Hello to all our followers of our new blog, Sips of Sunshine.
Each month we are bringing you two blog articles with the goal of helping you know more about our programs at the Florida Beverage Association and how you can participate as well as help you get to know who we are and what we do.
So, I thought it would be the perfect place to start this month by getting to know each other a little more.
I will start the introductions, and then I invite you to post and introduce yourself and your company to our audience through the comments.
So, who am I and what do I do for FBA?
I am Elizabeth DeWitt and I am the President and CEO. As you can imagine, I wear many hats as the CEO, but my main role is to oversee public policy on issues that impact our industry at the state and local level and ensure that our voice is heard. I also work to engage with communities and key stakeholders across the state in collaboration with FBA members in order to drive industry initiatives.
Why am I passionate about what we do?
As a Floridian, I love enjoying Florida’s natural beauty and know that my fellow Floridians as well as tourists from around the globe appreciate the “Florida way of life.” The beverage industry is a leader in the development of sustainability initiatives that help preserve and protect the places where we live, work, and play.
As a Mom, I know that preserving the environment for future generations is of utmost importance. However, I also know that being healthy and able to enjoy Florida and all it has to offer is equally important. I’m proud of the beverage industry’s Balance Calories Initiative which encourages consumers to balance what we eat, drink, and do. For my family, that often means water, sparkling water, and low sugar drink options. The beverage industry is offering more choices of beverages in smaller portions and with fewer calories as it helps families “balance” their busy lifestyles.
I am also passionate about building partnerships with other organizations that will help us tell our story and support our programs. “Partnership is the new leadership” and working collaboratively helps us all to achieve our goals.
There is nothing like the feeling I get when I see a project come alive such as our Seabin Installation and other community grant programs we will be sharing more about in the coming blogs.
I also value the relationships we are building with beverage industry representatives such as those leaders that serve on our board. We will be taking time over the next few blog segments to introduce you to them as well.
What is one thing about the FBA that most people do not know?
Our initiatives. While you may know that the beverage industry has been focused on sustainability and calories, I find that most consumers are still not clear on the true commitment our industry has to these initiatives.
We are not just talking about our programs; we go out and actually make things happen. From the work we are doing in partnership with non-profits to improve recycling infrastructure to “get the bottles back,” to the Seabin grant that is supporting sustainability and further research, we are committed on many levels to ensuring that our programs are successful and not just words.
Why is it important for companies and organizations to partner?
As the African proverb states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Together, we have more power to create the shared changes we desire as members of communities across the Sunshine State. We have more opportunity to speak to our consumers and tell them our stories and invite them to join with us to achieve our collective goals.
No one company or organization can accomplish as much as we can when we come together for a cause.
What can consumers do to support FBA?
Learn about what we do and share the message.
The more our consumers know and understand our initiatives the more success we will have. Knowledge truly is power, especially when that knowledge is then shared with others. Follow the blog, read about our programs, reach out and find out more about what you can do. But most of all, tell others.
What can companies do to support FBA?
Get involved. Our power comes from our members and who we represent. Join us and be active.
My goals for FBA?
Growth and impact. They both go hand and in hand. The more we grow, the more impact we will have. It will take all of us working together, but with the strong foundation and mission we have as an industry we have an exciting future in helping the lives of our consumers around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and learn more about the Florida Beverage Association.
Again, I want to invite you to introduce yourself in the feed or reach out and connect. I am very passionate about what we do and I want to engage others in supporting our journey and learning more.
And stay tuned the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month for more installments of Sips of Sunshine.
To learn more: https://flabev.org/about-us