The Salt Lake Tribune |
| A new WalMart store in Logan has opened its doors, featuring The Fly Shop, one of three in the chain nationwide. The Fly Shop is stocked with equipment and supplies for fishers and outdoor enthusiasts. The store, located at 1150 S. 100 West, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and employs about 350 people. Leased areas and services include a Subway restaurant and a SmartStyle Family Hair Salon. |
| |
| June 17, 2009 |
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
WalMart with Fly Shop opens in Logan
Walmart Store opening nears
Jun. 23--After more than a year of construction, the WalMart Super-center in Locust will open July 15.
Crews have been working tirelessly to stock the store as the weeks begin to wind down for the much anticipated opening.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held April 4, 2008, which was approximately 13 months after Locust City Council approved the construction of the Supercenter.
WRS Realty of Aiken, S.C. was responsible for the undertaking of the project, which included clearing, grading and site construction.
Earlier in June, WRS Reality turned the store over to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., so everything is in place for the store opening.
A hiring drive took place in late April and May at the Stanly Community College Crutchfield Education Center.
Between 325 openings at the Locust location were filled and management anticipates filling approximately 40 more positions.
"The response has been outstanding. The manager is really excited," said Chris Neeley, a public relations representative for WalMart.
"This is a great opportunity for the Locust community. The store is in a position to be a stimulus for them."
This city is also excited for the possibilities the new WalMart Supercenter will bring to the city.
"We're excited for a major corporation like WalMart to decide to locate in the city, especially in these difficult times. Not only will they be providing more jobs to the area, but they'll also be providing a low cost shopping option," said James Inman, city administrator.
Crews have been working tirelessly to stock the store as the weeks begin to wind down for the much anticipated opening.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held April 4, 2008, which was approximately 13 months after Locust City Council approved the construction of the Supercenter.
WRS Realty of Aiken, S.C. was responsible for the undertaking of the project, which included clearing, grading and site construction.
Earlier in June, WRS Reality turned the store over to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., so everything is in place for the store opening.
A hiring drive took place in late April and May at the Stanly Community College Crutchfield Education Center.
Between 325 openings at the Locust location were filled and management anticipates filling approximately 40 more positions.
"The response has been outstanding. The manager is really excited," said Chris Neeley, a public relations representative for WalMart.
"This is a great opportunity for the Locust community. The store is in a position to be a stimulus for them."
This city is also excited for the possibilities the new WalMart Supercenter will bring to the city.
"We're excited for a major corporation like WalMart to decide to locate in the city, especially in these difficult times. Not only will they be providing more jobs to the area, but they'll also be providing a low cost shopping option," said James Inman, city administrator.
WalMart will remodel prior to its expansion
CHICO While it's still planning to expand its Chico store into a super-center, WalMart is moving ahead with a remodeling that basically sets the stage.
Begun last month, the remodeling doesn't change the store's exterior, but creates a new interior, according to the retailer.
New shelving, new colors and new flooring are part of the remake, that the city values at $865,577.
"We're putting in low-profile shelving, bright paint scheme and easy to read signs," said WalMart corporate affairs director Tiffany Moffat, who said customer feedback helped make the decision. "We're always engaging customers to ensure the stores are clean, open and bright."
The remodeling is expected to be complete by late August. The store is open during the process.
Moffat said the company has hired 75 temporary employees to help during the remodeling, not counting the construction work. It regularly employs about 350.
Angie Stoner, WalMart senior manager public affairs, said the remodeling was planned before the expansion work got started.
"It's a priority for us to update the stores," Stoner said.
Last fall, WalMart announced that it would be remodeling 70 percent of its stores over the next five years. The Chico store opened in 1994.
WalMart's proposal to expand from 125,889 square-feet to 208,358 square-feet plus an 18,000-square-foot garden center will go to the Planning Commission on July 16. The expansion makes way for a grocery component.
After completing a draft EIR, the city pulled the document before a public hearing process got started in March 2008 to revise traffic and circulation information.
In addition, the EIR also addressed the expansion's impact on global climate change, saying there would be a less than significant cumulative impact.
If the retailer gets approval to expand, the construction could take 10 to 12 months.
