This year’s 3rd Annual Midwest Bottlers Skills Competition was extra special because it also coincided with Heartland Family Day, creating the perfect mix of competition, fun, and family celebration. Held on a beautiful day in Kansas City, the event welcomed employees from across our Heartland territory—whether they participated in the competition or simply came to enjoy the festivities with family and friends. The atmosphere felt like a reunion, with colleagues reconnecting and families coming together to share in the excitement.
The Skills Competition allowed employees to show off their talents in friendly competition with their coworkers, as well as Viking Coca-Cola, Chesterman Coca-Cola, Ozarks Coca-Cola, and Atlantic Coca-Cola. It was inspiring to watch our talented team members demonstrate their hard work and skills for all to see.
But there was something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. Attendees were treated to delicious food and drinks, Games, inflatables, activities for all ages, and Prizes and giveaways throughout the event.
Whether cheering on competitors or enjoying the festivities with family, attendees were surrounded by smiles, laughter, and joy. It was beautiful to see families come together, proud to celebrate their loved ones and make lasting memories.
A special thank you goes out to the volunteers, sponsors, participants, and organizers whose dedication made this event successful. Your hard work and planning showed in every detail, and we are grateful for the energy and enthusiasm you brought to the day.
This event isn’t just about competition—it’s about celebrating the heart of our organization: the talented people who make us who we are. We look forward to continuing this tradition and creating even more memories at the next Skills Competition!
2-AXLE SMV
1st Place – Zane Cox, Central IL
2nd Place – Devin Nelson, Northern KS
3rd Place – Kyle Kline, Central MO
DELIVERY VAN
1st Place – Jeff Smith, Ozarks
2nd Place – Cameron Johnson, Northern KS
3rd Place – John Tomko, Central IL
4-AXLE TRACTOR
1st Place – Justin Pewitt, St. Louis
2nd Place – Chris Rhodelander, KC
3rd Place – Matthew Schwartz – South
FORKLIFT
1st Place – Robbie Garrigus, Central MO
2nd Place – Dermerius Edwards, Chesterman
3rd Place – Jeff Looney, Ozarks
ELECTRIC PALLET JACK
1st Place – Ireaka Brown, Kansas City
2nd Place – Phil Cubertson – Ozarks
3rd Place – Jordan Jones – Chesterman
MANUAL PALLET JACK
1st Place – Shane Dolan, South
2nd Place – Tyler Seaman, Central IL
3rd Place – Sam Bowden, Ozarks
CENTER RIDE JACK
1st Place – Simeon Helem , St. Louis
2nd Place – Tony Dillon, Northern KS
3rd Place – Justin Kingery, Central IL