Cox Enterprises Announces $1 Million Gift to The Nature Conservancy

Gift to support "Georgia for Generations" campaign

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Jun 10, 2011, 09:00 ET

ATLANTA, June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises today announced a $1 million contribution to The Nature Conservancy's "Georgia for Generations" campaign made by the James M. Cox Foundation. The gift will be given in the form of $250,000 annually over the next four years.

"The James M. Cox Foundation and Cox Enterprises have supported The Nature Conservancy for more than 20 years, and the "Georgia for Generations" campaign allows us to make a lasting impact by protecting and conserving our state's natural resources for future generations," said Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises. "We all need to do our part, and my hope is that this gift will inspire others to make a difference in a way that feels right to them."

Kennedy serves as honorary co-chair of the "Georgia for Generations" $25 million campaign. To date, more than $16 million has been raised toward the campaign goal.

"We're thrilled to accept this gift from the James M. Cox Foundation and to have Jim Kennedy serve as co-chair of this campaign," said Shelly Lakly, Ph.D., executive director, The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. "Jim's passion for the environment is truly inspirational, and this gift allows us to pursue conservation opportunities that will improve the health of our rivers, extend the borders of protected forest land and maintain the Georgia coast."

The gift from the James M. Cox Foundation is added to a $1 million donation from Jim and Sarah Kennedy, who also actively support multiple environmental organizations such as the Path Foundation.

Thanks to the Kennedy's dedication to the environment, Cox Enterprises launched Cox Conserves, the company's national sustainability program, in 2007. Cox Conserves seeks to reduce Cox Enterprises' energy consumption by embracing alternative forms of energy, conserving natural resources and inspiring eco-friendly behavior. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader.com) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 60,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

About Cox Enterprises (coxinc.com)

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of nearly $15 billion and more than 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Manheim, Inc. (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products); Cox Media Group, Inc. (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers, advertising sales rep firms, Valpak and Cox Digital Solutions); and AutoTrader.com (online automotive advertising and Kelley Blue Book, vAuto and HomeNet Automotive subsidiaries). Additionally, Cox operates Kudzu.com.

About The Nature Conservancy (nature.org)

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises