Working Together to Unite America

In life, there are always memories etched into our brains. I can still so vividly remember the evening of May 8, 2012, as my father-in-law, Dick Lugar, conceded the Indiana Senate Republican primary after 36 years of service in the United States Senate. And as he walked out from that painful concession speech, the very first call received was not someone from his own political party, but rather it was from then Vice President Joe Biden. Of course, Dick and Joe Biden had worked closely together for decades in the U.S. Senate, and notably as Chair and Ranking Members at the helm of the Foreign Relations Committee – a committee that engaged in vigorous debate, but often came together on the most important issues to ensure a united front on the most pressing issues facing our world.

Today, America’s beverage industry congratulates and celebrates President Biden and Vice President Harris on their historic election. Their vision of an “America United” is one that the American Beverage Association shares, and that I personally share. After all, their success will be our collective success.

Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” America’s leading beverage companies very much agree. We know firsthand that by working together – as competitors, with elected leaders and others in the public and private sectors – we get further faster. We stand ready to roll up our sleeves and work with our new president and the new Congress to address the very real problems facing our country and to strengthen the quality of life for all Americans. 

When it comes to addressing the tough issues facing our communities and society at-large, America’s leading beverage companies have time and time again put their fierce competition aside. They come together, work with others and put real “skin in the game” to advance meaningful solutions that have a real and lasting impact. Our Every Bottle Back initiative is reducing our use of new plastic and keeping it out of places it was never intended to be — such as oceans, rivers and beaches. Our Balance Calories Initiative is leveraging our strengths in product and marketing innovation to support families in their efforts to reduce sugar in their diets, with more than 55% of beverages sold today containing zero sugar. And we changed the school beverage landscape, reducing beverage calories shipped to schools by 93%. With all of these, we made public commitments, worked alongside NGOs and delivered results that impact real people.

As we watch today’s historic inauguration, it is hard to also not see the sharp contrast of images of the horrific attack on the Capitol and our country’s democracy just two weeks ago to the day. But today is about the America that we know, celebrate and hold so dear. As shown by the presence of leaders from every branch of government, former presidents and vice presidents, and many other dignitaries who span our political spectrum in attendance in this historic inauguration, today is a day of unity, patriotism and optimism.

Let us all embrace the hope and promise that has always guided this great country forward. The limitless potential of our nation is best achieved when pursued together, as an America united, working for a greater good and a better day for all Americans.