American Beverage Association ( ABA ) was founded in 1919 as the American Bottlers of Carbonated Beverages, and renamed the National Soft Drink Association in 1966. Today the ABA represents hundreds of beverage producers, distributors, franchise companies and support industries. The beverage industry has a direct economic impact of $178.5 billion and ABA member companies employ more than 208, 000 people across the country. They market hundreds of brands, flavors and packages, including regular and diet soft drinks, bottled water and water beverages, 100-percent juice and juice drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks and ready-to-drink teas.ABA provides a neutral forum in which members convene to discuss common issues while maintaining their tradition of spirited competition in the American marketplace. The Association also serves as liaison between the industry, government and the public, and provides a unified voice in legislative and regulatory matters.As the national voice for the non-alcoholic refreshment beverage industry, American Beverage Association staff of legislative, scientific, technical, regulatory, legal and communications experts effectively represent members' interests.