Atlanta Gas Light Company and WSB Radio presented the 2000 Shining Light Award today to J.B. Fuqua -- entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist, in a ceremony at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

J.B. Fuqua is the 34th Georgian to be honored as a recipient of the Shining Light Award. Established in 1963 by Atlanta Gas Light Company and WSB Radio, this prestigious award recognizes a Georgian who has been an inspiration to the lives of others through service to humanity.

Over his lifetime, Mr. Fuqua has given generously to education, conservation, health and public service concerns. One of his greatest gifts to this city was the funding of the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, named in honor of his wife. Other major gifts in Atlanta include: The Lovett School to establish the Alan Fuqua Center; Piedmont Hospital for The Fuqua Heart Center; the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games; the Atlanta Union Mission for the establishment of Fuqua Hall; Pace Academy for the establishment of the J.B. Fuqua Chair of Public Speaking and Debate; and Wesley Woods for Late-Life Depression. He has also generously supported The Carter Center, Shepherd Center, the Salvation Army, United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta; Skyland Trail Health and Education Center, the American Heart Association, Hands on Atlanta, Canine Assistants and Habitat for Humanity, among others.

Outside of Georgia, J.B. Fuqua has contributed to Duke University for The Fuqua School of Business and established a model K-12 school for rural education in Farmville, Virginia.

An ever-glowing gas light and bronze plaque was unveiled at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in front of the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory in his honor. The award was presented to Mr. Fuqua by AGL Resources President and CEO, Paula G. Rosput.

"While your philanthropy alone is impressive, as a relatively new resident of Atlanta, I was even more touched by your life's story and how you have so thoughtfully retraced the steps of your life to reinvest in those places and people that have been so much a part of your success in life," said Paula G. Rosput, President and CEO of AGL Resources. "It is a privilege and an honor to present the Shining Light Award to J.B. Fuqua."

"I'm honored to be chosen for the Shining Light Award. I've lived in Georgia for over 60 years and it's been very good to me. It's been my pleasure to give back however I can," said J.B. Fuqua.

A chorus of 30 children from Harmony, Atlanta's international youth chorale performed in the garden following the unveiling of the gas light. Harmony is dedicated to creating a spirit of community in Atlanta through high quality choral training and performance opportunities for youth who reflect the cultural diversity of Atlanta.

J.B. Fuqua was born in 1918 in rural Virginia. Following his service in the Merchant Marines as a radio operator, Mr. Fuqua began his career as an engineer at a South Carolina radio station. By age 21, he was part owner of an Augusta, Georgia radio station and the youngest station manager in the nation. Mr. Fuqua served four terms (1957-1964) in the Georgia Legislature, three in the House and one in the Senate. He served as the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia from 1962-1966. He remains active in politics supporting candidates locally and across the country. In 1965 he bought a brick and tile company, renamed it Fuqua Industries and expanded it into a $2 billion conglomerate. During his business career, Mr. Fuqua was chairman of five companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange. He currently serves as Chairman of The Fuqua Companies.

Atlanta Gas Light Company is the largest natural gas distributor in the Southeast and provides delivery service to more than 1.8 million customers in Georgia, Chattanooga, Tennessee and the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. It also is the primary subsidiary of AGL Resources, a regional energy holding company with operations throughout the Southeast. Although natural gas distribution is AGL Resources' core business, it also is engaged in other energy-related businesses, including retail energy marketing, retail and wholesale propane sales and customer care services for energy marketers. The company's home page address on the Internet is http://www.atlantagaslight.com/ .

SOURCE: Atlanta Gas Light Company