COCA-COLA SOUTHWEST BEVERAGES LAUNCHES “DEAR FUTURE DALLAS,” A $30,000 CHALLENGE TO YOUNG ADULTS TO HELP VETERANS TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN JOBS
Program part of Coca-Cola Company USA national challenge inspired by
30th anniversary of Coca-Cola Scholars program
DALLAS, TX (June 18, 2018) — Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB) today introduced Dear Future Dallas, an ambitious challenge to young adults to come up with new, innovative ideas to help veterans transition to civilian jobs. Dear Future Dallas is a part of the Dear Future Challenge, a national initiative by The Coca-Cola Company USA to encourage people to join in locally based efforts to renew and strengthen communities across America.
“Dallas and CCSWB have long been committed to helping our veterans find civilian jobs but the work is not yet complete,” said Ish Arebalos, Director of Public Affairs at CCSWB. “There are nearly 100,000 veterans in Dallas who can bring unique skills and leadership abilities to the workforce. Dear Future Dallas will harness the energy and passion of young people to take a leadership role in helping to solve this complex issue with new perspectives and ideas.”
To participate in the Dear Future Dallas challenge, young adults ages 18 to 24 can submit their ideas online or live on campuses in North Texas this fall. After the challenge ends in mid-October, CCSWB and The Coca-Cola Company will award $30,000 to one change making idea. The winner of the challenge will be paired with partners such as Coca-Cola Scholars and local non-profits, who will mentor them and help them turn their vision into reality. Details on the program and submission can be found by visiting www.coke.com/dearfuturecommunity.
About Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Dallas-based Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB), a company of Arca Continental, is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States. CCSWB produces, markets and distributes Coca-Cola brands throughout Texas and parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The company employs more than 8,900 associates who operate 10 production plants and 40 distribution facilities, serving more than 31 million consumers. Headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, Arca Continental is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the world with an outstanding history spanning more than 91 years. Within its Coca-Cola franchise, Arca Continental serves a population of more than 118 million in the northern and western parts of Mexico as well as the northern region of Argentina, Ecuador, Peru and the Southwestern U.S. Arca Continental also produces and markets snacks under the brand names Wise in the U.S., Bokados in Mexico and Inalecsa in Ecuador. For more information about the companies, please visit www.cocacolaswb.com and www.arcacontal.com.
About The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The national Dear Future Challenge is inspired by the decades-long Coca-Cola Scholars program, where the Coca-Cola Company USA encourages America’s youth to help lead and renew their communities. In the program’s 30th anniversary, The Coca-Cola Company is partnering with Scholars to invite their peers to participate in Dear Future Challenges across America. Boston is one of 15 cities around the country where young people can sign up and propose their ideas to address an issue that’s impacting their community. Helping veterans find civilian jobs is an important issue to The Coca-Cola Company as it helps empower the people who have served our country have a successful transition to the workforce. Since 2014 the company has worked alongside with American Corporate Partners (ACP) to provide more than 280 career mentorships to veterans transitioning into their private sector. The company has also donated more than $1 million in grants to organizations who offer a wide range of programs to assist veterans on their return home.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company, offering over 500 brands in more than 200 countries. In addition to the company’s Coca-Cola brands, our portfolio includes some of the world’s most valuable beverage brands, such as AdeS soy-based beverages, Ayataka green tea, Dasani waters, Del Valle juices and nectars, Fanta, Georgia coffee, Gold Peak teas and coffees, Honest Tea, innocent smoothies and juices, Minute Maid juices, Powerade sports drinks, Simply juices, smartwater, Sprite, vitaminwater and ZICO coconut water. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We’re also working to reduce our environmental impact by replenishing water and promoting recycling. With our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, bringing economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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