Jessup faimly earns thanks

The Charlottesville Daily Progress
Published: June 9, 2008

Charlottesville-Albemarle is fortunate to have business people like the Jessups, third-generation owners of the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Central Virginia.

Remarkably, the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, having been founded by Sam Jessup in 1908.

His son Jimmie took over the business in turn, and now grandchildren Jay Jessup and Suzanne Jessup Brooks run the operation.

It is rare these days for a company to stay under family control for 100 years. That alone makes the company notable.

But the Jessups have been as committed to the community as they have been to their business.

The family and the business alike have given back to Charlottesville in so many ways. Some highlights:

—The local Pepsi-Cola franchise has provided steady employment for many.

—The company is generously willing to support good causes, with donations of products and other support.

—Family members have been involved in many other local businesses, also stoking the area’s economic engine.

—Family members have volunteered for numerous civic and charitable endeavors.

We’ll mention just two of the awards they have received — the Paul Goodloe McIntire Award from the Chamber of Commerce and the Philanthropist of the Year Award from the Piedmont Council of the Arts. Both awards honor recipients for depth and breadth of service.

The family’s contributions include support of the Chamber, the Senior Center, the Paramount Theater, the YMCA, Recording for the Blind, the United Way, Toy Lift, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Blue Ridge School and more.

With family roots running so deep in Charlottesville soil, it is perhaps natural that the Jessups have spent so much time, effort and love nurturing this community — and that they have done so not just as private individuals but also through their business. There is probably not a local scout group, fire department or PTO fundraiser that has not at some point benefited from a company donation of Pepsi products from the local bottling company.

Charlottesville-Albemarle is fortunate to have business people like the Jessups in our midst.

But perhaps more important, the community is fortunate to have them as neighbors, friends and supporters.