Local business owner receives Living Legend award

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is proud to announce Edwin “Cookie” Rice received the “Living Legend” award from the Coca-Cola Bottlers Association (CCBA), as part of the association’s Centennial Celebration. Rice serves as CEO and Chairman of the Board for the family-owned company, he has served for over 60 years.

Fourteen Bottlers, from across the nation, were nominated for the Living Legend award, but only three were chosen to receive it. The winners were recognized for lifetime achievements in the industry, bringing Coca-Cola philanthropy to their communities and leadership in CCBA.

Since 1913, the CCBA has been an intricate part in helping independent bottlers bring quality products to their communities. The CCBA represents all 69 independent Coca-Cola bottling companies from across the United States, along with members in Bermuda and Puerto Rico. Their core mission is to help independent bottlers, like Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company, grow their business and connect with their communities. The CCBA is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States.

The Springfield Coca-Cola Bottling Company was one of the original bottlers that entered into an agreement for the right to hold a Coca-Cola franchise in 1920. Today, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is an integral part of the communities they serve by supporting numerous charitable organizations, Colleges and Universities, school districts, Parks and Recreation entities, youth sports, fairs and festivals.

For more information about the Centennial Celebration for the CCBA, the Living Legend award, and a picture of Rice with the other winners, go to http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/centennial-celebration-coca-cola-bottlers-association-marks-milestone.