It is no secret that I am addicted to Coke--Diet Coke that is! I wrote extensively about the beverage throughout the years that I had a column in Food Industry News. It was because of a column I wrote in 1989 about Diet Coke (the first of many) that I met John Rosales, at that time Vice president of Community Affairs for Coca-Cola Bottling (which was bought out by Coca-Cola Enterprises in 2001.) He has been with the company since 1982. We formed not only a business relationship, but a wonderful friendship.
Last year, Coca-Cola Enterprises was bought out by the Coca-Cola company. Should a 28 year veteran be worried about his job? John wasn’t. That turned out to be a mistake. I was so upset about the news, I wrote a letter to Steve Cahillane, President of Coca-Cola Enterprises, on November 26th. I included my address, phone number and e-mail address in my correspondence. I have received no reply. Not even a basic form letter sent out by an intern thanking me for my comments.
A few weeks ago, I sent a second letter to Cahillane with the first letter attached. I still have heard nothing. Then I remembered that each time I have written about Diet Coke in my blog, someone from Coke has contacted me. So I am posting my letter below in hopes of getting a response.
Mr. Steve Cahillane
President of Coca-Cola
2500 Windy Ridge Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
November 26, 2010
Dear Mr. Cahillane,
I have been a devoted Diet Coke drinker since it first appeared on shelves in 1982. Since I drink approximately 10 cans a day, that means I have consumed more or less 102,200 cans. In fact, when I have been hospitalized, I have taken a mini fridge with me to install in my room so I can still have my Diet Coke. When I was profiled by Dateline NBC in 1999, I was holding a can of Diet Coke in my hand during the entire 10 minute segment. That story also ran on Weekend Magazine with Stone Phillips and on United Airlines. You can see my bio at http://www.kathyposner.com/.
I am telling you this background because it ties into one of your employees in Chicago, John Rosales. Who has brought Diet Coke to me in the hospital? John Rosales. Who brought Coca-Cola paraphernalia to the party I threw when my Dateline piece debuted? John Rosales. Who has supported many wonderful not-for-profit organizations in Chicago? John Rosales.
I met John years ago when I was writing a column for Food Industry News, a trade magazine published in Chicago. In one of my columns I commented on how I hated when I specifically ordered Diet Coke in a restaurant and the waiter would bring me some other diet cola. After reading that article, John contacted me, we met, and a wonderful friendship developed.
John has great depth of character and is a wonderful, loyal/devoted/trustworthy representative for the Coca-Cola brand.
When I read that his organization was bought out by yours, I asked him if it would affect his job. I could not imagine that Coca-Cola headquarters would not know about his great work and how vital he is to the company and its future. At the time, he told me that he was okay.
I have since learned that he will be let go. I am incensed! Here is a man who is an outstanding pillar of the community and a hard-worker and yet Coca-Cola does not have room for him on its employee roster? It makes no sense!
The troubling news compelled me to write to you to make sure you understood the reputation John has, not only in Chicago and the Latino community, but throughout the Midwest in every community.
I have trusted Coca-Cola for the last 28 years to provide a beverage, Diet Coke, for me of the highest quality. When employees like John Rosales are being severed it makes me question the company’s future goals and quality control.
I look forward to hearing from you about this poor corporate executive decision.
Sincerely,
Kathy Posner
krp01@aol.com
Fred writes;
ReplyDelete"What a rotten shame. I think the world of John. I will help you, Kathy. "
John M. writes:
ReplyDelete"
I empathize with your "old school" loyalty to both friend, John Rosales, and Diet Coke. Sadly, the traditional American trait of loyalty is greatly diminished in our "brave new world."
But, I wonder if your story has a much deeper significance that transcends loyalty to friend and cola brand. In traditional times, American companies were "American". They projected our national identity around the world and the foremost of these companies was Coca Cola. They were the foot in the door bringing American culture to the global community.
