Today, right down the street from those of us here at Sip & Savor, President Barack Obama is welcoming Chinese President Hu Jintao to the White House.  This is a significant state visit, and, as such, we are reading a number of news reports about how the two presidents will meet with both American and Chinese business leaders to discuss increasing trade opportunities between the two powerful nations.  Among the invited attendees are CEOs of companies including Goldman Sachs, General Electric, Boeing - and ABA member company, The Coca-Cola Company.

Our association includes many companies which, while part of the fabric of America, are also some of the most recognized global brands.  Their presence is felt around the world – and their commitment to the communities in which they operate is strong.

In the United States alone, our industry employs 208,000 people.  And we support hundreds of thousands more jobs that depend, in part, on beverage sales for their livelihood.  Thus it is no surprise that trade negotiations, job growth and other facets of today’s discussion may be of interest to CEOs of not only our industry, but most business leaders today.