Begun last month, the remodeling doesn't change the store's exterior, but creates a new interior, according to the retailer.
New shelving, new colors and new flooring are part of the remake, that the city values at $865,577.
"We're putting in low-profile shelving, bright paint scheme and easy to read signs," said WalMart corporate affairs director Tiffany Moffat, who said customer feedback helped make the decision. "We're always engaging customers to ensure the stores are clean, open and bright."
The remodeling is expected to be complete by late August. The store is open during the process.
Moffat said the company has hired 75 temporary employees to help during the remodeling, not counting the construction work. It regularly employs about 350.
Angie Stoner, WalMart senior manager public affairs, said the remodeling was planned before the expansion work got started.
"It's a priority for us to update the stores," Stoner said.
Last fall, WalMart announced that it would be remodeling 70 percent of its stores over the next five years. The Chico store opened in 1994.
WalMart's proposal to expand from 125,889 square-feet to 208,358 square-feet plus an 18,000-square-foot garden center will go to the Planning Commission on July 16. The expansion makes way for a grocery component.
After completing a draft EIR, the city pulled the document before a public hearing process got started in March 2008 to revise traffic and circulation information.
In addition, the EIR also addressed the expansion's impact on global climate change, saying there would be a less than significant cumulative impact.
If the retailer gets approval to expand, the construction could take 10 to 12 months.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Walmart Brazil Mobilizes Suppliers and Announces Sustainability Pact
Minister of Environment, Carlos Minc, takes part in the retailer’s event with 500 companies and NGOs. Amazon, packaging and productive chain are the main themes of the commitments
São Paulo, June 23, 2009 – In the search for more sustainable practices in the whole productive chain in Brazil, today, WalMart gives an important step towards hosting a pioneer event in the Country: the “Sustainability Pact”, gathering over 300 suppliers and 200 NGOs, as well as government authorities, partners and associates. On the occasion, the company enforced with its suppliers a number of commitments in relation to theme such as sustainable development in Amazon, reduction of packaging and development of more sustainable productive chains. “We want to be sustainability leaders in Brazil and we are increasingly committed to seeking solutions that will contribute to the future of the planet. This event shows how in line we are with the whole chain. We know that, in sustainability, the union is essential”, says Héctor Núñez, CEO of WalMart Brazil.
For the construction of such commitments, WalMart gathered, in two precious moments, called “Sustainability Dialogues”, representatives from civil society, government, suppliers and associates. The first “Dialogue” took place in May, in Brasília, and the theme was “Commitment with the Amazon”, gathering representatives from the Ministry of Environment, NGOs such as the Imazon Institute and ISA (Social and Environmental Institute) and from specialists.
The second event, which happened at the beginning of the month, in São Paulo, was about packaging and productive chains, having as lecturers and guests Ethos Institute, CETEA (Packaging Technology Center), and ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Association).
Both Dialogues served as grounds to the final commitments announced by Wal-Mart Brazil. Namely:
PRODUCTIVE CHAINS AND PACKAGING REDUCTION:
1. Responsible Purchases
* Reducing by 70% phosphate in laundry and kitchen detergents until 2013;
* Offering laundry products, at least, 2 x more concentrated until 2012;
* Offering at least one organic product per food category until 2012;
* Stimulating sales of products with sustainability differential;
* Supporting and encouraging the development of closed cycle products;
* WalMart Brazil private label products should lead because of sustainability example.
2. Waste Reduction
* Reducing packaging by 5% until 2013;
* Implement Packaging Scorecard until 2009;
* Reducing consumption of plastic bags by 50% until 2013.
AMAZON
* Timber Pact – Promoting financing, production, use, commercialization and consumption of forest timber and products with sustainable source certification only.
* Soybean Pact – Establish restrictions for financing, production, use, distribution and consumption of soybeans (in natura or processed) sourced in illegal deforestation areas in Amazon.
* Pact for Eradication of Slave Labor – Establish commercial restrictions to companies and/or people identified in their production chain that use degrading work conditions associated to practices that characterize slavery.
