Sandy Springs-based UPS made a splash over the summer when it decided not to sponsor the Republican National Convention as it did in 2012. But with President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration nearing, the shipping giant is planning to help fund the festivities.
The firm is among a growing list of Georgia’s biggest businesses that plan to help fund the activities surrounding the Jan. 20 inauguration after Trump cleared the way for corporations to make large donations for the event. Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines and Southern Co. are among the Georgia-based Fortune 500 firms ponying up for the inauguration or one of the many galas or other events revolving around Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
Trump's inaugural committee aims to raise as much as $75 million for a slate of events from Jan. 17 to Jan. 21, in part by leaning on giant corporations. Details won't be made public until after the event, but that would set Trump on the path to exceed the record $53 million raised for President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration.
Corporate powers tend to steer clear of partisan politics, lest they alienate wide segments of their potential customer base. But inaugurations give them a unique chance to hobnob with influential politicians while highlighting their work.
More: Read about the powerful Georgia companies donating to Trump's inauguration
