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 The commemorative can will be
immediately available at stores and markets in the Pepsi MidAmerica
distribution territory – principally central and southern Illinois –
throughout the Bicentennial year.
“The Bicentennial Pepsi can puts Illinois’ 200th birthday literally
in the hands of thousands of Illinoisans,” Rauner said while touring
the Marion Pepsi MidAmerica bottling plant. “The way I see it, two
great brands have come together to put a spotlight on Illinois and
the accomplishments of its people. High on that list is the Crisp
family’s stewardship of Pepsi MidAmerica.”
Pepsi MidAmerica is a family-owned business started by the Crisp
family in 1936 and run by three generations of family members,
including CEO Harry L. Crisp III, who serves on the Illinois
Bicentennial Commission.
“Illinois is a great state with great resources, and even better
people,” Crisp said. “Celebrating 200 years gives us all an
opportunity to look forward and plan for a wonderful future.”
“We are honored to be a part of the Illinois Bicentennial
celebration,” said John Rains, Pepsi MidAmerica Vice Chairman and
COO. “Pepsi MidAmerica will produce and distribute over 5 million
commemorative Pepsi cans throughout our service area.”
“In addition to signature events and projects being held throughout
the celebratory year, commemorative merchandise like these
Bicentennial Pepsi cans will help inspire pride in Illinois and show
the world what makes this state so great,” said Randy Dunn, Illinois
Bicentennial Commission co-chairman and Southern Illinois University
System president.
“This commemorative Bicentennial Pepsi can is a great way to bring
more exposure to Illinois, highlighting not only a successful
southern Illinois business, but also working to communicate the
importance of Illinois’ Bicentennial celebration and the many
reasons we should be proud of our state,” said state Sen. Dale
Fowler, R-Harrisburg.
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“The purpose of this yearlong Bicentennial celebration is to
showcase the history, transformation and growth that makes Illinois
the great state we know and love,” he continued. “I, for one, am
extremely grateful that Pepsi MidAmerica is lending their product to
the celebration efforts and providing Illinois with a unique
platform to promote Illinois’ Bicentennial.”
“Pepsi MidAmerica is one of the greatest family-owned companies
in southern Illinois,” said Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton. “They’ve done a
phenomenal job providing jobs for the people of this area. What an opportunity
for this company to be part of celebrating 200 years of greatness in Illinois.”
The artwork on the Pepsi can was designed by Ben Olson of 3 Monkeys and Aardvark
Studios in Schaumburg. Olson also designed the Bicentennial logo.
View the Pepsi can and other commemorative merchandise at
https://orders.corp-imaging.com/Illinois Bicentennial/#.
ABOUT ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL
Two hundred years ago, on Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the
Union. Since then, the people of Illinois have banded together to transform this
once-barren and uninviting land into a remarkable place of awe-inspiring beauty,
accomplishment and culture. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration
of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and an invitation to fall in
love with Illinois all over again.
Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting
www.illinois200.com.
Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3,
2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of
Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.Illinois200.com.
[Office of the Governor Bruce Rauner] |
