Dec 6, 2011

John C. Portman, Jr. to Receive Legend for Life Honor

Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ leading charitable organization, announced today that trailblazing architect and developer John C. Portman, Jr. will receive a special Legend for Life honor at the organization’s gala event on January 29 in New York City. This award, which is being presented upon the 20th anniversary of Gift for Life, recognizes Portman’s more than five decades of entrepreneurship and service to the industry.

A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1950, Portman quickly set his sights on large-scale architecture and development projects destined to change entire industries: wholesale trade, office buildings, and hospitality.

In 1957 he founded Atlanta Merchandise Mart, now AmericasMart and the largest trade mart/tradeshow complex of its kind in the world. Across its sprawling 7.0 million-square-foot facilities, AmericasMart’s specialty product takes center stage as the chief attraction for the more than 548,000 attendees who each year participate in its 15 annual markets. Its product mix and essential service standards regularly bring retailers from every U.S. state and more than 80 countries worldwide. By stimulating trade and tourism, Portman was the catalyst who established Atlanta as one of the nation’s premier convention cities. Three major downtown hotels Portman designed and developed—the Hyatt Regency, Westin Peachtree Plaza, and Marriott Marquis—anchor the convention district.

Following up on his initial success, Portman began an unmatched record of commercial and hospitality development and design in downtown Atlanta and then across the United States in cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles and New York City. During this period, he was noted for his innovative atrium hotel form used in projects including the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles and the Renaissance Center in Detroit. He is perhaps best known for his urban mixed-use complexes, large-scale developments that integrate open spaces and public art into the function of the space.

In 1982, sensing global opportunities, Portman expanded his vision of thoughtful design into Asia. First in Singapore, then in Malaysia and China, he created signature projects that have graced the skylines of some of the most important cities in the world.

In Atlanta, Portman’s AmericasMart continues to be among standard-setters for showcasing new products and offering excellent customer service. Most recently, AmericasMart opened Building 2 WestWing in January 2009 to offer more than 1.0 million additional square feet of product space. The expansion, which spans across four buildings, solidifies AmericasMart’s position as the nation’s largest home, gift and apparel marketplace.

He has served as a board member of the Atlanta College of Art, and is Trustee Emeritus of the Atlanta Arts Alliance. He has also served as a Director of the Atlanta High Museum of Art. The Georgia Institute of

Technology, his alma mater, presented him their highest honor, the Exceptional Achievement Award, in 1986. His numerous architectural awards include a lifetime achievement award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in 2009, the Silver Medal Award in 1981 from the Atlanta Chapter AIA for innovative design, and AIA Medal in 1978 from the National American Institute of Architects for innovations in hotel design.

“Mr. Portman’s innovative designs and trailblazing vision are forever imprinted on cities around the world but most importantly his impact on our business is unmatched,” said Peter Schauben, founder of Gift for Life. “For more than five decades his marketplace has served as a crossroads for buyers and sellers intent on creating better business. Hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs owe him a debt of gratitude.”

“His legendary leadership, generosity and passion deserve special praise from the industry on a special night,” said Leslie Nathan-Street, chair of the Gift for Life board. “We are honored to extend the Legend for Life award to Mr. Portman.”

Make plans now to attend Gift for Life’s 20th Annual Party for Life, benefiting DIFFA, on January 29, 2012, at The Boathouse at Central Park. Individual tickets are $125, and sponsorships ranging from $500 through $25,000 are available. For details, contact Steven Williams at swilliams@diffa.org, (212) 727-3100.

Each year, Gift for Life hosts events throughout the U.S. benefitting DIFFA. The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to eradicate the AIDS pandemic in the U.S. Working together, Gift for Life and DIFFA will continue to raise funds for HIV/AIDS service and education programs. For additional information please visit www.giftforlife.org. Follow Gift for Life’s efforts via their free e-newsletter, available athttp://www.giftforlife.org/about_gfl/press-releases-and-newsletters/.

ABOUT GIFT FOR LIFE
Gift for Life, the gift, home décor and stationery industry’s volunteer group raising funds for AIDS assistance and research through DIFFA: Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS, was founded in 1992. Since then, Gift for Life has raised nearly $5 million through special events, cause-related marketing, promotions, and from corporate and individual donations. For more information visit www.giftforlife.org

ABOUT DIFFA
DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $38 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. The DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS Web site is available at www.diffa.org