Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. Establishes 'The Vicki R. Palmer Scholarship Program'

(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) ATLANTA--Aug. 24, 2009-- Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE), the world’s largest marketer, distributor, and producer of Coca-Cola products, today announced the establishment of The Vicki R. Palmer Scholarship Program, created in honor of Spelman College trustee and retired Coca-Cola Enterprises executive Vicki R. Palmer. CCE will fund $25,000 in annual scholarships to the College in support of the program.

Given to students with academic promise, a demonstrated financial need, and a proven commitment to community service, The Vicki R. Palmer Scholarship will also provide Spelman students an opportunity to complete a summer internship at CCE.

“The Vicki R. Palmer Scholarship honors Vicki’s invaluable contributions to our company, while representing CCE’s ongoing commitment to attract and retain a diverse, inclusive, and highly talented workforce,” said John F. Brock, chairman and chief executive officer, Coca-Cola Enterprises. “This program recognizes her dedication to community service, diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of women, which are all trademarks of her leadership style.”

Throughout her 25-year tenure in the Coca-Cola system, Mrs. Palmer was committed to helping fulfill the Company’s diversity and inclusion goals of recruiting, retaining and promoting minorities and women, and providing opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.

“I am honored by CCE’s generosity in establishing this scholarship program, which will serve as a lasting legacy,” said Mrs. Palmer. “This tribute underscores the missions of CCE and Spelman, both of which are committed to preparing young leaders for a competitive, global business environment while making a positive social impact.”

An avid supporter of Spelman College, Mrs. Palmer was elected to the school’s board of trustees in 1995. Currently, she serves as chair of the Investment Committee and is a member of the Audit, Finance and Budget Committee; Audit Sub-Committee; and Executive Committee.

“As a board member for more than 14 years, Vicki has demonstrated her passion for student development and mentorship by actively engaging business and community leaders in support of Spelman’s vision,” said Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president, Spelman College. “The Palmer Scholarship celebrates this passion by providing financial support and career training to help Spelman women become leaders in a 21st century global economy.”

Mrs. Palmer made lasting leadership contributions to both CCE and the Atlanta community over her distinguished career. She was initially hired by The Coca-Cola Company in 1983 before joining CCE’s initial leadership team as Assistant Treasurer when the company formed in 1986. She was then elected Corporate Vice President and Treasurer in 1992; Senior Vice President and Special Assistant to the CEO in 2000; and served as Executive Vice President, Financial Services and Administration from 2004 until her retirement earlier this year.

Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a prestigious, highly selective, liberal arts college that prepares women to change the world. Located in Atlanta, Ga., this historically black college boasts a 79 percent graduation rate, and outstanding alumnae such as Children's Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; former U.S. Foreign Service Director General Ruth Davis, authors Tina McElroy Ansa and Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson. More than 83 percent of the full-time faculty members have Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees, and the average faculty to student ratio is 12:1. More than 2,100 students attend Spelman. For more information, visit www.spelman.edu.

Coca-Cola Enterprises is the world’s largest marketer, producer, and distributor of bottle and can liquid nonalcoholic refreshment. CCE sells approximately 80 percent of The Coca-Cola Company’s bottle and can volume in North America and is the sole licensed bottle for products of The Coca-Cola Company in Belgium, continental France, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Monaco, and the Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.cokecce.com.

Source: Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc.

Coca-Cola Enterprises
Fred Roselli, 770-200-8731
froselli@cokecce.com
or
Spelman College
Terrilyn Simmons, 404-270-5822
tsimmons8@spelman.edu