Illinois considering official drink

[Rose Siding]

...The concept of designating an "official state beverage" could bring in millions of dollars to Illinois' cash-strapped state budget, as soft-drink companies compete - and pay - for the right to hawk their soda, juice or other beverage under Illinois' state banner.
...
One of the state's top soft-drink distributors, Pepsi MidAmerica of Marion, has issued a written statement questioning the proposal. Although the company is among those potentially in the running for the "official beverage" designation, it is "concerned that (the idea) would harm towns and small businesses throughout the state by eliminating opportunities for local jobs," the company said.

Ottenhoff, Blagojevich's spokeswoman, responded that such arguments are counter to the free-market mantra that such companies and industries usually tout.

"We live in a free-market society. These companies already function in a market driven by competition," Ottenhoff said. "Competition is a good thing. In the end, it benefits consumers."
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Larry Briggs, an associate professor of advertising at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, said there is little doubt that such government-corporate agreements are profitable for the taxpayers. "These companies pay big bucks . . . for the bragging rights (of an 'official' designation)," he said. "It's like having a stadium named after you."

But he added: "It limits the choices (for consumers) . . . (and) you're kind of selling out to the corporations. There's always a fine line there, anyway."

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/illinoisstatenews/story/6ECBC4D05B50228D86256F0E001ADCBC?OpenDocument&Headline=Illinois+considering+official+drink