National Park Service Receives $2.5 Million Donation from Coca-Cola North America

Coca-Cola North America today announced it has become a Proud Partner of America’s national park system through a commitment of $2.5 million over five years. The endowment to the National Park Service will support a number of programs geared toward linking outdoor recreation, education and awareness to the physical and mental wellbeing of Americans. “The national park system is an important and unique part of America’s heritage and history” said Katie Bayne, Chief Marketing Officer for The Coca-Cola Company. “Through this donation, our goal is to not only assist in park stewardship, but to engage Americans in dialogue regarding their role in creating, promoting and participating in healthy recreational experiences.” In February, President Bush announced the National Parks Centennial Initiative in support of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the national parks system. The Initiative provides for the potential of up to a $3 billion infusion of new funds coming from the government as well as the public/private sector. Currently with Congress, it is anticipated that the Initiative will pass. “As a long standing supporter of the National Park System, we look forward to being one of the first corporate partners to participate in this important initiative being proposed by President Bush” Bayne added. “The National Park Service is dedicated to conservation, protection, restoration and stewardship of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. As we prepare for our centennial celebration, this donation from Coca-Cola North America will help us continue to upgrade recreational resources and experiences that people will value and remember for a lifetime” said Jamie Patten, of the National Park Service. The Coca-Cola Company has a rich history with the National Park Service dating back to the 1930s when national parks served from time-to-time as backdrops for print ads. During the 1960s the Company had several advertising campaigns promoting tourism, including “Discover America” and “Go America” Within a few years of Sprite being introduced in 1961, 36 of our national parks and monuments appeared on the bottoms of bottles to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Park Service and to promote even further use and enjoyment of the federal recreation areas. The Coca-Cola Company also was the first corporate sponsor of the Statue of Liberty restoration project in celebration of her centennial on July 4, 1986. The National Park Service is a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation — many of them within driving distance. Joining us are Pat Hooks from the National Park Service, Jamie Patten from the National Park Foundation and Katie Bayne of The Coca Cola Company, who is here to challenge people to get involved with efforts to enjoy and preserve our parks. What’s New & Unique with the National Park System & What We can All Do to Protect our Precious Park Resources With gas prices soaring and admission to theme parks costing about the same as that tank of gas, visiting a national park can be a relatively inexpensive family activity. June is National Great Outdoors Month – the perfect time to go outside and enjoy nature. Why not consider a trip to a National Park? With nearly 400 to choose from and activities for every member of the family, there is no excuse not to visit! So, what are some of the best parks in your viewing area to check out this summer? National Park Ranger John Adams will talk with tell you about numerous LOCAL activities available within driving distance of your market: Little known fun facts and amenities available,? Recreational options Quick tips on “what to know before you go” (hydration, animal friendly, special events) Volunteer opportunities Activities for kids (e.g. camps, classes) For more information visit: http://nps.gov”>http://nps.gov More About Patricia Hooks, National Park Service Regional Director: Patricia A. Hooks was confirmed as Director of the Southeast Region of the National Park Service in August 2004. She had previously served as Deputy Regional Director of the Southeast Region for four years. The Southeast Region includes four of the top 10 most visited attractions in the national park system and welcomes about one-fourth of all visitors to America’s National Parks. In her capacity as Regional Director, Hooks provides leadership for 64 park units located throughout nine states, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico . She is responsible for leading nearly 3000 employees and managing a budget of almost $300 million annually. In 1988, Hooks received a Doctor of Law Degree from the Emory University School of Law in Atlanta . She also holds a business degree from Albany State University . Prior to becoming the Deputy Regional Director in 2000, Hooks worked as a staff attorney for the Department of the Interiors southeast regional solicitor for seven years. During that time she was the lead lawyer for the National Park Service Southeast Region on many high-profile and sensitive issues. Hooks also has served as a staff attorney for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and as a law clerk for four years to a U.S. District Court judge. In addition, she was an adjunct professor for Clark Atlanta University from 1994-1998, primarily teaching classes in health law. Prior to beginning her Federal career, she worked in corporate America as a manager for Southern Bell . Throughout her Federal career, Hooks has received numerous awards and training. She completed the Harvard University program for Senior Managers in Government at the John F. Kennedy School for Government in 2005. Hooks is a native of Albany , Ga. She is the mother of one daughter, Lawonda, and two granddaughters, Arika and Genesis. Her daughter is a school teacher in the Atlanta area. She is an avid sports fan, particularly in support of local teams. Her personal interests include traveling, reading and listening to music. More About Katie J. Bayne; Katie J. Bayne, Chief Marketing Officer, Coca-Cola North America, is responsible for portfolio strategy, knowledge and insights, consumer communication, brand programming, media, sports/entertainment, AACM and HACM marketing and interactive marketing. Born in Perth , Australia , Ms. Bayne joined the Company in August of 1989 in Atlanta as Assistant Brand Manager, Diet Colas. She progressed through a series of brand management positions, including New Products. In 1992, Ms. Bayne moved to Los Angeles where she was responsible for Entertainment Marketing and Promotion across all brands. In 1994, Ms. Bayne returned to Atlanta and was named Senior Consumer Strategist in Worldwide Presence Marketing where she led the development of new sports and entertainment brand activation strategies and plans. In 1996, Ms. Bayne moved to Sydney , Australia to create a Retail Marketing arm for Coca-Cola South Pacific, and eventually was responsible for all customer/channel strategy in Cold Drink, foodservice and vending. In June of 2000, Ms. Bayne returned to the US as Managing Director of Marketing for The McDonald’s Group. She was then promoted in January 2002 to Vice President Marketing, where she was responsible for the development and implementation of all Coca-Cola programs and brand enhancement activities with McDonalds. In January 2003, Ms. Bayne was promoted to Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, North America where she was responsible for the Media, Promotions and Programming, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Interactive Marketing and Packaging Integration functions in North America for The Coca-Cola Company. In April 2005, Ms. Bayne served as Senior Vice President, Coca-Cola Brands for Coca-Cola North America . She was responsible for developing and executing portfolio strategy for all of the Coca-Cola trademarked brands at The Coca-Cola Company. Ms Bayne holds a BA from Duke University , and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Busines
s at Duke University . She sits on the Board of Directors of Imagine It!, the Atlanta Children’s Museum and for Beazer Homes USA . Katie and her husband, Sam, live in Atlanta with their two sons. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=32470https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=32470