Governor Warner Press Release June 2004
GOVERNOR WARNER ANNOUNCES FIRST MAJOR NATIONAL SPONSOR OF JAMESTOWN 2007
Norfolk Southern becomes $3 Million "Founding Colony Sponsor" of 400th Anniversary July 21, 2004
RICHMOND – Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC), a Norfolk-based Fortune 500 company, has committed $3 million to become the first Founding Colony Sponsor for Jamestown 2007, the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Jamestown 2007 will feature a series of national and international events and programs beginning in May 2006 and continuing through February 2008.
"The Jamestown 2007 commemoration is of nationwide significance, but it is fitting that the first major corporate sponsor should be one of our own from Virginia," said Governor Mark R. Warner. "The Jamestown quadricentennial gives us an opportunity to tell a fascinating story to a much broader audience. The benefits to the Commonwealth’s economy as a result of this commemoration will be great, and Norfolk Southern’s contribution is a strong start."
David Goode, chairman, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern, said, "It makes perfect sense for Norfolk Southern to become an integral part of this uniquely American moment. Many people do not realize that Jamestown laid the foundation for our nation, establishing the concepts of innovation, free enterprise, democracy and rule of law in the New World. We’re proud to be part of this continuing story national story." State Senator Thomas K. Norment, who also serves as chairman of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, said national corporations like Norfolk Southern will play a key role in the success of this national commemoration. "Major corporations have many marketing sponsorship options available, but few are as compelling as being associated with the courage and perseverance that led to the establishment of our great nation. This commemoration – a truly unique American event - is a public-private partnership designed to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said.
Willie Cone, Jamestown 2007’s chief operating officer and executive producer, said, "With strong support from corporate sponsors like Norfolk Southern, Jamestown 2007 will involve all Americans and stand as the first major historical milestone of the 21st Century." More information about corporate sponsorship opportunities and state, national and international plans for the 2007 commemoration is available at www.Jamestown2007.org or by call (757) 253-4659.
International Jamestown commemorations have been held every 50 years since 1807. In 1907, Virginia hosted a world’s fair that brought President Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, international dignitaries and 1.5 million visitors to the state. The 350th anniversary in 1957 focused on preservation and education efforts, and culminated with Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to the United States as monarch. Nearly 1.2 million visitors came to 1957 commemoration activities and spent more than $55 million in the state.
Norfolk Southern traces its beginnings to a predecessor rail company operating in the Hopewell-Petersburg area in 1838. It began operations in Hampton Roads in the 1850s. Today, Norfolk Southern operates about 2,144 miles of railroad in the state – about 10% of its total railroad holdings – and connects the businesses of Virginia with the marketplaces of the world. Norfolk Southern employs 4,500 Virginians and produces an annual state payroll of $282 million.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates 21,500 route miles in 22 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, serving every major container port in the eastern United States and providing superior connections to western rail carriers. NS operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is the nation's largest rail carrier of automotive parts and finished vehicles.
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