s ROTC raised our nation’s flag for the pledge of allegiance. Following group participation in reciting the pledge, John Sherman, CEO, Coca-Cola UNITED, expressed his gratitude for the excellent teamwork and diligence that made this day and the celebration possible.

Gathered in front of the facility were Montgomery Coca-Cola associates in their red commemorative “Grand Opening” T-shirts.  Pictured in front (l-r) are Allen Smoot, South Alabama Division Director, Matt Flurry, Sales Center Manager for Montgomery Coca-Cola, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, Claude Nielsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Coca-Cola UNITED, Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr., John H. Sherman, Chief Executive Office, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, and Bo Taylor, Vice President-Central Region, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED.

Following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, attendees were invited inside for the press event to include special recognitions and a brief presentation.

Allen Smoot introduced each speaker.  Among the guest speakers expressing their congratulations, gratitude and appreciation were Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr. and Montgomery Chamber Board Chairman A. Bruce Crawford, and Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr.

Recognizing the day, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange did “hereby proclaim May 10, 2016, as “Coca-Cola Day” in Montgomery, Alabama.  Pictured with the Mayor, from left to right, is Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr., and from Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED are John H. Sherman, Chief Executive Officer, and Claude B. Nielsen, Chairman of the Board.

The following statements, from the May 10th press release for the Grand Opening of Montgomery, are evidence of the strong relationships Montgomery Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola UNITED have in Montgomery, Alabama.

“What a great day this is for Montgomery Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola UNITED and for our entire community. We are certainly proud to count an organization of this caliber among our business partners,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. “This new cutting-edge facility and the jobs it represents speak volumes about the opportunities that exist in Montgomery. We’re grateful this company took advantage of those opportunities and had the vision to see that success happens when you do business here in the Capital of Dreams.”

“Today we take this opportunity to not only say congratulations but to also say thank you for the many contributions this company is making in the River Region,” said Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr. “We have a great corporate citizen in Montgomery Coca-Cola, and we look forward to working together for the benefit of our community.”

“By creating new jobs and investing in an advanced facility, Coca-Cola UNITED has made a significant contribution to the economic development of the River Region,” said Montgomery Chamber Board Chairman A. Bruce Crawford. “We are grateful for their commitment to the growth and prosperity of our community, and we are honored to join them in this celebration.”

The $35 Million investment provided for a modern, state-of-the-art facility for our associates; which includes: 42,000 square-foot administration space, 10,500 square-foot fleet maintenance area and a 100,000 square-foot Equipment Refurbishment Center to service over 32,000 vending machines, coolers and fountain units for 35 territories in 7 southeastern states across the Coca-Cola UNITED franchise.  Additionally, the investment results in further enabling the associates of Montgomery Coca-Cola to continue the excellent work they do day in and day out in the areas where they live, work, and serve.

With over 113 years in the Montgomery area, Montgomery Coca-Cola continues to attribute their enduring presence to their local business operating model, which includes creating and cultivating strong relationships in both business and in community.  Certainly, a facility of such design and capability should be celebrated. And it was, but most importantly, the many new and the enduring relationships between consumers, customers and communities of Montgomery with Montgomery Coca-Cola were celebrated.

In appreciation of their participation, Sgt. Walker, Carver High School Band Band Director, and the ROTC were each presented a donation to support the programs they provide.

Montgomery Coca-Cola is committed to a local initiative where businesses and schools partner, promote relationships and provide needed assistance for programs within the schools.  Each business is committed to one school.  For Montgomery Coca-Cola, it’s Catoma Elementary School.   To celebrate the privilege of their relationship and to support necessary programs, a check for $5,000 was presented to the very thankful, Ms. Mary Markham.

Here’s to strong relationships, great partnerships and a bright future in Montgomery, Alabama

“We couldn’t be more optimistic about the potential growth of Montgomery and all the markets we serve,” said Allen Smoot, South Alabama Division Director, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc. “Coca-Cola UNITED’s investment in this facility and expanded workforce is evidence of the support of our Montgomery team and the work we do every day.” Allen added, “We are proud to continue our long tradition of being a positive economic influence through employment, community engagement, and excellent customer service in the places where we serve, live and work.”

Yes, what a great day in Montgomery.

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