Alexander
B. Cummings
LIBERIA
DESERVES BETTER Cummings for President 2017
www.cummingsforliberia.com
PRESENTED BY:
FRIENDS OF ALEXANDER B. CUMMINGS
“
Liberia is at a crossroads. It is time for our country to have a choice beyond the usual politicians and the same ways of doing things. We need to move beyond a system that too often is rooted in corruption and seeks to reward the powerful at the expense of the people. Liberians want to see change, to feel hope and to be empowered. – Alexander B. Cummings
“
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CONTENTS Why am I running for president of Liberia?...................................................................4 Business AND HUMANITARIAN Profile of Alexander B. Cummings.................................7 THE Cummings Africa Foundation.....................................................................................10 Liberia’s 2017 Presidential Election .............................................................................12 THE Cummings 2017 Platform...........................................................................................14 Team Cummings’ Issues And Priorities............................................................................16 On the campaign trAIL .......................................................................................................34 Why Cummings 2017 is important to international partners....................................37 How you can help................................................................................................................38
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WHY AM I RUNNING FOR
PRESIDENT
OF LIBERIA? I Am a Proud Liberian! I Care For and Love the Liberian People I’ve Had a Great Career and It’s Time to Give Back I Love a Challenge I Have the Experience I Have a Plan 4
I Have a Vision For a NEW LIBERIA!
PROFILE
BUSINESS AND
HUMANITARIAN
Growing up in a poor neighborhood in Monrovia, Liberia, Alexander B. Cummings is a success story that has proven the immeasurable value of integrity, hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to achievement without compromise.
• Mr. Cummings’ father, Alexander B. Cummings, Sr., an educator who became a priest, and his mother, Ayo, a mid-wife and entrepreneur, taught him at an early age the importance of faith, discipline, a strong work ethic and compassion towards others. • Mr. Cummings has nearly four decades of international business management experience, highlighted by an almost 19-year career at The Coca-Cola Company. Upon joining Coca-Cola, he served as the Region Manager for Nigeria. He was promoted to become President and Chief Operating Officer of the Africa Group responsible for all of The Coca-Cola Company’s operations in Africa, encompassing a total of 56 countries and territories across the continent. • Mr. Cummings was again promoted and named Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, responsible for most of the company’s business functions across five groups and 200 countries globally with an operating budget of almost $1 billion and several thousands of employees worldwide.
• Prior to The Coca-Cola Company, Mr. Cummings was Vice President of Finance for Pillsbury International, with financial responsibility for growing a $1.2 billion revenue international-branded food business with operating companies in 16 countries. In this capacity, he was not only one of the youngest senior executives at the Pillsbury Company at the time, but also the most senior of African descent.
• As President and Chief Operating Officer of Coca-Cola Africa, two of Mr. Cummings’ business units were recognized over multiple years for delivering the most profit, sales growth and product quality within The Coca-Cola Company, winning the prestigious Coca-Cola Woodruff Cup, the highest honor a business unit can receive. • While a Coca-Cola executive, Mr. Cummings remained active as a humanitarian, mentor and leader in the wider global community. • As a patriot of Liberia and a champion of its people, Mr. Cummings received Liberia’s highest honor, the Humane Order of African Redemption, conferred by Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, awarded for humanitarian work in Liberia; acts supporting and assisting the Liberian nation; and to individuals who have played a prominent role in the emancipation of Africans and the pursuit of equal rights. 7
BUSINESS AND HUMANITARIAN PROFILE • The Alexander B. Cummings S.T.E.M School in Liberia opened in 2016 in honor of Mr. Cummings’ contributions to educating Liberia’s youth. • Mr. Cummings has mentored over a dozen emerging business leaders to create successful enterprises. Under guidance and mentorship, some have more than doubled revenues and profits, with others selling their businesses at significant valuations. • A global player with a strong network of relationships with Heads of State, political leaders, global business leaders, philanthropists, famous athletes and celebrities, Mr. Cummings continues to prove his ability to consistently deliver results and impact profitable and charitable outcomes.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS •
Transforming The Coca-Cola Africa organization from a mostly expatriate leadership team to over 70% African leadership; thousands of jobs and unprecedented opportunities were created for women and people of color;
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Mentoring of 15+ professionals who went on to become senior executives within the Coca-Cola system and at other multinationals;
•
Founding of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation, which invests in programs related to education, healthcare, women & water in Africa.
• Mr. Cummings launched the Cummings Africa Foundation in 2015 with his wife, Teresa, and children, Ayo and Boikai. In less than a year, the Cummings Africa Foundation has invested nearly $1M into health, education, entrepreneurship, the arts, women and youth empowerment.
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• Mr. Cummings currently serves on the boards of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., C.A.R.E. and Clark Atlanta University (CAU) where until October 2016, he was the Chairman of the Board. He is also a former board member of The Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated and Chevron Corporation. He is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.
