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Printer-Friendly ModeJones Soda visit 'very successful'
April 4, 2005 —
Driving a big orange van and clad in a matching orange suit, Jones Soda Gene visited campus Thursday, March 24.
Gene, a representative of Jones Soda, handed out the beverage for free as a celebratory thank you for its success during its first semester on the SVSU campus. Gene cut a path across campus that took him from the C-Store to Doan Café and Science East's Einstein's Eatery.
While Gene was certainly the most noticeable, he did not work alone. Joining him in handing out free bottles was senior Kevin Davidson, the man responsible for Jones Soda being on campus.
During a Dining Services Food Forum in November, the 22-year-old from Caro suggested that the C-Store carry Jones Soda.
"In high school, it was cool because of the retro glass bottle," Davidson said. "But it's good because it's original and has a lot of different flavors."
Though Davidson knew that Dining Services eagerly welcomed suggestions, he was still surprised when Jones Soda appeared in the C-Store in January.
"It's impressive," he said. "[Dining Services] really cares about what the students want."
In all, Davidson helped Gene pass out more than 500 bottles of soda with flavors ranging from D'Peach Mode and Cream Soda to Davidson's personal favorite, Green Apple.
Dining Services Marketing Manager Heidi Shattuck said that Gene's visit to campus was a success and that he emphasized what a good time he had on campus.
The combination of respectful students and high Jones Soda sales is bringing Jones Soda Gene back to campus. Gene is scheduled to return to SVSU this fall when students begin moving back in.
As for Gene's inaugural visit, Shattuck believes it was a hit.
"I think it was very successful and so did Jones Soda Gene," she said. "You get your regular base of students within the C-Store and being able to go across campus and hit more of the commuter base is a good thing. Now more students, faculty and staff know Jones Soda is in the C-Store."
Shattuck pointed out that the visit is just a part of a larger picture showing how Dining Services and the campus have grown.
"I hope people realize how fortunate they are," Shattuck said. "What an awesome thing it is to be on this campus right now and watch it grow and change."
The next Dining Services Food Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19 at 2 pm in the Multi-purpose Room.