Each year the Georgia Historical Society meets and selects iconic companies in the State of Georgia to be honored through the Georgia Business History Initiative. The Georgia Historical Society has found that by showcasing these companies they are teaching Georgia students, citizens and tourist alike about the pivotal role of Georgia’s leading businesses in the economic, cultural and social development of Georgia and the United States.
On today, May 16, 2016 Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO Muhtar Kent revealed the Historical Landmark alongside Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed at the intersection of Peachtree and Marietta streets where the first Coca-Cola was served on May 8, 1886. Among those in attendance were Coca-Cola VIP’s, Atlanta Congressional Representative, Ambassador Andrew Young and media. The Historical Marker is at the “Five Points” intersection marking the site of Coca-Cola’s first pour and in honor of the celebration of the companies 130th anniversary.
“There is no better way to celebrate 130 years of Coca-Cola than to give back to our hometown,” said Kent. “While Atlanta has always been and will always be Coca-Cola’s home, the Centennial Olympic Park District is our neighborhood. For decades, we have continued to invest in improving the area around our headquarters to support the continued growth of tourism, business and residences right here in our backyard.”
During the ceremony Coca-Cola extended their global philanthropic arm, and announced today that they are supporting five organizations in the Centennial Olympic Park District:
- $1 million to the Georgia World Congress Center Authority to support the expansion of the green space and updates to facilities within Centennial Olympic Park.
- $500,000 to the PATH Foundation to support efforts to connect Centennial Olympic Park to Atlanta’s westside neighborhoods, including efforts to reconfigure Ivan Allen Blvd. with new bike and pedestrian trails and improved landscaping.
- $250,00 to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights to support Operation Inspiration, an access program that underwrites admission fees for students attending Title 1 schools in metro Atlanta.
- $50,000 to the Atlanta Union Mission to empower women living at My Sister’s House with vocational training and life stabilization skills.
- $30,000 to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta to support new exhibits opening in 2016.
Over the last decade, The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola Foundation have invested more than $160 million and tens of thousands of volunteer hours in support of social, economic and environmental programs throughout Atlanta.
