SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia (OAAG) presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to William “Billy” E. Corey, founder, owner and chairman of U.S. Enterprises, Inc., commonly known as Corey Companies. The award was presented on October 6, 2026, at OAAG’s annual conference in Savannah. The award recognizes Corey’s nearly five decades of leadership in outdoor advertising and his lasting contributions to the industry, the city of Atlanta and the state of Georgia.
From a single gas station to an Atlanta institution
Corey’s career began with a single gas station that grew into a thriving convenience store and gasoline chain. In 1978, he incorporated his first billboard company as an offshoot of that business, laying the foundation for what would become one of Atlanta’s top privately held companies. Over the years, Corey Companies expanded into radio, video games, stadium sponsorships, construction, real estate and the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. In 2002, the company added airport advertising. Corey Airport Services eventually maintained offices from Myrtle Beach to Palm Springs and from Dallas to Louisville before it was acquired by Lamar Advertising in 2017.
A beacon over downtown Atlanta
Corey’s most visible legacy is the Corey Tower, which rises 30 stories over downtown Atlanta at the convergence of I-75, I-85 and I-20. Its 2,000-square-foot LED display, and overall 27,000 square feet of marketing exposure from top to bottom, is seen by millions of travelers on the Downtown Connector, and the tower has become one of the most recognizable landmarks on the city’s skyline.
The tower is more than an advertising platform. Corey has used it as a beacon for the community, lighting it up to raise awareness for causes such as Breast Cancer Awareness, the American Red Cross and Georgia Giving Day. For many Atlantans, the glow of the tower over the Connector is a familiar sign that they’re home.
The tower is now being rebranded as the Atlanta Tower, positioning it as the South’s premier branding monument for local and national companies. For more information regarding the Tower, contact Nasha Sanders at 404-419-9720 or nsanders@coreycompanies.com.
A commitment to community
Beyond his business success, Corey is one of Atlanta’s most respected business leaders and is active in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations, including the USO and the Shepherd Center. He leads a senior management team with more than 170 years of combined experience.
About OAAG
The Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia (OAAG) is the statewide trade association representing Georgia’s outdoor advertising industry, including billboard operators, industry suppliers and partners. OAAG advocates on behalf of its members and works to support a strong, thriving industry across the state.
Beyond its economic impact, Georgia’s outdoor advertising industry is committed to serving the public. OAAG and its members partner with state agencies and nonprofits to share important public service messages, from highway safety and emergency alerts to literacy initiatives, reaching communities in every corner of Georgia. To learn more, visit oaag.net.
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