* Livestock Pact – Not to take part of financing, use, distribution, commercialization and consumption of livestock product with having any illegality detected in its chain, above all deforestation and slave-like labor. Require from beef suppliers copies of Animal Transit Forms (GTA) attached to Invoices and independent audit plan and international acknowledgement that ensure that products marketed by WalMart do not derive from devastation areas in the Amazon.
Greenpeace Report - WalMart adjourned the acquisition from farms involved in the deforestation of Amazon, pursuant to report released by the Greenpeace and information provided by the Public Prosecutor in the State of Pará. The action is aimed at repudiating the practices accused and was implemented in the supermarket sphere, by means of the Brazilian Supermarket Association (ABRAS). For WalMart, it is inacceptable that suppliers use illegal practices in their productive processes or inputs from irregular productive chains.The decision is valid to all of its formats in the country: hypermarkets BIG, Hiper Bompreço and WalMart Supercenter, supermarkets Nacional, Mercadorama and Bompreço, wholesale business Maxxi, membership club SAM'S CLUB and neighborhood supermarket Todo Dia. The position includes notifying meat packing plants, suspending purchases from the farms accused by the Public Prosecutor in the State of Pará and require from meat packing plants the Guias de Trânsito Animal [Animal Transit Forms] attached to Invoices or electronic similar information. As additional measure, the implementation of an independent audit plan and international acknowledgement that ensure that the products they market do not derive from devastation areas in the Amazon.
Carrier Bags Campaign – During the “Sustainability Pact Wal-Mart Brazil”, the Minister of Environment, Carlos Minc, one of the lecturers in the event, launched a national campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags, in partnership with Wal-Mart. With the name “Saco é um Saco” [Bags are a ‘Pain’], the purpose to bring awareness to population on the conscious use of plastic bags.
The support of WalMart Brazil to the government campaign is in line with the company’s target to reduce by 50% the use of plastic carrier bags until 2013. In order to achieve such goal, the company launched, at the end last year, an unprecedented program in Brazilian retail market, which gives credit to customers for bags they do not use. The amount the supermarket would pay per bag (R$0.03) is returned as credit in the ticket of customers who do not use it and choose any reusable version.
In force in all stores in the Northeast and South (more than 260 units), the program has already removed from the environment millions of bags and granted over R$ 100 thousand in discounts to customers. Until the end of the year, the program will have national coverage with the inclusion of the Southeast region.
Moreover, the retailer incentives the use of reusable bags, offering one of the cheapest models in the market (R$2.50). Made of raw cotton and with capacity to carry 35 kg, the bag starts to gradually become part of consumers’ daily lives. Since launching, in May 2008, more than 2 million WalMart bags are already circulating in the whole Country.
Sustainability – With three major work focus – energy/constructions, residues and products – sustainability is part of WalMart Brazil business strategy. Apart from actions to reduce bags, the company is implementing a zero impact program in its stores and its global target is to generate zero residue in its operation worldwide. In relation energy, WalMart inaugurated its first e coefficient store in December, in Rio de Janeiro and, since then, it has adopted this model as standard to all their hypermarkets. The second store was launched in São Paulo in April this year. The Eco stores, as they are called, were conceived to reduce use of power by 40% and water by 25%. More than 60 sustainable initiative in have been implemented in each one of them, which range from use of rain water to solar energy, including use of recycled material in the entire visual communication, wall with Styrofoam plates and natural lightening. Even uniforms in these stores – as well as in all stores launched since last year – are more sustainable and made, in part from PET bottle fiber.
In relation to products found in the gondolas of the 348 Wal-Mart Brazil stores, many already bring changes related to sustainability. In partnership with large suppliers, the retailer offers differentiated products to its customers. That is the case of Ariel Eco max (Procter & Gamble) powder soap, which requires less water washing of clothes; in the Sustainable Banco Imobiliário game (Monopoly – by Estrela), of underwear made from bamboo fiber (Zorba) and toilet paper Neve Naturali (Kimberly Clark), which uses papers trims in the manufacturing process, among other products.
In the private label line, items had packaging reduced and change of material to reduce environmental impact. Products such as blankets 100% made from PET bottle fiber (about 150 bottles for each blanket), Eco line telephone Ibratele, made from old computers shells (electronic garbage) and Top Max Soap (made from cooking oil collected in recycling stations of Maxxi Atacado Stores in the South), show that it is possible to reuse material that would be wasted in the environment.
