ATLANTA, GA. September 08, 2005 -- As announced earlier today by Bernie Marcus, benefactor of the Georgia Aquarium, Georgia-Pacific Corp. has signed on as one of six presenting sponsors at the aquarium.
Were honored to be associated with Bernie and his magnanimous gift to our community. Beyond our families, friends and neighbors here in Georgia who will experience the aquarium, it will attract millions of visitors each year to our city, said A.D. Pete Correll, chairman and chief executive officer of Georgia-Pacific. I feel privileged to be part of its success as a board member and that our company has become a presenting sponsor.
As a long-time corporate citizen of Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific supports efforts to improve the quality of life in the city and throughout the state, and is proud to play such an important role in this vital project. The aquarium will play a significant role in the continued enrichment of downtown Atlanta.
While the aquarium enables Georgia-Pacific to participate with the community, it also presents an opportunity for the company to interact directly with consumers. Visitors to the aquarium will be exposed to Georgia-Pacific brands and products as they enjoy an unforgettable experience in this remarkable venue.
The Georgia Aquarium is destined to become one of the top attractions and family destinations in the Southeast. It provides Georgia-Pacific a link with families and a venue to create increased familiarity with our company and brands, said Sheila Weidman, vice president, corporate communications and marketing of Georgia-Pacific. Opportunities to be associated with such a wonderful attraction are rare and were delighted to be able to work with the aquarium.
Georgia-Pacific products will continue to play a role in the aquarium. During construction, Georgia-Pacifics DensGlass Gold exterior sheathing and DensArmor Plus mold-resistant interior wallboard were used to complete the 550,000 square-foot structure. After the aquarium opens, Georgia-Pacific products such as Dixie plates, cups and cutlery, enMotion towel dispensers, Cormatic bath tissue and the companys extensive line of away-from-home products will be used by thousands of families on a daily basis.
Headquartered at Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the worlds leading manufacturers and marketers of tissue, packaging, paper, building products and related chemicals. With 2004 annual sales of approximately $20 billion, the company employs 55,000 people at more than 300 locations in North America and Europe. Its familiar consumer tissue brands include Quilted Northern, Angel Soft, Brawny, Sparkle, Soft 'n Gentle, Mardi Gras, So-Dri and Vanity Fair, as well as the Dixie brand of disposable cups, plates and cutlery. Georgia-Pacifics building products manufacturing business has long been among the nations leading supplier of building products to lumber and building materials dealers and large do-it-yourself warehouse retailers.