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Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition

• A deep-dive into the life of Robert Woodruff.

• Peachtree cost deemed 'competitive' citywide.

• Kirk Cousins hurting Falcons’ chances.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Success is not how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started."

— Steve Prefontaine

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which historic Atlanta theater, once a movie palace, is known for its opulent Moorish design and is the city's premier venue for Broadway plays?

A) The Fox Theatre

B) The Atlanta Lyric Theatre

C) The Strand Theatre

D) The Tabernacle

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the annual Atlanta film festival that showcases independent, international, animated, documentary, and short films is A) The Atlanta Film Festival.

News & Important Updates

💼Business

2 Peachtree price tag raised eyebrows. City calls cost 'competitive'. (link)

Longtime Atlanta news anchor Justin Farmer departs for financial industry. (link)

🏒Sports

Kirk Cousins was supposed to fix the Falcons, but now he’s hurting them. (link)

As long as we have college rivalries, flags should be planted. (link)

🏦Finance

Atlanta firm acquires Vinings office building for $15M. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🥊 Atlanta Pal Presents - Guns 'n' Hoses
Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
Wed • Dec 11 • 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 USHER: Past Present Future
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Mon • Dec 09, 2024 • 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Steel Panther - Feel The Steel 15th Anniversary Tour
Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta, GA
Tue • Dec 10 • 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎙️ Steve-O: The Super Dummy Tour
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta, GA
Tue • Dec 10, 2024 • 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🙃 Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil
Fox Theatre - Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Wed • Dec 11, 2024 • 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Atlanta streets with interactive, responsive surfaces” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Atlanta Historical Events

The Election of Maynard Jackson (1973): Atlanta's first African American mayor.

The election of Maynard Jackson in 1973 marked a historic moment in Atlanta's history as he became the city's first African American mayor. Jackson's victory was a significant milestone not only for Atlanta but also for the entire South, symbolizing the progress made in the civil rights movement and the increasing political influence of the African American community. His groundbreaking election shattered racial barriers in Atlanta's political landscape and signaled a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the city's leadership.

During his tenure as mayor, Maynard Jackson implemented policies aimed at promoting minority business participation in city contracts, a move that came to be known as the "Atlanta Model." Under his leadership, the city's airport, now Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, experienced significant expansion and modernization, further cementing Atlanta's position as a major transportation hub. Jackson's legacy extends far beyond his time in office, as he set a precedent for subsequent leaders to champion racial equality, economic progress, and civic engagement.

Maynard Jackson's election as Atlanta's first African American mayor remains a defining moment in the city's history, and his impact continues to be felt in the promotion of diversity, equal opportunity, and social justice. His leadership helped shape Atlanta into a more inclusive and dynamic city, and he is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of African American leaders in both Atlanta and across the nation.

Famous Atlantans

Robert Woodruff - Long-time leader of The Coca-Cola Company.

Early Life and Entry into Business (1889-1919)

Robert Woodruff was born in Columbus, Georgia, in 1889. He grew up in a family with a strong business background; his father, Ernest Woodruff, was a prominent Atlanta businessman. Robert attended Emory College before embarking on a career in business, showing early on a knack for leadership and innovation. His early years were marked by various business ventures, setting the stage for his later achievements.

Acquisition of The Coca-Cola Company (1919-1923)

In 1919, Ernest Woodruff led a group of investors to purchase The Coca-Cola Company, and by 1923, Robert Woodruff was appointed as the company's president. This marked the beginning of a new era for Coca-Cola, with Woodruff's vision and leadership driving the company's expansion and success.

Expansion and Innovation at Coca-Cola (1923-1954)

Under Woodruff's leadership, Coca-Cola became a global brand. He introduced innovative marketing strategies, including the six-pack and the open-top cooler, making Coca-Cola a household name. Woodruff's focus on quality, branding, and distribution helped establish Coca-Cola as a leader in the beverage industry.

Support for Scientific Research and Development

Woodruff was a firm believer in the importance of research and development. He established a research department within Coca-Cola to ensure product quality and to explore new product possibilities, laying the groundwork for future innovations in the beverage industry.

Connection to Atlanta

Robert Woodruff's connection to Atlanta was deep and enduring. Under his leadership, Coca-Cola became intrinsically linked to the city's identity and economic growth. Woodruff's philanthropy and civic engagement also contributed significantly to Atlanta's development, making him one of the city's most influential figures.

Philanthropy and Civic Engagement (1954-1985)

Woodruff was renowned for his philanthropy, particularly in Atlanta. He made substantial contributions to educational institutions, healthcare, and the arts. The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, established from his estate, continues to support charitable, scientific, and educational causes, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.

Leadership Style and Corporate Culture

Woodruff's leadership style was characterized by his hands-on approach and his attention to detail. He fostered a corporate culture at Coca-Cola that valued innovation, quality, and community involvement, principles that continue to guide the company.

Legacy at Coca-Cola and Beyond

Woodruff's legacy at Coca-Cola extends beyond his tenure as president. His vision for the brand and his emphasis on marketing and product quality have left a lasting impact on the company and the beverage industry as a whole.

Passing and Continuing Influence (1985)

Robert Woodruff passed away in 1985, but his influence on Coca-Cola and the city of Atlanta endures. His contributions to business, philanthropy, and civic life have made him a legendary figure in both the corporate and community spheres.

Key Achievements

• Transformed Coca-Cola into a global brand through innovative marketing and distribution strategies.

• Established a tradition of philanthropy, significantly impacting education, healthcare, and the arts in Atlanta and beyond.

• Focused on research and development, ensuring the quality and expansion of Coca-Cola's product line.

Robert Woodruff's tenure at Coca-Cola marked a period of unprecedented growth and success for the company, making it a symbol of American culture around the world. His innovative approach to business, combined with his commitment to philanthropy, left a lasting legacy in Atlanta and the global business community. Woodruff's influence on Coca-Cola and his contributions to civic life in Atlanta underscore his role as one of the most impactful leaders in American corporate history.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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