Social – Also committed to the social wing of sustainability, WalMart Brazil supports and collaborates towards the improvement of life quality in the communities where it operates. In Recife, for instance, it has adopted an entire neighborhood with the commitment to increase the Human Development Index (HDI) in the region. The “Bombando Cidadania” project, in the neighborhood of Bomba do Hemetério, is one of the over 40 projects supported by the WalMart Institute in Brazil. All together, 4 thousand people benefit from them.
The Loja da Comunidade, a pioneer supermarket model with services to citizens in general, has been operating for 7 months with 3 units in the Northeast region. With services such as issuance of documents, professional tutoring, Internet café, medical assistance, among others, the format has already shown results and so far has helped nearly 70,000 people. WalMart expects to take the Loja da Comunidade to other regions within the country, prioritizing neighborhoods in need.
China – Worldwide, WalMart has incorporated sustainability to its business, with global environment impact reduction targets. Locally, each of the 15 countries in the company’s international area has specific targets, according to the needs of each society. In October last year, WalMart gathered over 1,000 suppliers in China, besides government representatives, to delineate joint targets, especially connected to social problems in that country. Among the agreements signed, there are the compulsory environment compliance (legal), improvement of energy efficiency and use of natural resources, increase of quality standards and more transparency regarding information on the factories.
São Paulo, June 23, 2009 – In the search for more sustainable practices in the whole productive chain in Brazil, today, WalMart gives an important step towards hosting a pioneer event in the Country: the “Sustainability Pact”, gathering over 300 suppliers and 200 NGOs, as well as government authorities, partners and associates. On the occasion, the company enforced with its suppliers a number of commitments in relation to theme such as sustainable development in Amazon, reduction of packaging and development of more sustainable productive chains. “We want to be sustainability leaders in Brazil and we are increasingly committed to seeking solutions that will contribute to the future of the planet. This event shows how in line we are with the whole chain. We know that, in sustainability, the union is essential”, says Héctor Núñez, CEO of WalMart Brazil.
For the construction of such commitments, WalMart gathered, in two precious moments, called “Sustainability Dialogues”, representatives from civil society, government, suppliers and associates. The first “Dialogue” took place in May, in Brasília, and the theme was “Commitment with the Amazon”, gathering representatives from the Ministry of Environment, NGOs such as the Imazon Institute and ISA (Social and Environmental Institute) and from specialists.
The second event, which happened at the beginning of the month, in São Paulo, was about packaging and productive chains, having as lecturers and guests Ethos Institute, CETEA (Packaging Technology Center), and ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Association).
Both Dialogues served as grounds to the final commitments announced by Wal-Mart Brazil. Namely:
PRODUCTIVE CHAINS AND PACKAGING REDUCTION:
1. Responsible Purchases
* Reducing by 70% phosphate in laundry and kitchen detergents until 2013;
* Offering laundry products, at least, 2 x more concentrated until 2012;
* Offering at least one organic product per food category until 2012;
* Stimulating sales of products with sustainability differential;
* Supporting and encouraging the development of closed cycle products;
* WalMart Brazil private label products should lead because of sustainability example.
2. Waste Reduction
* Reducing packaging by 5% until 2013;
* Implement Packaging Scorecard until 2009;
* Reducing consumption of plastic bags by 50% until 2013.
AMAZON
* Timber Pact – Promoting financing, production, use, commercialization and consumption of forest timber and products with sustainable source certification only.
* Soybean Pact – Establish restrictions for financing, production, use, distribution and consumption of soybeans (in natura or processed) sourced in illegal deforestation areas in Amazon.
* Pact for Eradication of Slave Labor – Establish commercial restrictions to companies and/or people identified in their production chain that use degrading work conditions associated to practices that characterize slavery.
* Livestock Pact – Not to take part of financing, use, distribution, commercialization and consumption of livestock product with having any illegality detected in its chain, above all deforestation and slave-like labor. Require from beef suppliers copies of Animal Transit Forms (GTA) attached to Invoices and independent audit plan and international acknowledgement that ensure that products marketed by WalMart do not derive from devastation areas in the Amazon.
