b'Coca-Cola UNITED AnnouncesNew Award Named for Claude NielsenCoca-Cola UNITED has announced the creation of the Claude Nielsen Award for Excellence. This is the first award of its kind to recognize a team of associates who exemplify the companys Associates First culture, serviceto customers and consumers, and commitment to local communities. Claude Nielsen, the awards namesake, retired in April 2023 after 20 years as Chairmanof Coca-Cola UNITEDs Board of Directors and more than 40 years with the company. Claude Nielsen, center, at the unveiling of the Claude Nielsen Award forClaude is not only one of the architects of the U.S. Coca-Cola System as it stands today, but his Excellence in April 2023 with wife Kateknowledge of our history and the beverage industryalong with his passionate commitment to Nielsen, left, and Walker Jones. our associates, customers, consumers and communitiesare foundational to UNITEDs success all these years, said Coca-Cola UNITED President and CEO Mike Suco. To be honest, no one believes in and lives by our purpose and values more than Claude. He has always valued our associates as the bedrock of our success.The winning team, to be announced in March 2024, will be determined by key metrics and qualitative data that are gathered annually. The winners prize includes a trophy designed by metal artists at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, as well as a celebration in their geographic location and a $25,000 donationto a nonprofit organization of their choice. Mike added, Not only is this award a celebration of Claude and his remarkable career, it is alsoa celebration of our 10,000-plus associates who work hard every day to bring the real magic ofCoca-Cola to our customers, consumers and communities. Scan code to view Claudes farewell letter to Coca-Cola UNITED: Happy Holidays to Everyone!Best wishes for a happy,healthy and prosperous 2024!John Kem Jeff LindaSuzy Ilene Stephanie SStephanie G Ch arles 3282 Northside Parkway, Suite 200|Atlanta, GA 30327All rights reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form without permission. If you have stories or information about your Bottling organization or employees that you want to include in our next edition of the Bottling Line, contact Linda Peluso at the Association at 678-539-2309 or lpeluso@ccbanet.com. 20'