b'Each year CCBA acknowledges and recognizes its Members and provides updates on core system programs supportedby our Bottling community. Meredith Mapel acknowledged the colleagues we have lost this past year, following with a moment of silence. Jane Hale Hopkins, President, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, joined us to update Members on news and activities over the past year. A past Scholar accompanied Jane and shared with the audience how the Scholars program has impacted his life. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is a strong and unique platform that has created an impressive community of mis-sion-driven changemakers. Jane shared highlights of the year and plans for 2024. Be sure to plan for the Scholars Banquet on Thursday, April 25th Banquet in Atlanta, GA!Our final recognition was commemorating the retirement of Albert Clark from the CCBA Board of Governors. Albert is the President and CEO of CC Clark, Inc. Robert Clark accepted the framed resolution and shared warm words and thanks on Alberts behalf.This was a perfect segue forthe following NextGen panel discus-sion. In August, CCBA held its first NextGen Forum in decades! Thesession content was designed to blend the nuances of family business Albert Clark with the unique nature of Coca-Cola Bottling and our system dynamics. The panelists highlighted theirexperiences during the Forum and reinforced the value of creatingJon Lehman (Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Dickinson); Morgan Everett (Coca-Cola business and personal connectionsConsolidated) and Nick Bitzer (ABARTA Coca-Cola) with John Gould (CCBA)with one another.Our closing inspiration came from Mr. Mark Whitacre, an engaging speaker with an amazing story, who also referenced this years meeting theme, Take the Wheel when discussing ones choices and making life decisions. Mr. Whitacre opens and repeats the phrase, Show me your mentors and Ill show you your future as he shared his true story of faith and redemp-tion; and riveting journey that walked us through his experience as a whistleblower in theinfamous 1990s Archer Daniels Midland price-fixing conspiracy. Mr. Whitacre emphasizedthe impact of the people around him and how finding faith influenced his life.John Gould presents Albert Clarks proclamation to Robert Clark The CCBA Annual Meeting offers a great opportunity for members to stay informed and engaged on all aspects of our business while connecting with your fellow Bottlers in a collaborative environment!The CCBA Officers and Staff appreciate the participation and engagementof all who attended and hope to see even more Members join us next year!A very special thanks to our sponsors!3'