b'Community & Member UpdatesABARTABuilding an Award- Winning Board of Directors ABARTAs family business story began in 1935 and has included success in multiple industries over the last nearly ninety years. Today ABARTA is a diversified third and fourth-generation family enterprise whose primary business is Coca-Cola bottling and distribution in Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio and West Virginia.ABARTAs commitment to its mission to Quench the Thirst of our Neighbors has been supported by effective governance, a collaborative strategic planning process, and, importantly, an intentional move to a majority independent fiduciary board of directors almost thirty years ago. ABARTA receives 2023 Private Company Board of the Year Award. Pictured (left to right) are Louis Testoni, Lead Independent Director; Lynn Clarke, former Independent Director; James Last year ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages was honored at theTaylor, Board Chair and G3 Owner; Bill Rock, President and CEO of MLR Holdings and 2023 Private Company Governance Summit as one of theCharlie Bitzer, CEO and G3 Owner. (Photo courtesy of Private Company Director Magazine)Private Company Boards of the Year. In October 2023, the Family Business Consulting Group (FBCG) hosted an insightful conversation with Abartas Board Chair, James A. Taylor, and FBCG consultant and board governance expert Rob Sligh, about the way the ABARTA board has supported the companys success over time. James provided an enlightening look into one of Coca-Colas long-time Bottling Company families and their business journey. The discussion covered critical milestones in the companys history and the boards role in these achievements. Mr. Taylor explained how the boards structure began and how it has evolved over the years through best-in-class, yet flexible approaches to board recruitment, tenure, roles, and replicable processes, including purposeful support for the next generation as future directors, use of committees for board efficiency and effectiveness, and approaches to continued cultivation of the boards culture of commitment and collaboration across family and independent directors. Providing careers to over 1750 associates across the company, ABARTA also supports family owner involvement through an active Family Council and support of owner education and mentoring. Scan the code to view/listen to this fascinating conversationand mini master class on family board management.Coke Florida Takes Over the Florida Capitol During Legislative SessionCoke Florida held its Inaugural Day at the Capitol on January 10th as the 2024 Florida Legislative Session convened in Tallahassee. Coke Florida teams from across the state with NAOU representatives, and brand partners joined together for the daylong event that showcased Coke Floridas economic impact, beverage portfolio, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement. Informational booths and interactive activities lined the third floor of the Capitol Rotunda, while brand activations andsampling took place outside in the Capitol Courtyard.The event was a unique opportunity for Coke Florida leaders to meet with legislators to share the companys story as aCoca-Cola Bottler serving 47 of Floridas 67 counties, from North Florida to the Florida Keys.5'