Thanks for the information about Friends TV show. I was under the impression is was a advertisement shown.
No news on meeting has filtered down as yet. I would assume someone will call them Monday an get the skinny.
The below is a portion of the information that was submitted by UJS on 4/22/98 as part of Form 61 Quarterly Report for the quarter ended 3/31/98.
Sales
Total sales increased by $1,060,214 or 352%, from $300,965 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 to $1,361,179 for the three months ended March 31, 1998. Sales are comprised of the Company's own proprietary brands, Jones Soda and WAZU Natural Spring Water which are being sold in select markets of North America. Sales of Jones Soda have increased year over year in the existing launch markets of Western Canada, Southern California, Pacific Northwest and the U.S. Northeast (primarily New York/New Jersey). In addition, certain new markets, including Las Vegas, Arizona and Northern California were opened in late 1997.
Outlook
In the first quarter of 1998 the Company focused on selling Jones Soda into existing markets. The Company maintains a network of approximately 35 distributors in the Western Region of North America, including California, the Pacific Northwest, Nevada, Arizona and Western Canada. The Company also maintains select distributors in the U.S. Northeast, Florida and Ontario.
During 1997 the Company executed a strategy of selling its proprietary products in select markets and in the "up and down the street" channel of distribution. This selling strategy was accompanied by a marketing strategy, focused on high image markets of New York and San Diego. Through a unique marketing campaign, awareness for the Jones Soda brand increased all over North America. In addition, the Company also sold its sodas in certain markets in non-traditional beverage outlets such as surf shops, CD Listening Bars, skateboard shops and clothing stores. This alternative method of distribution assisted in maintaining the right image for the brand and grounding the brand appropriately.
In 1998, the focus for the Company will be on sales execution in the existing markets as well as opening new distributors throughout North America. In its existing markets, the Company will be able to access new channels of distribution such as the retail channel due to the launch of the Jones Soda 4 pack. The Company will also work with distributors to open new channels such as foodservice, military and the convenience chain channel.
The Company is complementing its sales execution strategy with a marketing plan which utilizes the Company's relationships with companies or organizations as BMG, Namco and LIFEbeat. Each of these groups has partnered with Jones because of its image in the marketplace and is working on cross-promotions to promote their brands alongside Jones.
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company launched new flavors of Jones Soda, Green Apple Soda and Pineapple Upside-Down Soda. Response to both of these flavors has been exceptional. In addition the Company added new Area Sales Managers in the Western Region of North America and announced on March 31, 1998 that it had appointed Peter Strahm as VP Sales Eastern Region. Mr. Strahm comes from a background with Pepsi and Snapple, having been appointed President & CEO of Mr. Natural, the $100 million revenue distribution subsidiary of Snapple Beverages. The Company looks forward to Mr. Strahm's sales leadership and execution skills.
In August, 1997, the Company closed a brokered Private Placement of US$2.5 Million through Stephens Inc. of Little Rock, Arkansas. The Company's partnership with Stephens has been both strategic and financial in nature. The Company is utilizing the expertise of Stephens to provide advice to management and to the Board of Directors as well as financial advice to assist in the growth of the Company's beverage brands. |
