"Coca-Cola in Kokomo has served this state for 100 years," said Rep. Buck. "The Severns family has served this state enormously well. I can't think of one charitable organization in this state, and in our community, that they haven't helped. They have been generous in all sorts of ways using their products, their time and their talents across our community." In 1886, Coca-Cola was founded, and in 1907, the company signed a franchise agreement with a group in Logansport. In 1932, this group combined with bottling plants from Kokomo and Peru to form one organization. Edmund, Frank and Roy Severns purchased the franchise in 1935, beginning the family's involvement with Coca-Cola. In 1947, E.P. Severns began working at the plant, where today, at age 77, he arrives at work at 7:30 a.m. every day. His son, Craig Severns serves as the general manager of Coca-Cola and has been a part of the business for more than 30 years. The Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Kokomo provides products to 13 surrounding counties within a 40-mile radius and distributes approximately 1.9 million cases per year. |
