Atlantic businessman James “Jim” R. Tyler is among three well-known professionals who will be inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame, in December.

James “Jim” Tyler

The Greater Des Moines Committee will recognize Tyler, along with Charese E. Yanney, a Managing Partner in Guarantee Roofing, Siding and Insulation Company of Sioux City, and James W. Hubbell III, a central Iowa real estate and land developer, as the 2015 Inductees to the Iowa Business Hall of Fame. The inductees will be honored during the Greater Des Moines Committee’s annual Black Tie Dinner to be held at The Meadows Events and Conference Center on Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 2015.

The Iowa Business Hall of Fame honors the achievements of Iowans who have made outstanding contributions to the development and enhancement of Iowa’s business climate. Jim Tyler is the second generation family owner of Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, which was founded in 1909. He took over management of the company in 1958. Within 10 years the company grew from 16 to 40 employees and added a number of soda brands to its bottling lineup. In 1975, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling purchased the Des Moines area Coca-Cola franchise, which increased the brand’s presence and popularity. In 1989, Jim led the way as the company’s Des Moines operation moved into a larger warehouse and sales center on Hickman Road in Waukee. James became the company’s chairman in 1991. His son Kirk was named President of Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company, that same year.

Inductees to the Iowa Business Hall of Fame are selected on merit rather than endorsement. Past Hall of Fame honorees under the leadership of the current Chair serves as the selection committee. The criteria for selection are as follows:

• Business Leadership: The nominated individual should lead or have led a business that has provided valued jobs and economic development to his/her community and the state; creating both wealth and workforce opportunity.
• Community Development Impact: The nominated individual should have made an impact by improving the economies of the community and the state through his/her leadership in such organizations as Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations or centers of education.
• Community Volunteerism/Leadership: The nominated individual should have personally given of his/her time and financial resources for the betterment of the community through support of charities and organizations.
• Strategic Leadership: The nominated individual should have contributed to community economic growth through visionary leadership, community problem-solving, and building strategic alliances.
• Business Recognition: The nominated individual should be recognized by his/her peers as a business leader.

The Greater Des Moines Committee was formed in 1907 by a group of 30 local business leaders. Today, the Committee consists of 121 members and provides an opportunity for business leaders to come together for an information exchange about important topics in the community, the state, and the nation. The Committee founded the Iowa Business Hall of Fame in 1975 to honor the achievements of Iowans who have made outstanding contributions to the development and enhancement of Iowa’s business climate.