Greenpeace Report - WalMart adjourned the acquisition from farms involved in the deforestation of Amazon, pursuant to report released by the Greenpeace and information provided by the Public Prosecutor in the State of Pará. The action is aimed at repudiating the practices accused and was implemented in the supermarket sphere, by means of the Brazilian Supermarket Association (ABRAS). For WalMart, it is inacceptable that suppliers use illegal practices in their productive processes or inputs from irregular productive chains.The decision is valid to all of its formats in the country: hypermarkets BIG, Hiper Bompreço and WalMart Supercenter, supermarkets Nacional, Mercadorama and Bompreço, wholesale business Maxxi, membership club SAM'S CLUB and neighborhood supermarket Todo Dia. The position includes notifying meat packing plants, suspending purchases from the farms accused by the Public Prosecutor in the State of Pará and require from meat packing plants the Guias de Trânsito Animal [Animal Transit Forms] attached to Invoices or electronic similar information. As additional measure, the implementation of an independent audit plan and international acknowledgement that ensure that the products they market do not derive from devastation areas in the Amazon.
Carrier Bags Campaign – During the “Sustainability Pact Wal-Mart Brazil”, the Minister of Environment, Carlos Minc, one of the lecturers in the event, launched a national campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags, in partnership with Wal-Mart. With the name “Saco é um Saco” [Bags are a ‘Pain’], the purpose to bring awareness to population on the conscious use of plastic bags.
The support of WalMart Brazil to the government campaign is in line with the company’s target to reduce by 50% the use of plastic carrier bags until 2013. In order to achieve such goal, the company launched, at the end last year, an unprecedented program in Brazilian retail market, which gives credit to customers for bags they do not use. The amount the supermarket would pay per bag (R$0.03) is returned as credit in the ticket of customers who do not use it and choose any reusable version.
In force in all stores in the Northeast and South (more than 260 units), the program has already removed from the environment millions of bags and granted over R$ 100 thousand in discounts to customers. Until the end of the year, the program will have national coverage with the inclusion of the Southeast region.
Moreover, the retailer incentives the use of reusable bags, offering one of the cheapest models in the market (R$2.50). Made of raw cotton and with capacity to carry 35 kg, the bag starts to gradually become part of consumers’ daily lives. Since launching, in May 2008, more than 2 million WalMart bags are already circulating in the whole Country.
Sustainability – With three major work focus – energy/constructions, residues and products – sustainability is part of WalMart Brazil business strategy. Apart from actions to reduce bags, the company is implementing a zero impact program in its stores and its global target is to generate zero residue in its operation worldwide. In relation energy, WalMart inaugurated its first e coefficient store in December, in Rio de Janeiro and, since then, it has adopted this model as standard to all their hypermarkets. The second store was launched in São Paulo in April this year. The Eco stores, as they are called, were conceived to reduce use of power by 40% and water by 25%. More than 60 sustainable initiative in have been implemented in each one of them, which range from use of rain water to solar energy, including use of recycled material in the entire visual communication, wall with Styrofoam plates and natural lightening. Even uniforms in these stores – as well as in all stores launched since last year – are more sustainable and made, in part from PET bottle fiber.
In relation to products found in the gondolas of the 348 Wal-Mart Brazil stores, many already bring changes related to sustainability. In partnership with large suppliers, the retailer offers differentiated products to its customers. That is the case of Ariel Eco max (Procter & Gamble) powder soap, which requires less water washing of clothes; in the Sustainable Banco Imobiliário game (Monopoly – by Estrela), of underwear made from bamboo fiber (Zorba) and toilet paper Neve Naturali (Kimberly Clark), which uses papers trims in the manufacturing process, among other products.
In the private label line, items had packaging reduced and change of material to reduce environmental impact. Products such as blankets 100% made from PET bottle fiber (about 150 bottles for each blanket), Eco line telephone Ibratele, made from old computers shells (electronic garbage) and Top Max Soap (made from cooking oil collected in recycling stations of Maxxi Atacado Stores in the South), show that it is possible to reuse material that would be wasted in the environment.
Social – Also committed to the social wing of sustainability, WalMart Brazil supports and collaborates towards the improvement of life quality in the communities where it operates. In Recife, for instance, it has adopted an entire neighborhood with the commitment to increase the Human Development Index (HDI) in the region. The “Bombando Cidadania” project, in the neighborhood of Bomba do Hemetério, is one of the over 40 projects supported by the WalMart Institute in Brazil. All together, 4 thousand people benefit from them.
The Loja da Comunidade, a pioneer supermarket model with services to citizens in general, has been operating for 7 months with 3 units in the Northeast region. With services such as issuance of documents, professional tutoring, Internet café, medical assistance, among others, the format has already shown results and so far has helped nearly 70,000 people. WalMart expects to take the Loja da Comunidade to other regions within the country, prioritizing neighborhoods in need.
China – Worldwide, WalMart has incorporated sustainability to its business, with global environment impact reduction targets. Locally, each of the 15 countries in the company’s international area has specific targets, according to the needs of each society. In October last year, WalMart gathered over 1,000 suppliers in China, besides government representatives, to delineate joint targets, especially connected to social problems in that country. Among the agreements signed, there are the compulsory environment compliance (legal), improvement of energy efficiency and use of natural resources, increase of quality standards and more transparency regarding information on the factories.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Chicago (IL), Long Beach (CA), Milwaukee (WI), San Francisco (CA), St. Louis (MO) and Providence (RI) honored by Wal-Mart Foundation for Leadership in
U.S. Conference of Mayors Announces 2009 Green Jobs Training Initiative Grant Winners
Providence, RI— Mayors Richard Daley of Chicago (IL), Bob Foster of Long Beach (CA), Tom Barrett of Milwaukee (WI), Gavin News om of San Francisco (CA), Francis Slay of St. Louis (MO) and David Cicilline of Providence (RI) were honored at the 77th Annual Conference of Mayors meeting for their leadership in green jobs training. The U.S. Conference of Mayors selected non-profit organizations in their cities to receive grants from the WalMart Foundation to support and expand training programs for green jobs.
“Energy, climate protection and green jobs have been top priorities in our work with mayors, Congress and the Administration, specifically our efforts to enact a new energy block grant program and the Green Jobs Act,” said Tom Cochran, Executive Director and CEO of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “The WalMart Foundation’s generous support of our Green Jobs Training Initiative enables us to continue this important work in building a green workforce in cities.”
Ray Bracy, Senior Vice President of U.S. Government Relations & Public Affairs of WalMart Stores, Inc., presented the awards.
“The U.S. Conference of Mayors, through its Green Jobs Taskforce, is providing leadership, advocacy, best practices and technical assistance to mayors and cities across the country to ensure that we, as a nation, are poised to successfully build the green economy,” said Bracy. “WalMart is pleased to partner with The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ in their efforts to lay an important foundation for identifying the strategies that will help to move the needle for the creation of green jobs.”
Wal-Mart is a valued member of the Mayors Climate Protection Council, established to support The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Center. The WalMart Foundation is committed to creating opportunities to help people live better and has funded a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives since the company created three global environmental goals in 2005: to run on 100 percent renewable energy, create zero waste, and sell products that promote environmental sustainability.
Grant Winner Program Descriptions:
Chicago, IL (Large-Size City Award for $700,000):
The Greencorps Chicago program trains 40 to 50 disadvantaged Chicago residents for at least nine months in ecorestoration, community gardens, plant distribution, landscaping, electronics and hazardous waste recycling and weatherization projects. The program plans to expand its weatherization training and initiate an arborist training program with the support of the Wal-Mart Foundation Green Jobs Training Initiative Grant. “I was impressed by the partnership between the leadership of the mayor and the support from the community early on. In addition the program exhibited a long-term commitment to being green by capitalizing on programs started in 1994 and an ongoing commitment of the leadership in Chicago to multiple green initiatives,” said one of the judges.
