Dear Editor:

On Sun., Oct. 18, 2015, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Atmore was honored with “Pepsi in the Park,” the brain child of Atmore businessman, Ronnie Cloud and his wife, Jessica. Our heartfelt thanks, gratitude and appreciation to the Clouds, along with their children – Jessica Rhea, Lauren, Cameron, Tyler and Ashton — for making the event such a memorable one for all of us. The delicious food was enjoyed by everyone, but the highlight of the afternoon was visiting with guests, especially so many of our parents’ (Hooper Matthews 1928-2006 and Merle Matthews 1928-2011) friends who came by to extend their good wishes.

In August, a 15-man film production crew came to Atmore from Hollywood, Calif. for two-and-a-half days to shoot a video for PepsiCo North America’s Donald Kendall Bottler of the Year Award. The video is a wonderful depiction of Atmore. Immediately after their visit, an eight-person senior management team led by Mario Mercurio, vice president of PepsiCo from Purchase, N.Y. arrived to visit our franchise market for parts of two days. Both groups of visitors marveled at the warm reception they all received in our town, and remarked that they had never seen such a patriotic community — thanks to the efforts of our Veterans of Foreign Wars and the flag display down Main Street.

At Pepsi-Atmore, our co-workers are the heart and soul of our business. They are the face of Pepsi. As stated in the video, they live their lives by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and for this, we give God all the Glory.

Most Sincerely,

Dale Ash

Cindy Colville

Hooper Matthews III