Now, we have companies that are American in name only. The corporate control rests in the hands of internationalists who have no loyalty to anything but the bottom line. And, they could care less if the bottom line is measured in Dollars, Euros, Yen, or Drachmas, as long as it increases.
But, perhaps, they are just another sign of the times?"
Sherrill writes;
ReplyDelete"Oh, no! In my new book due to the publisher this weekend I have Cathy Post drinking diet coke -- please don't tell me you are changing to diet pepsi!!!
Seriously, I can't believe they have not responded to you -- bad PR."
Linda writes:
ReplyDelete"I have tweeted the story"
Robin says:
ReplyDelete"How can Coke be so disloyal? I am telling all my friends and we are swithcing to Diet Pepsi!"
Coleen writes:
ReplyDelete"Knowing you all these years, you have never failed to place a smile on my face. I love your blog. I have never been a soda drinker. But you are right to lambaste the head of Coke, companies often underestimate the benefits of a well like member of their staff and the good PR they are""
Can't stand Pepsi. Guess it's water for me.
ReplyDeleteDanny R writes:
ReplyDelete"Great article!!"
Scott Goodman writes:
ReplyDelete"Way to go Kathy, nothing like having a pich hitter in your dug-out. John is blessed to have that support, on that note, Being from the state of Georgia and Proud to have the world headquarters of Coca-Cola there in Atlanta as the epitome of ..."
Scott's full comment in Facebook is:
ReplyDelete"Way to go Kathy, nothing like having a pich hitter in your dug-out. John is blessed to have that support, on tht note, Being from the state of Georgia and Proud to have the world headquarters of Coca-Cola there in Atlanta as the epitome of good taste and fairness in business. I am taken aback by it's total lack of sensitivity in this matter much less the lack of a response. Being a internet marketer and promoter I can not see the reason for this as this can not do the company well in the public opinion arena. This seems to put Coca-Cola in the same catagory as the "other guys" producing a product with so-so company policies not worthy of world wide acclaim. Since the weather,the holidays and the company is having a major changeover happening, this may be just a unfortunate oversight. If it is not, I will be appalled buy the sudden turn by a company which I have held great esteem for. I may find I have to re-evaluate this opinion and direct my marketing efforts for clients away from this company and it's products."
Karen P writes:
ReplyDelete"Let's start a 'Save JOHN ROSALES Campaign' ... providing an email address and a USPS address (for COKE'S corporate office) for all to send their comments/letters. Also, lets inundate the COKE website with questions and comments about JOHN. And seriously, if you stop drinking those ten cans daily, Coke will reach out to you and ask "how they again might make you happy?""
Sandy writes:
ReplyDeleteYou are a good friend Kathy. Way to go sticking up for John. Hope you finally get a response."
Kathy,
ReplyDeleteI, too, have met John on several occasions through he. He is a remarkable person and a great brand representative. I believe one of the biggest mistakes made in mergers and acquisitions is when the buyer is blind to the company's assets and instead is focused on replacing with their friends. It's a shame and a huge loss to Coca-Cola. I am trading Diet Coke for Pepsi Max. Try it, you may be impressed. It is not very big in restaurants but is great at home! I don't even want to think about how many cans of coke I have had in my life!
I don't usually follow your blog but came across it today. I, too, am from Atlanta and am very disappointed in that decision to let go a man who seems to be an amazing employee!
ReplyDeleteIt's all about profit! Loyality means nothing anymore as far corporations are concerned.
ReplyDeleteI hope John is retained. You are aloyal friend.
Jake Hartford of WLS radio writes on Facebook:
ReplyDelete"Kathy Posner LOVES Diet Coke. I'd call her the Queen of Diet Coke. A few years back NBC primetime did a day in the life of Kathy and I don't think there was a single shot of her without a Diet Coke can in her hand. Brands work hard to get that type of loyalty. Read about how loyal Coke is at www.kathyposner.com"
Sue K writes:
ReplyDelete"Good for you, Kathy. Please let us know when you hear from him. He is a total idiot if he ignores that letter!!"