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December 17, 2009                                   Jill Nidiffer 404.494.3439

Piedmont Park Travel Mart Brings Common Ground to Travelers of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

New concept representing historic park opens in Atrium

Atlanta, GA – December 17, 2009 – The Paradies Shops celebrated the grand opening of its newest local concept at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Piedmont Park Travel Mart, a lively retail market providing airport visitors from around the world an authentic experience celebrating historic Piedmont Park, the city’s most visited green space.

Located in the Atrium, Piedmont Park Travel Mart serves as an ambassador not only for the City of Atlanta, but for Piedmont Park as well. This unique one-stop-shop offers travelers everything they need on-the-go, including an extensive assortment of news, sundries, snacks, chilled beverages and travel accessories, as well as apparel and gifts showcasing Atlanta and its attractions. Featured in Piedmont Park Travel Mart is Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s largest retailer of coffee by the cup.

“We are excited to offer our passengers a unique Atlanta experience with the new Piedmont Park Travel Mart,” said John Cugasi, director of Concessions for the Department of Aviation. “The store’s location in the Atrium is convenient for travelers as well as friends and loved ones here to greet them. It also encompasses and exemplifies the Airport’s goal of establishing a sense of place that Atlanta residents and visitors can enjoy and call their own.”

“We are extremely proud to partner with Piedmont Park Conservancy on this original concept, providing award-winning customer service and merchandise to Atlanta travelers in a design that portrays the timeless beauty that Piedmont Park is famous for,” said Gregg Paradies, President and CEO of The Paradies Shops.

“Piedmont Park Conservancy is excited for this great opportunity to connect visitors at the world's busiest airport with Atlanta's most visited free-attraction," said Yvette Bowden, President and CEO of Piedmont Park Conservancy. “Together, travelers from all over the world will have the opportunity to experience and take home a little piece of the spirit of Atlanta’s Common ground – Piedmont Park,” she added.

About Piedmont Park Conservancy

Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy has raised and invested more than $23 million in private funds for Park improvements, and today manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security. By 2010, the Conservancy will have invested an additional $41.25 million in Phase I expansion projects.

About Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson is the world’s busiest airport, serving more than 90 million passengers annually with nonstop service to 156 U.S. destinations and more than 80 international destinations in 50 countries. The Airport is a frequent recipient of awards of excellence for concessions, operations, architectural engineering and construction ─ including being named the World’s Most Efficient Airport by the Air Transport Research Society (for more information, go to www.atrsworld.org). It is undergoing  $6 billion-plus in capital improvements, which include a new, energy-efficient rental car center; a new, 12-gate international terminal; and aesthetic and functional upgrades to its concourses, people movers and parking services. For more information, go to www.atlanta-airport.com. Check out the Airport’s YouTube channel by visiting www.youtube.com/AtlantaHartsfield, and become a fan on Facebook.