SPRINGFIELD, MO, April 10, 2026 – Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company recently celebrated service milestones for 15 employees at its Joplin branch.

“We are honored to celebrate these employees and their service to Ozarks Coca-Cola,” said Bruce Long, President/CEO. “Our success is built on the dedication, integrity, and talent of our people. I am deeply grateful to each employee who has invested their time, energy, and heart into this organization. Your years of service have shaped who we are today, and I thank you for your commitment to our customers and the Joplin community.”

25-year honoree: Travis Pendergraft
15-year honorees: Wesley Guest and Matt West
10-year honorees: Kimberly Gruver, Brandon Henning, Jason Hinkle, Clint Lightle, Tanner Neblett, Jeffrey Norris, Dennis Pace, and Rikki Ramirez
5-year honorees: Stephen Pajkos, Tyler Little, Michael Shea, and Blake Williams

About Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned bottler operating in Missouri for over 100 years. Founded by the Rice family in 1920, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products are manufactured in Springfield, with sales and distribution branches in Springfield, Bolivar, Joplin, Rolla, West Plains, and Northwest  Arkansas. The company distributes over 650 Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper products across Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma and employs more than 900 associates.