Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company Announces Promotions

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SPRINGFIELD, MO, JAN. 13, 2025 – Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company announces the promotion of Jeff Addington and Michael Miner to senior leadership roles within the organization.

Jeff Addington has been appointed as the senior director of operations. He has spent 19 years with Ozarks Coca-Cola, beginning his career as a utility driver. Over the years, he has held various positions, including route manager, branch operations manager, and director of operations. With a total of 25 years of experience in route, delivery, and warehouse operations, Addington brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. He resides in Rogersville, Missouri, with his family.

Michael Miner has been named senior director of sales execution at Ozarks Coca-Cola. He has been with the company for eight years, during which he has held several positions, including director of sales execution, Walmart account executive, and Walmart key account manager. Prior to joining Ozarks Coca-Cola, Miner worked as the Walmart account executive for Coca-Cola’s North America Operating Unit. He and his family live in Farmington, Arkansas.

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 105 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 850 associates. More information about Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is available at www.cocacolaozarks.com.

Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company Welcomes New Leaders

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SPRINGFIELD, MO, NOV. 26, 2024 – Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company announces the appointment of Candice Chang, Wren Hall, and Jon Marshall to leadership roles within the organization.

Candice Chang has been named vice president of sales and serves on the executive leadership team. Chang has more than 15 years of experience in the consumer-packaged goods industry with consistent and exceptional experience in leadership, sales growth, expanding market presence and cultivating lasting customer relationships. Throughout her career, she has expertly navigated both startup environments and established market players, with a proven ability to forge long-lasting partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Chang previously served as the vice president of commercial marketing at Swire Coca-Cola, USA, and as the Sam’s Club team vice president for The Coca-Cola Company in Bentonville, Arkansas. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in management from the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Wren Hall has been appointed as the director of public affairs and communications. She brings 30 years of experience in public affairs, communications, and marketing to her new role. Previously, Hall was the director of community relations and development at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar and director of marketing at Baxter Health in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Southwest Baptist University.

Jon Marshall has joined the leadership team as the new director of manufacturing. With 22 years of experience in operations within the beverage industry, he previously served as the South Carolina plant director at Refresco, a global beverage solutions provider.

Additionally, he was one of four representatives from North America selected for LEAP, an international leadership development program.

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 and employs more than 800 associates. More information about Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is available at www.cocacolaozarks.com.

Matthew Howard Named District Sales Manager at Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company

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SPRINGFIELD, MO, NOV. 22, 2024 – Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company announces the appointment of Matthew Howard as the new District Sales Manager for the Bolivar district area.
Howard has been with Ozarks Coca-Cola for almost 25 years and has worked as a full service driver and most recently served as an account manager. He and his family reside in Bolivar.

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 and employs more than 800 associates. More information about Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is available at www.cocacolaozarks.com.

Clint Lightle named Regional Sales Manager at Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Wren Hall, Director of Public Affairs & Communications
417-865-9900 x213
whall@cocacolaozarks.com
cocacolaozarks.com

 

Clint Lightle named Regional Sales Manager at Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company

SPRINGFIELD, MO, OCT. 18, 2024 – Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company announces the appointment of Clint Lightle as the new Regional Sales Manager for the Bolivar and Joplin branches.
Lightle joined Ozarks Coca-Cola in 2015 and has worked as an Account Manager and District Sales Manager for the company. He and his family reside in Weaubleau.

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 and employs more than 800 associates. More information about Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is available at www.cocacolaozarks.com.

Ozarks Coca-Cola Board of Directors Elects Bruce Long as CEO

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Contact: Sally Hargis, Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Company
shargis@cocacolaozarks.com
417-865-9900 ext. 256

For Immediate Release

Ozarks Coca-Cola Board of Directors Elects Bruce Long as CEO

Springfield, Mo. (May 10, 2023) – The Board of Directors of Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Company has elected Bruce Long as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Long, who currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Edwin C. Rice, who has been elected CEO Emeritus. Elected to the Board of Directors in December of 2022, Long will officially be CEO and President of the company, the fifth to lead since the Company was founded in 1921.

Long graduated with a BS and MS in Education from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO. A dedicated employee of Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Company for more than two decades, he and his wife Sandra have one daughter, Sydney.

“Bruce’s career with us spans 23 years, and through that time he has been involved in almost every aspect of the company. He’s become an integral member of Ozarks Coca-Cola’s leadership team, and the commitment and invigoration he’s brought us has been inspiring,” said Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Company Chairwoman and Vice President Sally Hargis. “He’s served as our President and COO since 2015, and in that time his integrity, strategy, and leadership have been invaluable to the continued growth and success of our company.”

“The last 20 years have been some of our most celebrated and most successful,” said Edwin C. Rice. “In 2020, we celebrated 100 years as a family-owned business. In the decade before that, we expanded into Joplin, West Plains, and Northwest Arkansas. I am incredibly proud of the growth this company has achieved, and I have no doubt that this company’s future will be in great hands for years to come.”

“I am honored to assume the role of CEO and follow in the footsteps of Mr. Rice,” said Long. “We have an amazing group of people led by a passionate leadership team, and I look forward to continuing our tradition of outstanding service to the communities and associates who have been the foundation of the Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Company for over a century.”