THE Cummings Africa
FOUNDATION
The Cummings Africa Foundation’s (CAF) mission is to empower and uplift Africa and Africans in the areas of Health, Education and Agriculture Development in order to create real change in communities across the African Continent. In less than a year, CAF has invested nearly $1M to implement 22 quick impact projects with 25 implementing partners, which has benefitted 30,097beneficiaries. CAF social media has reached over 250,000 people with over 10,500 posts, comments and follower interactions.
Recent projects have included: •
Donated medical equipment to six hospitals across Liberia, benefitting over 1 million Liberians.
•
Partnered with the Checago Bright Foundation to provide safe drinking water in deprived communities in suburban Montserrado and Margibi counties.
•
•
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in Paynesville that will focus on S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education: the first of its kind in Liberia. •
Created a computer lab for children with disabilities in Liberia.
Supported funding for over 20 water projects in Liberia through local NGOs operating in Montserrado, Nimba and Rivercess Counties.
•
Launched the Innovation for Innovation At African Methodist Episcopalian University (AMEU) in collaboration with The Coca-Cola Company
Provided academic scholarships for Liberians both in Liberia and abroad to include financial aid to 30 full- time students and 8 law school students at the University of Liberia.
•
Provided computers and furniture to enhance the learning capacity of the students at St. Clement University in Montserrado County.
•
Established the Alexander B. Cummings Jr. modern computer lab at the University of Liberia Fendell Campus.
Facilitated the construction and dedication of a school
Impact
Alexander B. Cummings’
HUMANITARIAN
THE Republic of
Liberia Presidential election 2017
October 2017 marks the Presidential Election in the Republic of Liberia. As outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf winds down her second term, the nation of Liberia finds itself at a tipping point in its history. The upcoming election is key in that it will be the first peaceful transition in many years from one Head of State to another. Clearly Liberia has come a long way; the country has never been as free and peaceful as it has been in the last decade. Mr. Cummings is the fresh face among the candidates, surprising many by becoming one of the top 3 candidates in the race among 22 contenders. His inaugural event in January, a political rally held in the capital city Monrovia, was attended by nearly 30,000 people! Mr. Cummings now currently has fully staffed grass roots and mobilization teams of over 500 people in all 15 counties across the country. In the short time since he announced his run, Mr. Cummings has become a forerunner in the race, in communities across the nation, and in the media. He is a favorite among youth, the entertainment industry, women and religious communities. The country is situated between Sierra Leone, Guinea, and the Ivory Coast with the Atlantic Ocean at its coastline. Liberia has a population of 4.4 million people, is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and is rich in natural resources, particularly rubber, iron ore and timber. 13
The Cummings for LIBERIA
Platform
THE PLAN THE ‘LIBERIA FIRST’ PLAN COMPRISES THE FOLLOWING MAIN STRATEGIC SECTORS – WITH CORRESPONDING POLICIES AND MEASUREMENT MECHANISMS
INFRASTRUCTURE
EDUCATION & INNOVATION
AGRICULTURE
Youth & Culture
HEALTH Economy & Job Creation
Women & Gender Governance, Security & Anti-Corruption 15
Issues and
Priorities Engaging the Hearts and Minds of Liberians in the Transformation of Liberia Finding and Creating New Sources of Revenue Eliminating Waste and Corruption: A Government of “Clean Hands� Creating Jobs and Revitalizing the Economic Development of the Agriculture Sector Expanding Education Modernizing Healthcare Building a 21st Century Liberia 16
INFRASTRUCTURE
•
•
Infrastructure is key sector for development to support economic growth and job Creation. Consistent and low-cost power, clean and safe drinking water, roads, and • internet connectivity, are paramount to Liberia’s economic development and underpin all other priorities. The opportunity for growth and expansion of Liberia’s infrastructure is enormous. • Significant improvement is needed for the nation’s schoolchildren, workers, health and safety, and the accelerated growth of Liberia’s economy and Cummings is committed to attracting the necessary investment to deliver needed progress. Aggressively pursuing private-sector participation in infrastructure development • will help a Cummings Administration deliver on this commitment.
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Liberia is at a turning point in its life as a nation. Its citizens, young and old, want change. Many people fear that the gravity of old habits, mediocrity and corruption will forestall the social and economic development of Liberia, robbing the nation of a historic opportunity to emerge as a competent, self-reliant and prosperous country. Alexander Cummings will introduce a special anti-corruption court and establish the enforcement mechanisms to hold corrupt officials to account; he has pledged to donate his salary as President to fund anti-corruption initiatives. Fraud, abuse of office and playing by your own rules will not be tolerated. By tackling corruption and ending wasteful spending, Liberia will realize a more efficient and productive government—one that works for all Liberians.
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GOVERNANCE Security &
Anti-Corruption
TheEconomy &
JobCreation
The first priority of a Cummings Presidency will be creating jobs and the economy. For Liberia to thrive, a vibrant and growing middle class and economic empowerment of the Liberian people is critical. A Cummings Administration will empower Liberian people by creating job opportunities, building capacity through skills training and development opportunities, strengthening support of entrepreneurs. Cummings will further work to attract investors in both highly labor-intensive and low-tech labor intensive industries that provide jobs that Liberian people can fill. 23
Alexander Cummings recognizes that the youth of Africa are not merely the future. They are a very powerful and significant force TODAY. Cummings understands that young people today are voters, innovators, entrepreneurs and change agents of culture. Thus, the support and engagement of youth TODAY will ensure the desired Liberia of TOMORROW. Shaped by the 21st century influences of technology, arts and culture, and social media in their endeavors, a Cummings Administration will explore new models to advance economic development, support education, and build cross-cultural and multi-generational bridges for the benefit of all Liberians.
