AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear
Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) announced today that
businesswoman, philanthropist, wife and mother Savannah James will christen Wingfoot
Two, the newest addition to its fleet of world famous Goodyear
blimps in a ceremony to be held on Friday,
October 21, in Suffield,
Ohio.
"Savannah's Akron-born roots
and passion for improving the local community made her a natural
choice to christen Wingfoot Two," said Goodyear Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and President Richard J. Kramer. "Goodyear has a long-standing
tradition of enlisting strong, accomplished women to christen our
iconic airships, and we are proud to welcome Savannah to the
family."
Goodyear has recognized noteworthy women for nearly a century
through the tradition of christening Goodyear blimps. Celebrated
aviator Amelia Earhart (1929),
astronaut Dr. Sally Ride (2000) and
president of International Speedway Corp. Lesa France Kennedy (2006) are among those who
have christened a Goodyear blimp. Robin
Roberts, award-winning co-anchor of ABC's "Good Morning
America," served as the most recent christener, of Wingfoot
One in 2014.
"I feel absolutely honored to be a part of this christening,"
said James. "With Goodyear being so much a part of Akron and our Foundation always wanting to
better our community, I feel like it is a perfect match. Goodyear
means so much to our community, and we feel a sense of gratitude to
be part of this amazing event."
James was born and raised in Akron, where she met her future husband,
LeBron James, while in high
school. An active volunteer for the LeBron James Family
Foundation since it was founded in 2004, she turned her commitment
to philanthropy and her community into the I PROMise Makeover, an
annual event started in 2013 that empowers and inspires young
women. Also, James is currently preparing to launch a mentor
program for young women in Akron,
beginning with students at her high school alma mater, Buchtel High
School.
While rich in history, the Goodyear blimps continue to bring
innovation to the skies. In 2014, Wingfoot One was
introduced as the first of three new, advanced airships and marked
the first major structural design change of a Goodyear airship in
nearly 70 years.
New features include enhanced aerial television coverage
capabilities, increased flight range to cover more of fans'
favorite events and a larger in-flight passenger experience with
unparalleled panoramic views.
Since 1917, Goodyear has built more than 300 lighter-than-air
vehicles for public relations and defense applications, many built
at the Suffield
facility.
About Goodyear
Goodyear, founded in 1898 in Akron, is one of the world's largest tire
companies. It employs approximately 66,000 people and manufactures
its products in 49 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its
two Innovation Centers in Akron,
and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive
to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the
technology and performance standard for the industry. For more
information about Goodyear and its products, go to
www.goodyear.com.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160922/410916
Logo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/savannah-james-to-christen-newest-goodyear-blimp---wingfoot-two-300332778.html
SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company