Long Beach, CA (Medium-Size City Award for $550,000):
The Conservation Corps of Long Beach trains at-risk youth (18-25) in a one-year non-residential pre-apprenticeship training program focused on recycling, natural resource conservation, drought-resistant landscaping, and energy and water conservation. The program then continues with job placement assistance two years after successful completion. “I loved their thinking in the long-term in terms of sustainability and the program’s simplicity, which is key to its replicability,” remarked one of the judges.
Milwaukee, WI (Medium-Size City Award for $550,000):
The Milwaukee Conservation Leadership Corps is a seven-week high school summer program providing hands-on education components and employment experience in conservation work projects such as restoration and stewardship of open spaces and urban park care and management. The program also teaches about environmental awareness and citizenship in addition to crucial job training techniques such as communication skills, interpersonal skills, decision-making skills and self-management. The judges said, “We loved the development of formalized standards regarding the curriculum.”
San Francisco, CA (Medium-Size City Award for $550,000):
The SF Works/City Build Academy is a public/private/community and labor partnership. City Build began as a mayoral initiative in 2005 through the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. They have now partnered with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s SF Works to train and place economically disadvantaged residents in asbestos abatement and solar installation. The program plans to expand its curriculum to include energy efficiency, weatherization, solar, bio diesel and brownfield remediation training. One judge expressed, “I was impressed by the program’s strong collaboration with community partners, including the education, labor and business community.”
St. Louis, MO (Medium-Size City Award for $550,000):
The St. Patrick Center Project Go! Green program consists of two parts: 1) The City Seeds Urban Farm Project which trains homeless individuals in green horticulture—preparing them for jobs in landscaping, turf maintenance, nurseries, gardening retailers, grounds-keeping, arboriculture, floriculture and other green-care jobs; and 2) The Go! Network, created this year to train professionals who have lost their jobs due to the current economic crisis in biofuels production and related fields. They plan to expand their program to incorporate the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center. “We were impressed by the program’s innovative approach with a particularly challenging population. The program exhibited key efforts to capitalize on reaching difficult populations while initiating a green jobs effort,” the judges said.
Providence, RI (Small-Size City Award for $372,500):
The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living collaborates with the Providence Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the local community college in an energy efficiency training program for Workforce Investment Act-eligible participants to become energy auditors. They plan to expand the program to include an 8th grade green literacy program and a “Whole Home Health, Energy Efficiency, and Green Construction” training program. One judge commented, “We were impressed by the Apeiron Institute’s comprehensive strategy, the program’s capacity for replicability, and the strong leadership of the mayor.”
About Philanthropy at WalMart Stores, Inc.
WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the WalMart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the WalMart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, WalMart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally.
Providence, RI— Mayors Richard Daley of Chicago (IL), Bob Foster of Long Beach (CA), Tom Barrett of Milwaukee (WI), Gavin News om of San Francisco (CA), Francis Slay of St. Louis (MO) and David Cicilline of Providence (RI) were honored at the 77th Annual Conference of Mayors meeting for their leadership in green jobs training. The U.S. Conference of Mayors selected non-profit organizations in their cities to receive grants from the WalMart Foundation to support and expand training programs for green jobs.
“Energy, climate protection and green jobs have been top priorities in our work with mayors, Congress and the Administration, specifically our efforts to enact a new energy block grant program and the Green Jobs Act,” said Tom Cochran, Executive Director and CEO of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “The WalMart Foundation’s generous support of our Green Jobs Training Initiative enables us to continue this important work in building a green workforce in cities.”
Ray Bracy, Senior Vice President of U.S. Government Relations & Public Affairs of WalMart Stores, Inc., presented the awards.
“The U.S. Conference of Mayors, through its Green Jobs Taskforce, is providing leadership, advocacy, best practices and technical assistance to mayors and cities across the country to ensure that we, as a nation, are poised to successfully build the green economy,” said Bracy. “WalMart is pleased to partner with The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ in their efforts to lay an important foundation for identifying the strategies that will help to move the needle for the creation of green jobs.”
Wal-Mart is a valued member of the Mayors Climate Protection Council, established to support The U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Center. The WalMart Foundation is committed to creating opportunities to help people live better and has funded a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives since the company created three global environmental goals in 2005: to run on 100 percent renewable energy, create zero waste, and sell products that promote environmental sustainability.
