As Coke continues market share slide, letter sent to Board of Directors
Our apologies to all who sent timely comments about the letter to the Board of Directors, we missed the target mailing date. Between the cursed flu and spending time at the Capitol trying to undo the damage that Coke helped create, we are running behind. But the revised letter below is being mailed today.
It is interesting that since the letter was written and the results of the Mason Dixon Poll were announced that reports of further decline in market share have been announced. Quoting from the Atlanta Journal Business Section.
Coca-Cola’s U.S. market share fell for the second-straight year in 2004 and now stands at its lowest point since 1996.
That is why we awarded the Coke mismanagement team a Duh Award. We are not surprised that their market share has dropped! We used to be part of their market share, every time we but a competitive product it hurts their market share! Duh! As all are aware Coke has been an active participant in the efforts to not only desecrate Southern Heritage but to prevent the People of Georgia from Voting on Our State Flag. By their own admission they have been part of the effort by the Metro Atlanta Chamber to "gain" influence in the Perdue Administration – not mention their direct involvement in the Barnes Flag Theft!
The Coke management For two years we have tried to communicate with the Coke management [sic] team and so far they have ignored all written communications and apparently are continuing to work against the People of Georgia getting a FAIR Vote. Based upon the feedback we are getting, and this is your effort for justice, it is time to move to the next phase; taking this effort direct to the public and stockholders. We have received many excellent suggestions on ways to proceed and we will now begin presenting the ideas. Your feedback will determine which are implemented. In the meantime continue to get the steady stream of petition signatures: The Coca-Cola Company Should Get Out of Politics Petition And as always pass the word around by emailing this page. March 7, 2005 Mr. E. Neville Isdell Dear Mr. Isdell: This letter and the referenced petition signatures are being sent to Coke to bring a matter of great concern to your attention. From the attached correspondence you will see that you, your predecessor and fellow members of the Board of Directors have been unresponsive. As you are aware, Coke was invented by a Confederate veteran. Historically Coke relied upon the Proud Heritage of Southerners to increase the sales of Coke products. As a result Coke became the beverage of choice and one which untold thousands were proud of. It was with great shock and dismay that an increasing number of your customers discovered that Coke has inexplicably changed. Coke has not only abandoned its roots, but is now using our money to discriminate against Southern Heritage. Efforts to discuss this issue with designated representatives have failed. For example, questioning the involvement of Coke in the Georgia Business PAC resulted in responses that were basically a denial of documented facts (the Georgia Business PAC records are open public records in Georgia). Even the changing of the information on your flagship product, Coke, from "Confederate veteran" to "civil war veteran" was denied when it is obvious to all on your web site. To further demonstrate just how out of touch your company’s policies are with your former and current customer base we are enclosing a copy of the recent Mason Dixon poll. This is a professional statewide poll on State Flag issues. Please note that 79% of Georgians want a Georgia Flag FAIR Vote and only 15% support your company’s position of forcing political correctness upon us. Your company thwarted the will of at least 79% of Georgians and these statistics probably hold true in other States as well. It is our opinion that neither your customers, nor your stockholders should be subjected to this abuse of corporate funds. In fact the responsibility for proper use of corporate funds does fall with the Board of Directors and the officers of the Corporation. The attached list of former customers, and those who join this effort will simply discontinue the use of your products, continue to spread the word, and be sure that your stockholders are aware until a successful resolution is reached. A successful resolution must include the following: Restore the recognition of the inventor of Coke. Should you desire to discuss the above in good faith we urge you to contact Rev. William Swann. For now, we remain your former customers. Sincerely, Mike Crane On The Web: http://spofga.org/corporations/2005/march/coke_market_share.php
Chairman, Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer
The Coca-Cola Company
One Coca-Cola Plaza
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
Ending discrimination against Southern Heritage.
Reconciliation for deliberate attempts to promote anti-Southern political campaigns.
Rev. William Swann, our spokesman has provided Coke with over 40 pounds of paper petition signatures. Also without any response from Coke. Your North American sales will continue to show an increasing level of depressed performance until this situation is addressed and your stockholders have a right to know why a steadily growing number of former customers are choosing other products.
725 Ridgeview Road
Morganton, Georgia, 30560
