May 6, 2011 — Yesterday, the Minnesota Beverage Association had an opportunity to visit with the members of one of our partner organization, the Recycling Association of Minnesota (@recycleMN). MBA President Tim Wilkin, along with MPCA Commissioner Paul Aasen had a great opportunity to talk directly with those most active in making sure Minnesota’s curbside recycling and away from home recycling programs continue to thrive.

The Recycling Association of Minnesota has one of the strongest away from home recycling programs in the country their “Message in a Bottle” program which we have been a proud partner of over the years. You can see one of our “Message in a Bottle” bottles here with MBA President Tim Wilkin as he visits with active members of the recycling community about this important issue. Watch for further development of the “Message in a Bottle Program” throughout the remainder of this year. Please continue to follow MBA on Twitter at @mnbev for updates.

Minnesota Beverage Association has partnered with ABA in an innovative “Clear on Calories” nutrition program.

America’s beverage companies are adding new labels to the front of every can, bottle and pack we produce – and displaying the total calories per container on beverages 20 ounces or smaller. This is all part of our Clear on Calories initiative, announced in February 2010 in support of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” anti-obesity campaign.

Consumers across America are seeing these labels arrive on the front of their favorite beverages, as Clear on Calories arrives in stores. This is yet another way that the beverage industry is helping consumers make informed choices as part of an active, healthy lifestyle.

Praise for Clear on Calories:

“In fact, just today, the nation’s largest beverage companies announced that they’ll be taking steps to provide clearly visible information about calories on the front of their products – as well as on vending machines and soda fountains. This is exactly the kind of vital information parents need to make good choices for their kids.”

-First Lady Michelle Obama, as noted in her speech announcing the launch of “Let’s Move!” (Feb. 9, 2010)

Please visit: http://www.ameribev.org/nutrition–science/clear-on-calories/

Watch the new Ad at: http://vimeo.com/19809816

Minnesota Beverage Association Announces
Tim Wilkin as new MBA President

Wilkin to follow the successful tenure of retiring
MBA President Joan Archer.

St. Paul – The Minnesota Beverage Association – producers, marketers and distributors of non-alcoholic beverages – announced today that former State Representative Tim Wilkin will replace Joan Archer, who is retiring as the President of MBA at the end of the year.  Wilkin will continue to grow the association’s successful community investment programs, including state-wide recycling programs, wellness and fitness programs.  Tim will also oversee the MBA’s government and public affairs operations. Tim also brings the grassroots, coalition building, public relations and social networking support and expertise of WeberJohnson Public Affairs.

“We are very excited to announce today that Tim Wilkin will be the new President of the Minnesota Beverage Association,” said Tim Haubrich, chairman of the association’s board of directors.  “Tim Wilkin is a staunch advocate of the kind of job creation and community investment for which our members are well known.  Tim has strong, bi-partisan government affairs credentials and he brings with him a public affairs team that will help our association continue to play a key role in our member’s communities and throughout Minnesota,” concluded Haubrich.

“I am thrilled to be able to continue the strong work of my predecessor, Joan Archer, as an advocate for an industry known for its investment in the community and its progressive recycling programs,” said incoming MBA President Tim Wilkin.  “We will continue to have a forward looking presence in communities throughout Minnesota and at the capitol to help ensure a legislative environment conducive to continued job growth and community investment by our members.”

In the spirit of community investment, and in honor of the successful tenure of Joan Archer, the Minnesota Beverage Association has contributed $5,000 to the Minnesota Women’s Golf Association’s scholarship program in Joan’s honor.  Improving and developing the environment for women’s golf has been one of Joan’s longtime passions.

The Minnesota Beverage Association’s members are producers, marketers and distributors of almost every non-alcoholic beverage you can image. For over 100 years, the Association has been committed to promoting the best of the beverage industry through information dissemination, recycling programs, public awareness campaigns, fitness and wellness programs, and providing timely updates on industry activities. There are 67 manufacturing sites as well as 48 beverage wholesale facilities throughout Minnesota, providing direct employment for more than 22,000 jobs, contributing more than $342 million in state taxes and donating at least $21 million to charitable causes across the state.

###