James M. Cox Foundation Donates $1 Million to Support American Rivers

ATLANTA, March 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of World Water Day, the James M. Cox Foundation announced a $1 million grant to support the efforts of American Rivers to protect and restore the nation's rivers.

"Rivers are important to our environment and outdoor enjoyment," said Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Alex Taylor, who also chairs the board for American Rivers. "American Rivers does an outstanding job making sure our waterways will be clean for future generations."

The James M. Cox Foundation, which is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder, provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group operate.

"We are deeply grateful for the James M. Cox Foundation's generous gift to American Rivers," said Bob Irvin, president of American Rivers. "This grant will help our organization better seize opportunities, respond rapidly to threats facing rivers and clean water, and invest in the people and programs that drive our success. The foundation's commitment will power river conservation and clean water solutions nationwide for years to come."

The grant will build upon Cox Enterprises' national environmental partnership with American Rivers where the company provides in-kind public service announcements, as well as participates in employee river cleanups across the nation. The partnership is part of the company's national Cox Conserves sustainability program that is celebrating its 10^th anniversary.

About the James M. Cox Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States.

The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health

About Cox Conserves:

Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 50,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

The company's sustainability goals are to send zero waste to landfill by 2024 and become carbon and water neutral by 2044. The company also presents the Cox Conserves Sustainability Survey, a nationwide survey that examines sustainability opportunities and challenges for small and medium-sized businesses.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises