House Resolution 35

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COCA-COLA BOTTLING WORKS OF CORINTH ON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS 100TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, April 30, 2007, marks the 100th anniversary celebration of Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Corinth, which was formed and licensed by Coca-Cola Bottling Co. (Thomas), Inc., on April 30, 1907; and

WHEREAS, the history of Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Corinth began in 1905 when Mr. Avon Kenneth Weaver bought an interest in Corinth (Mississippi) Bottling Works, a small soda water plant owned by Mr. C.C. Clark, at a time when Coca-Cola was being produced in Jackson, Tennessee, and shipped to Corinth by railcar; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Weaver and Mr. Clark, determined to obtain a Coca-Cola franchise for North Mississippi, and while awaiting developments in Corinth, were granted a license for Coca-Cola in New Albany, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, from its humble beginnings with four employees washing and filling bottles by hand and capping each with a foot powered machine, the Corinth establishment progressed through the years to see many changes and several moves: from the "Old Gas House" in downtown Corinth to 608 Cruise Street, then to its own building at 403 Waldron Street in 1909, where it underwent several expansions, before finding its permanent home at 601 Washington Street in 1949, and rebuilt in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Corinth has evolved into a modern industry, expanding its operations considerably with the acquisitions of Dr. Pepper in 1969, Tupelo Coca-Cola in 1977 and Lexington, Tennessee, in 1985; and

WHEREAS, in 1962 the company entered the realm of food vending, establishing an operation now known as Refreshments, Inc., which saw expansions in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1990 and Tupelo, Mississippi, in 2000, becoming a formidable competitor on a regional basis; and

WHEREAS, nothing speaks more to the history of Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Corinth and could not be more outstanding than the many people who have contributed to its success: its loyal customers, retail customers, members of management, salesmen and workers at every level of employment, who have all added to the company's legacy; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the excellence of such companies as Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Corinth, whose legacy has been shared by four generations of the Avon Kenneth Weaver family, and whose pride in the past and an overwhelming optimism for the future coupled with an even greater determination inspire them to look forward to another century of service:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Corinth on the occasion of its 100th anniversary celebration and express our wishes for continued success in all of its future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Corinth and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.