Ritchie Honors Pepsi Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers with "Empire Award"

At a recent visit to the Pepsi Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers Plant in Ogdensburg, State Senator Patty Ritchie presented the company with the New York State Senate “Empire Award” for its contributions to St. Lawrence County and its charitable work in the North Country.

“It is always wonderful to see a local, family business succeed for so long, provide jobs to a community and enhance the region’s economy.  However, Pepsi Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers does so much more. Whether it be a community group such as the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, children looking to swim in the summer time, local schools and their athletic fields, or families helping a loved one battling cancer, the Winter and Wright family has touched a tremendous amount of lives in the City of Ogdensburg and its surrounding communities.”

Pepsi Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers first opened in 1943. It originally opened on Isabella Street, before moving to a larger facility on Rensselaer and Lincoln Avenues. In 1962, it made its final move, to its current home on Mansion Avenue. It never once considered locations outside of Ogdensburg. The company currently employs 50 people.

In 2012, the company was awarded Pepsi Cola’s Donald M. Kendall Bottler of the Year Award for its outstanding volume and growth, customer service, standards and community support.

Over the last 75 years, the company, its founder Richard Winter, and the Winter-Wright families have been actively involved in numerous charitable efforts and community groups such as the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club—which Richard Winter helped establish—the City of Ogdensburg Rec Program, the Gouverneur Businesswoman’s Walk and local schools and athletic facilities. In fact, the company donated the $5,000 prize for the Bottler of the Year Award to the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club.

In addition, the Cancer Treatment Center in Ogdensburg is named after Richard Winter.

During her visit, Senator Ritchie was able to meet with the company officials to learn more about its operations and work in the community.

The New York State Senate Empire Award recognizes excellence in business. Its recipients demonstrate leadership in their industry, innovation, job creation, economic growth and contributions to its community. 

(Attn. Photo Editors: In the attached picture, Senator Ritchie is seen presenting the “Empire Award” to Pepsi Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers Senior Vice President Scott Wright (left), President and CEO Bonnie Wright (right center) and Vice President and General Manager Richard Wright (right))