* Coke bottling consolidation. As head of JTL Corp., Mr. Lupton grew his bottling empire through acquisitions and mergers before selling it to the Coca-Cola Co. for $1.2 billion in 1986, in a move that paved the way for widespread consolidation in the soft drink bottling industry.
* Focused philanthropy. Through his family’s Lyndhurst Foundation, Mr. Lupton shifted giving to a more proactive, targeted mission, rather than just reacting to funding requests. Chattanooga Venture, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, the Riverbend Festival and RiverCity Co. were outgrowths of that strategy to transform local planning, housing, entertainment and downtown development.
* Hometown pride. Although he traveled the world as head of JTL Corp., Mr. Lupton turned his attention and philanthropy to Chattanoga after selling his business. He donated his own money and encouraged others to give to local causes.
* Five Nights in Chattanooga. In 1981, Mr. Lupton helped fund a downtown outdoor concert by B.B. King that helped lead to the creation of the Riverbend Festival the next year.
* Tennessee Aquarium. He led the $45 million fundraising campaign to open the world’s largest freshwater aquarium in 1992. The aquarium spawned restoration of the riverfront and Walnut Street Bridge and other downtown attractions including the Creative Discovery Museum, the IMAX Theater and the Visitors Center.