By Tom McClimon
July 12, 2004

Stating that "things go better with Coke" Conference President Hempstead (NY) Mayor James Garner and Barclay Resler, Vice President for Government and Public Affairs at Coca-Cola, announced a partnership to address the issue of healthy lifestyles in cities.

"Coca-Cola has been long involved in working with cities on encouraging activities that promote healthy lifestyles", stated Garner. "This new partnership will give mayors new tools to use to help fight obesity and promote fitness programs."

" Health and wellness is an important part of our business", stated Mr. Resler. "We welcome and look forward to working with the nation's mayors to encourage healthier lifestyles in their communities."

The new partnership between Coca-Cola and the Conference will provide, among other things, mayors with a "toolkit" to give them examples of things they can do to promote healthy lifestyles. Best practice examples will be part of the tool kit.

Miami Mayor Manuel A. Diaz, Chair of Conference's Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee, also participated in the announcement. "The obesity issue is an epidemic among our youth," stated Diaz. "The obesity issue alone is costing this country over $100 million in health care expenditures each year."

As part of the announcement, Coca-Cola unveiled a new video which featured Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Coca-Cola's healthy lifestyles sponsored activities such as the "Step With It" program which is a middle'school-based program that encourages students to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.

During the annual meeting, Coca Cola also displayed a health and wellness exhibition which included interactive information displays and an obstacle course for children.