Polar's Crowley Addresses Business Educators
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| (Left to Right) Associate Dean of Business Libba Moore; Nichols President Debra M. Townsley; IACBE President Bob Roller | Dr. Libba Moore and Mr. Christopher J. Crowley |
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| Seated Professor Mary Trottier | Nichols business students |
"At Polar, we treat our employees like family," states Christopher J. Crowley, executive vice president of Polar Beverages based in Worcester, Mass.
During the October 24th New England regional meeting of the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) hosted at Nichols College, Crowley described how Polar Beverages has survived as the largest independent, privately-held bottling company in the country and remained steadfast to its core values as a family business that has lasted four generations.
Crowley believes in treating his employees like family and daily communicates clear expectations to workers on the plant floor. In return, Polar employees are loyal and productive. In the 1990's, Polar returned that loyalty by pledging to stay in the Worcester area despite attractive offers to relocate elsewhere. Polar is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
Crowley, a 1974 MBA graduate of Nichols College, had the audience laughing when he recalled how as a kid, he used to make Polar Ginger Ale in his basement by boiling ginger roots.