Edwin "Cookie" Rice, second from left, was among three to receive the Coca-Cola Bottlers' Association's Living Legend award. Other honorees were Wes Elmer, third from left, and Sandy Williams, second from right. They stand with Michael Faber, left, CEO of Viking Coca-Cola in Minnesota, and John Gould, right, executive director of the bottlers' association.

Photo provided by COCA-COLA

Coca-Cola Bottlers' Association honors Cookie Rice

SBJ Staff

Posted online August 28, 2013 | 8:52 am

The Coca-Cola Bottlers' Association recognized Edwin "Cookie" Rice for lifetime achievement in the industry.

Rice, CEO and chairman of the board for Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. who has served the company for more than 60 years, received the Living Legend award from the bottlers' association, according to a news release.

The Coca-Cola Bottlers' Association - a trade organization representing independent Coca-Cola bottlers across the U.S., along with members in Bermuda and Puerto Rico - honored three with the Living Legacy Award, narrowed down from 14 finalists. The Aug. 19 centennial celebration for the bottlers' association also recognized the achievements of Wes Elmer, retired president of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England, and Sandy Williams, chairman of Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works.

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. entered into its Coca-Cola franchise agreement in 1920, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]