International Bottled Water Association | NEWS RELEASE | November 15, 2012
Award winners named at 2012 IBWA Annual Business Conference
New Orleans, LA – The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) today announced winners of four prestigious awards at its 2012 IBWA Annual Business Conference in New Orleans, LA.
IBWA Convention Co-Chair Dan Kelly made the announcement for winners of 2012 Route Salesperson of the Year, Supplier of the Year, Environmental Sustainability, and Hall of Fame award during the conference general session, attended by more than 200 IBWA members.
“These winners truly represent excellence within the bottled water industry and IBWA’s membership,” said IBWA President Joseph Doss at the ceremony.
As ambassadors of the bottled water industry, route salespeople are on the front lines of customer service, and—through them—the bottled water industry has direct contact and connection with customers.
The Supplier of the Year award, offered for the first time this year, acknowledges the commitment of IBWA supplier members to the bottled water industry and reflects the association’s commitment to recognizing outstanding performance among supplier members.
Environmental stewardship has long been a focus of the bottled water industry and the Environmental Sustainability Award recognizes member companies who have excelled in creating and implementing sustainable environmental projects and conservation measures.
And Bottled Water Hall of Fame inductees are those who have earned the respect and admiration of their peers for their extraordinary service to the bottled water industry.
Route Salesperson of the Year: Simon Cox, The Water Guy, Birdsboro, PA
“Simon Cox is an excellent employee and the epitome of what a route salesperson should be – he is a reliable, consistent performer who strives to make an impact not only on his route but also on his company. Simon works diligently to reach the goals set for him by management, but he also challenges himself,” Mr. Kelly said.
Supplier of the Year: GoodPac Plastics, Atlanta, GA
“When selecting GoodPac as this year’s winner, judges noted that suppliers provide the highest value when they are able to provide a dependable and comprehensive assortment of quality products and services to IBWA bottlers. It is apparent that GoodPac clearly understands and executes its role in providing bottlers with an exceptional supply chain—which includes eco-friendly bottles,” said Mr. Kelly.
Environmental Sustainability Award: Pure Flo Water Company, Santee, CA
“Pure Flo is committed to processing, bottling, and distributing water in a safe, effective, and responsible manner, which includes implementing an alternate work week, reducing groundwater extraction, reducing storm water runoff and implementing a zero waste practice. As one judge mentioned, Pure Flo Water Company is impressive because it has not only taken action—it has also set up a process for continuous improvement. That sets them apart,” said Mr. Kelly.
2012 Beverage World Bottled Water Hall of Fame: Stewart E. Allen, Special Advisor to the Board, DS Waters, Atlanta, GA
Stewart Allen has been a forceful and eloquent supporter of the bottled water industry for many years. At 17, Stew was a helper on a beverage delivery truck; by 28, he was the vice president of sales and marketing at MBL Beverages, an Eastern Canadian Pepsi bottler. Mr. Allen has also served the bottled water industry in various volunteer roles—treasurer of the Canadian Bottled Water Association, IBWA committee chairmanships, IBWA director, IBWA chairman, International Council of Bottled Water Associations (ICBWA) delegate, ICBWA chairman (twice), and the Drinking Water Research Foundation’s vice chairman of the board of trustees.
Please contact IBWA if you would like additional information and/or photos of the winners.
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Media Contact:
Chris Hogan
chogan@bottledwater.org
703.647.4609
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA’s membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, to set comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water products.
In addition to FDA regulations, IBWA member bottlers must adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is a mandatory annual plant inspection by an independent, third-party organization.
IBWA is proud to be a partner with Keep America Beautiful and a supporter of Drink Up, an initiative of former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), which encourages Americans to drink more water more often – whether from the tap, a filter, or in a bottle. Choosing water is always the healthy choice.
