Bottler Says Report of Its Demise Is Premature

I am compelled to write this response in the defense of the spirit of American capitalism. “Bottleneck Blues” (March 3) characterizes us as having “ . . . not completely given up. . . .” This could not be more misleading, since we haven’t given up at all and are, in fact, more encouraged than ever.

Why shouldn’t we be encouraged when we have demonstrated not only the project’s viability for this community, but the viability of our marketing plan for our flagship Vibes beverages as well?

You go on to state: “It is also a story of how little good intentions matter in the face of fickle community support, inexperienced management, unrealistic expectations. . . .”

If it were not for the tremendous community support we currently enjoy and that continues to grow almost exponentially, we would not have received the impressive reorders we’ve enjoyed in each of the accounts we have established thus far. It is worth noting that we’ve accomplished this without the benefit of a major advertising campaign.

My brother and I will readily agree, however, that we lack the experience to develop and successfully manage the day-to-day affairs of a major modern bottling operation, which is why we have relied upon the expertise of a variety of companies.

We take exception to the tone and inference that we have failed. Like Mark Twain, we happily state herein that the report of our demise is premature.

CALVIN C. JAMERSON

Chief Executive

Neighborhood Beverage

Group Inc.

Los Angeles