International Bottled Water Association | MEDIA RELEASE | November 17, 2014
Award winners named at 2014 IBWA Annual Business Conference
Dallas, TX – The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has announced winners of six prestigious awards at its 2014 IBWA Annual Business Conference in Dallas, Texas.
IBWA Convention Committee Co-Chair Dan Kelly made the announcement for winners of 2014 Route Salesperson of the Year (2), Plant Manager of the Year, Supplier of the Year, Environmental Stewardship, and Advocacy 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, said Mr. Kelly.
“Plant managers are also on the front lines in the critical role of ensuring safe and quality bottled water products are produced for customers at bottling facilities throughout the country and around the world,” he said.
“The Supplier of the Year award, 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 Stewardship award recognizes member companies who have excelled in creating and implementing sustainable environmental projects and conservation measures”, he said.
“And, the Advocacy award recognizes individuals or organizations whose advocacy efforts have had a positive impact on the national conversation about bottled water.”
Route Salesperson of the Year: Level III, Shawn Kelleher, Culligan Bottled Water, Brooklyn Park, MN
“Although his route is the hardest and least popular route at the company, last year Shawn not only ensured that his current customers were well taken care of—he also brought on 52 new clients. And not just any clients—corporate clients that brought great exposure and revenue to Culligan,” Mr. Kelly said.
Route Salesperson of the Year: Level IV, Mike Forristall, Nestlé Waters North America, Framingham, MA
“Mike’s great service is one of the many reasons customers from his previous routes still ask for him. His commitment to his customers is only outshone by his commitment to Nestlé and his team. Mike often asks his General Manager, ‘How are we doing?’ and ‘What can I do to help?’” said Mr. Kelly.
Plant Manager of the Year: Nicole Boehm, Primo Water North America, Los Angeles, CA
“Nicole prides herself on producing a high-quality product, in a safe and productive work environment. The Lakeside facility achieved IBWA’s Excellence in Manufacturing status each and every year Nicole managed that plant. In 2013, her facility received top honors among all DS facilities across the country for product quality and safety,” he said.
Supplier of the Year: Blackhawk Molding, Addison, IL
“The company keeps customers up to date on any new technology available that might help them save money. With 100 percent on-time product delivery, the company provides exceptional customer service along with exceptional quality products. Blackhawk is a great representation of the term ‘vendor partner’—and a long-standing valued member of IBWA,” said Mr. Kelly.
Environmental Stewardship: The Water Guy, Birdsboro, PA
“Among the many exceptional environmental stewardship efforts, The Water Guy’s bottling plant uses an ultra-efficient cleaning method to reduce water usage when cleaning empty bottles. They have also instituted a sophisticated ozone application to significantly reduce the use of chemical agents and cleaners when sterilizing water pipes, storage tanks, and finished products.”
Advocacy: Shayron Barnes-Selby, Primo Water North America, Atlanta, GA
“Shayron is active in all IBWA state and federal legislative and regulatory efforts. She assists with IBWA’s communications and public outreach activities. She has for many years served as the co-chair of the IBWA Government Relations Committee, and she is also the Treasurer of the IBWA Political Action Committee. And last year, Shayron was appointed to the IBWA Board of Directors.”
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NOTE: Photos/head shots available upon request
Media Contact:
Jill Culora
jculora@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.