Ozarks Coca-Cola 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, Rolla, Joplin, and West Plains, MO, and Northwest Arkansas. Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Company employs over 800 associates and serves more than 2.3 million consumers through local, regional, and national outlets. More information about Ozarks Coca-Cola Company is available at www.cocacolaozarks.com.

High School Seniors: Be a Coca-Cola Scholar!

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We’re giving $20,000 college scholarships to 150 change agents across the country.

Since its inception, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program has awarded more than 6,600 students with over $78 million total in scholarships. These eminent learners and leaders make up the ranks of Coke Scholars, with 150 graduating high school seniors selected to join their number each year. Think you have what it takes?

For over 30 years, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has annually selected candidates to become Coke Scholars based on three criteria:

  • Academic excellence
  • Extracurricular engagement
  • Proactive service

If you think you sufficiently embody these three core values, and you want your chance at a $20,000 scholarship to the college or university of your choice, then Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company encourages you to visit Cokeurl.com/Scholarships to check out the requirements to apply.

Being a Coca-Cola Scholar means more than just high praise and a scholarship check, though. As a Coca-Cola Scholar, you’ll be invited to participate in a leadership development curriculum specifically designed to educate young professionals like yourself. You’ll also be welcomed into the vibrant and ever-growing family of Coca-Cola Scholars alumni. They’ll be available as both mentors and examples of the ways that you, as a Coke Scholar, can refresh the world around you. Become a force for positive change in the future. Apply at Cokeurl.com/Apply2022 for your chance to join the 35th class of Coca-Cola Scholars.

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper

Celebrating Continued Growth

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Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is pleased to announce that our new warehouse and production line in Springfield, MO is officially in operation!

To celebrate this occasion, we held a ceremony on May 15, 2021, dedicating the new facility and recognizing the efforts of those who have made our growth possible. Our senior leadership led the ceremony and officially marked the opening of the new facility with a ribbon-cutting. All of our Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company family was invited to attend, as well as other distinguished guests and members of the media. During this ceremony, we honored the multitude of team members who have helped bring us to where we are today, and who will help propel us into our future.

Located at the headwaters of the Jordan Creek, our new 432,000-square-foot facility uses a conveyor to move goods from the adjacent production center directly into the new warehouse. The new production line also includes a plastic bottle blow mold, which will significantly reduce future manufacturing costs. This will greatly increase the capacity of our operations in the Springfield area, enabling us to better serve our community in the future.

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company has grown immensely throughout our history, and we owe a great deal of thanks to the communities of the Ozarks. It is your support that has brought us the success we celebrated at this ceremony. We look forward to serving you in the future, and to continued growth throughout Southwest Missouri.

A Century of Family

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Since 1920, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company has been proud to provide refreshment to the communities of the Ozarks. From our humble beginnings with the Rice family’s purchase of Electric Bottling Company/Farmer’s Beverages in Springfield, we now operate five additional facilities throughout the Midwest. We produce and distribute over 650 products, including Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper brand products, BODYARMOR, and Monster Energy. Throughout our history, we have been a family-owned business committed to embodying the spirit of customer service and to strengthening the community around us that has propelled us to such success.

Our operation began on West Phelps in downtown Springfield, within the Producers Creamery & Produce building. Led by company president Edwin Rice, we set the by-laws of Springfield Coca-Cola at our inaugural stockholder meeting. We changed locations twice in the next twenty years, first to West Commercial Street, then to the corner of Clay and Central. In 1945, Ed Heer, husband of Virginia Rice, was elected to the Board of Directors. Five years later, Heer became Secretary of the company, and Ed “Cookie” Rice was elected to the Board. Rice was appointed President of the company in 1970, and currently serves as CEO. In 1977, we moved our Springfield operation into our then-newly-built headquarters on North Packer Road. We purchased a new facility in Rolla from the Massey family in 1979, further expanding our operation. Our Bolivar facility was purchased in 1983, and four years later we celebrated the purchase of the Dr Pepper franchise. It wasn’t until 2015 that we resumed expansion with growth into the Joplin and West Plains territories. We acquired our newest service area, Northwest Arkansas, in 2017.

Our most recent expansion came with the completion of a new warehouse and production line at our Packer Road headquarters. Complete with a plastic bottle blow mold allowing us to produce our own bottles, these new assets have greatly increased our production and storage capacity, while also reducing manufacturing costs. To learn more about our history, check out our company timeline here.

The first century of our history has been filled with achievement and growth. In addition to our wonderful staff and the men and women who have led us to such success, we owe a great deal to the Ozarks and surrounding communities. The Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company thanks you all for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you in the second century of our history.

Honoring our Frontline Heroes

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As part of our continuing salute to those individuals in our community who keep working during tough times, The Coca-Cola Company has released this video tribute to the company’s Front Line Heroes. And here at Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company, we couldn’t agree more!

From our local production and warehouse employees to distribution and delivery staff in the four states included in our service area, our teams have pulled together and risen to meet unprecedented challenges. During the ongoing global Coronavirus pandemic crisis, that means they have safely continued to deliver the familiar, refreshing tastes that our customers expect. 

Produced by Coca-Cola Franchise Leadership, the video features Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper in several places. We’re proud to be a part of it and are excited to share it with you! 

 

WATCH VIDEO