(Des Moines) Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company Chairman of the Board, Kirk Tyler, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) last week. Additionally, Liz Baker, senior director of sales for Atlantic Bottling, was named IGIA Volunteer of the Year.
The awards were presented during IGIA’s Annual Hall of Fame Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at the Sheraton West Des Moines. The dinner is IGIA’s annual celebration of Iowa’s grocery, convenience and food industries.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor those individuals who have left an indelible mark on the grocery industry. It recognizes those who have given a lifetime of outstanding service to their companies, their industry and their communities.
Kirk Tyler has literally spent his lifetime with Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling, working in the family business alongside his dad, Jim Tyler, and grandfather, Harry Tyler, since the time he was a small child. In 1981, he officially began as sales manager for the Des Moines region, and in 1991, he was named President of Atlantic Bottling. Over the years, he cultivated a reputation for coalition building within the industry, building strong relationships within the industry and supply chain, as well as with legislators at every level.
“Kirk’s contributions to Atlantic Bottling, IGIA and our industry are significant, and I am thrilled to see him being honored for a lifetime of building relationships and working on advancing issues that impact us,” said Rob Feeney, CEO of Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Liz Baker was recognized at the reception as IGIA’s Volunteer of the Year. Her commitment to service is anchored in her Hawaiian roots, where it’s part of the culture to lend a hand to support others. Baker has been active in IGIA, especially the Women’s Network, which she chaired in 2024. She also serves as a mentor for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Business Horizons program. The Volunteer of the Year award distinguishes one IGIA member each year who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to the association and its membership through volunteerism.
“This recognition for Liz is well-deserved as she is not only an outstanding sales director, but a wonderful representative of our values and spirit of service at Atlantic Bottling,” said Feeney.
(Photos courtesy of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association)
