b'Coke Florida Technology Leader Terrence Gee Fuels Regional Dialogue on Artificial Intelligencein Business OperationsTerrence Gee, Senior Vice President, Technology& Enterprise Transformation for Coke Florida joined business leaders from various Tampa Bay industriesfor a private Tampa Bay Business Journal roundtableon artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact oncustomer experience. Enterprise Technology at Coke Florida includes technology infrastructure that enables daily activities across its exclusive Florida market, supporting manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, sales and merchandising. The companys technol-ogy is also tapped into complex demand planning and supply chain networks.Gee explained how Coke Florida uses various AI technologies, including generative AI for creation, machine learningfor predictions and deep learning for mimicking. Panelists shared how they are integrating AI into their strategies; explored ways AI can enhance both business-to-business (B2B) operations and consumer interactions; and touched on how AI is being leveraged to differentiate their organizations, meet goals and ensure growth and management success. The insights and experiences could help other businesses navigate the changing AI landscape, offering valuable perspectives to the journals audience.Annual Durango Rocks celebrates Meredith MapelMeredith Mapel, President and CEO of Durango Coca-Cola, was the recipient of this years Morley Ballantine Womens Leadership Award, which recognizes excellence in business, leadership and community involvement.I had the privilege of knowing Morely Ballantine and I learned a great deal from her, Mapel said in her acceptance speech. I think she must be looking down in just complete awe of this community.Mapel has been a prominent local leader. She serves on the Colorado Beverage Association Board and is in her second termas a member of the Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees.She is also involved with multiple local organizations, including Music in the Mountains, Durango Derailers, Durango Trails, Boys& Girls Club and The Womens Resource Center.15'