On Jan. 3, 2022, Miami Mayor Francis X. Suarez was inaugurated as the 80th President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), and we could not be more thrilled for Mayor Suarez to take on this new role.

“Mayor Suarez has always been a friend to the beverage industry,” explained Elizabeth DeWitt, President and CEO of the Florida Beverage Association. “His commitment to the residents of Miami on issues such as health and environmental sustainability is evident through his support of community-based programs in Miami. We are excited to have him as a partner.”

As President of USCM, Mayor Suarez will focus on a wide variety of issues ranging from poverty to housing to climate change, and where the beverage industry is concerned, his work will directly impact our efforts to build healthy and sustainable communities throughout the country.

American Beverage Association and USCM

The American Beverage Association first partnered with USCM in 2012 with the goal of creating safer and healthier communities throughout the country. Since then, the beverage industry has awarded over $5 million to more than 60 cities nationwide that support health, wellness, and environmental sustainability. The mayor's role in this partnership is an essential piece of the puzzle, as they are a driving force for change within their community. In addition, like the beverage industry, mayors are aware of the vital role that health, wellness, and sustainability have in providing clean and safe spaces for families.

The Childhood Obesity Prevention and Environmental Health and Sustainability grants are awarded to cities throughout the country, though many of the award recipients have been Florida cities. Past Florida recipients include the Virtual Reality Recycling program in Miami, Florida, the Healthy Heart Habitats program in Oviedo, Florida, and the Oakland Park Paddle Club in Oakland Park, Florida. This year’s recipients include the City of Orlando PKZ Youth Beekeeper Training Program in Orlando, Florida, and the Mayor’s Math & Fitness Boot Camp in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“As a Florida Mayor, Suarez is very familiar with the benefits of these programs and how they contribute to the overall wellbeing of our cities,” said DeWitt. “These programs help model the discussion around health, wellness, and environmental sustainability across the United States, so I believe having this connection will help us promote that message even further and continue shining a light on our initiatives to support communities nationwide.”

As the largest trade association of non-alcoholic beverage producers, marketers, bottlers, and distributors in Florida, the Florida Beverage Association relies on its partnership with the government to come together and improve the health of the communities where we live, work and play. The industry’s collaboration with the U.S. Conference of Mayors allows us to collaborate with local communities and help pave the way for a brighter future while also making a significant impact on the quality of life for many Americans. “The first step comes with understanding the importance of public health and the environment, which our mayors do,” said DeWitt. “After which, I believe we are one step closer to a healthier community for all.”

Learn More:

To learn more about the American Beverage Association’s partnership with USCM, visit HERE.