YOUTH &
CULTURE 25
WOMEN &
GENDER 26
Liberia’s women were among the worse afflicted by the country’s history of conflict and most recently Ebola, but have proved themselves to be tenacious and the backbone of Liberia’s society. For Liberia to prosper, its women must be empowered economically and given full political participation. A Cummings Presidency will be firm on the full inclusion of women and the protection of gender equality to ensure women have fair access to education, health, and the private and public sector, while addressing the unique issues facing women and girls in Liberian society.
Alexander Cummings seeks to advance economic growth and a healthy democratic society in Liberia through facilitation of innovative, technology-supported education & training. In addition to providing basic literacy for citizens of all ages, the skills and capabilities that global partners require today must be planned for in future generations. a Cummings Presidency will focus on adult education, an emphasis on expanded vocational training, and development of a broader set of competencies among the Liberian people.
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EDUCATION & INNOVATION 26
Even in 2017, Liberia does not feed itself. Yet, Liberia has the natural resources and agricultural potential to significantly increase food production. The capacity building of small scale farmers to include training, technology inputs and financing, is one of the keys. Agricultural growth is a major driver of poverty reduction, especially in rural Liberia. A Cummings Administration will strategically and sustainably invest in the development of the agricultural sector to ensure that Liberia feeds itself and thus transforms its economy.
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Development of the
Agriculture Sector
MODERNIZING
HEALTHCARE 29
Alexander Cummings believes that healthcare in Liberia should be a right and not a privilege for all citizens. Low-cost health care for Liberians is central to the agenda of a Cummings Presidency. Priority will be given to preventative and primary healthcare and Liberia will seek to take advantage of medical advancements and technologies from around the world. Mr. Cummings will work hard to ensure that all Liberian children have access to immunizations—even those who can’t afford it! 33
ON THE
CAMPAIGN TRAIL 34
Why LIBERIA 2017 is Important TO
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS The potential business opportunity in Africa remains largely untapped as investors weigh potentially very high returns against perceived high risks. Good, sound leadership - and especially good governance and rule of law - is key to de-risking the continent for everyone. African leadership is long overdue for a shake-up and a new way of leading in Africa is necessary to realize its potential. Particularly, the youth and emergent middle-class are impatient for change and demand accountable leaders. In this regard, Liberia can catalyze a new benchmark for African leadership, and an example for others to follow, ensuring ongoing civil stability. Accountable leadership in Africa in tandem with a reversal of the corruption that appears to hamper large parts of the continent, will unleash a movement of resources that were previously denied the African continent. The misallocation of resources from the few to the many is a tide that needs turning in Africa. In order for corporates and multinational corporations to ensure their standing as good corporate citizens, as well as to realize profitable business outcomes, it has become increasingly necessary for the private and public sectors to collaborate on building and empowering communities to grow a strong civil society, healthy democracy and an evolving middle class. A Cummings Presidency would ensure win-win scenarios for all stakeholders. 37
I AM depending on you to help LIBERIA ACCOUNTS CUMMNGS FOR LIBERIA CAMPAIGN Alternative National Congress Wire instructions CROWN AGENTS BANK LTD St. Nicholas Road, Sutton United Kingdom Swift Code: CRASGB2L
For Credit to Final Destination Bank: INTERNATIONAL BANK (LIBERIA) LTD 64 Broad Street Monrovia, Liberia Account number 00121970797940102 Swift Code: IBLRLRLM
CUMMINGS AFRICA FOUNDATION Cummings Africa Foundation CROWN AGENTS BANK LTD St. Nicholas Road, Sutton United Kingdom Swift Code: CRASGB2L
For Credit to Final Destination Bank: INTERNATIONA BANK (LIBERIA) LTD 64 Broad Street Monrovia, Liberia Account number 00121970743640102 Swift Code: IBLRLRLM
USA ACCOUNTS CUMMNGS FOR LIBERIA CAMPAIGN Cummings For Liberia Suntrust Bank 1 Lafayette Pl Hilton Head Island, SC 29826 Routing Number 061000104 Account number 1000198917907 Swift Code: SNTRUS3A
CUMMINGS AFRICA FOUNDATION Cummings Africa Foundation Wells Fargo Bank 3624 King Street Alexandria, VA 22306 Alexandria, VA 22306 Routing number: 051400549 Routing number: 121000248 (FOR WIRES) Account number 7117420732 Swift Code: WFBIUS6S
Donations May Also be Made by Check or Online by Visiting www.cummingsforliberia.com
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THANK YOU!
Alexander
B. Cummings
LIBERIA
DESERVES BETTER Cummings 2017 www.cummingsforliberia.com