From the Desk of the President

We are very fortunate. Our business operates in one of the most economically successful and growing regions of the country.

According to US News & World Report, six states in Swire’s territory are among the top 10 states for business – Washington ranks 3rd, Colorado 4th, Utah 5th, Nevada 6th, Idaho 7th, and Arizona 9th. These same six states are in the top 10 of fastest growing states according to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau data. Nevada leads the country in population growth, followed by Idaho (2nd), Utah (3rd), Arizona (4th), Washington (6th), and Colorado (7th).

I give you these factoids as a way to demonstrate the positive environment in which our company operates. Wherever you live in our territory, you can feel the pulse of a strong economy. New businesses are opening. Old businesses are expanding. More people are moving into our territory. All of which translates into more selling opportunities for Swire.

Of course, a thriving economy also represents challenges – especially in terms of workforce recruitment and retention. Our HR team recognizes we are in the midst of a talent war and is responding by taking a very well-thought-out approach to recruiting the best talent to Swire. We also know the importance of ensuring we retain the great workforce we already have in place.

This edition of Swire Wire delves into the recruitment and retention issues that we face and what we are doing now, and need to do more of in the future, to ensure we employ the best people at Swire Coca-Cola, USA. This edition also shines a light on some of the great work our team members are doing on the ground, such as Brenda Ruiz driving warehouse productivity in Albuquerque, Chad Saddler improving safety in Draper, Scott Neeley’s work on the recently-retired intranet, and appreciation for Pat Bourner in Twin Falls for more than 40 years of service. While I know there are many other projects underway across Swire that are unnamed and unreported here, I encourage you to read these articles to gain an appreciation into just some of the work our people are doing to make this company a success, both for today and in the future.

I have always said that one of the great benefits of working at Swire is our culture. One of the things I enjoy most about my job are my visits to sales centers. Every year our sales leadership team divides up and we make visits to each sales center so that we can meet with the team and go out in the trade – this year I alone have visited Cheyenne, Scottsbluff, Twin Falls, Boise, and Ogden. Not only do I learn a lot on these visits, I get to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and even get to sample some delicious homemade food (see Theresa Reed’s recipe for pulled pork on page 24, which I enjoyed when visiting the Cheyenne sales center).

I experience first-hand the changes, teamwork and successes at each sales center. I walk away from these visits inspired and filled with gratitude that I get to work alongside such a great group of people.

Enjoy your summer and thank you for all you do!

JACK PELO

President and CEO, Swire Coca-Cola, USA