Grant Winner Program Descriptions:
Chicago, IL (Large-Size City Award for $700,000):
The Greencorps Chicago program trains 40 to 50 disadvantaged Chicago residents for at least nine months in ecorestoration, community gardens, plant distribution, landscaping, electronics and hazardous waste recycling and weatherization projects. The program plans to expand its weatherization training and initiate an arborist training program with the support of the Wal-Mart Foundation Green Jobs Training Initiative Grant. “I was impressed by the partnership between the leadership of the mayor and the support from the community early on. In addition the program exhibited a long-term commitment to being green by capitalizing on programs started in 1994 and an ongoing commitment of the leadership in Chicago to multiple green initiatives,” said one of the judges.
Long Beach, CA (Medium-Size City Award for $550,000):
The Conservation Corps of Long Beach trains at-risk youth (18-25) in a one-year non-residential pre-apprenticeship training program focused on recycling, natural resource conservation, drought-resistant landscaping, and energy and water conservation. The program then continues with job placement assistance two years after successful completion. “I loved their thinking in the long-term in terms of sustainability and the program’s simplicity, which is key to its replicability,” remarked one of the judges.
Milwaukee, WI (Medium-Size City Award for $550,000):
The Milwaukee Conservation Leadership Corps is a seven-week high school summer program providing hands-on education components and employment experience in conservation work projects such as restoration and stewardship of open spaces and urban park care and management. The program also teaches about environmental awareness and citizenship in addition to crucial job training techniques such as communication skills, interpersonal skills, decision-making skills and self-management. The judges said, “We loved the development of formalized standards regarding the curriculum.”
San Francisco, CA (Medium-Size City Award for $550,000):
The SF Works/City Build Academy is a public/private/community and labor partnership. City Build began as a mayoral initiative in 2005 through the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. They have now partnered with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s SF Works to train and place economically disadvantaged residents in asbestos abatement and solar installation. The program plans to expand its curriculum to include energy efficiency, weatherization, solar, bio diesel and brownfield remediation training. One judge expressed, “I was impressed by the program’s strong collaboration with community partners, including the education, labor and business community.”
St. Louis, MO (Medium-Size City Award for $550,000):
The St. Patrick Center Project Go! Green program consists of two parts: 1) The City Seeds Urban Farm Project which trains homeless individuals in green horticulture—preparing them for jobs in landscaping, turf maintenance, nurseries, gardening retailers, grounds-keeping, arboriculture, floriculture and other green-care jobs; and 2) The Go! Network, created this year to train professionals who have lost their jobs due to the current economic crisis in biofuels production and related fields. They plan to expand their program to incorporate the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center. “We were impressed by the program’s innovative approach with a particularly challenging population. The program exhibited key efforts to capitalize on reaching difficult populations while initiating a green jobs effort,” the judges said.
Providence, RI (Small-Size City Award for $372,500):
The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living collaborates with the Providence Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the local community college in an energy efficiency training program for Workforce Investment Act-eligible participants to become energy auditors. They plan to expand the program to include an 8th grade green literacy program and a “Whole Home Health, Energy Efficiency, and Green Construction” training program. One judge commented, “We were impressed by the Apeiron Institute’s comprehensive strategy, the program’s capacity for replicability, and the strong leadership of the mayor.”
About Philanthropy at WalMart Stores, Inc.
WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the WalMart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the WalMart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, WalMart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally.
2009 Mayors' Climate Protection Award Winners Announced
First Place Winners: Denver & Wilkes-Barre
Providence, RI — Denver (CO) Mayor John Hickenlooper, and Wilkes-Barre (PA) Mayor Thomas Leighton have been selected to receive the 2009 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards, a program sponsored by The U.S. Conference of Mayors and WalMart Stores, Inc.
The Awards Program recognizes mayors for innovative practices in their cities designed to increase energy efficiency and curb global warming. An independent panel of judges determined the winners from a pool of 140 applicants.
“These leading mayors are great examples of the local action taking place within our cities to become climate friendly,” said Conference President Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz. “Mayor Hickenlooper’s FasTraks Program will serve as a national model, for cities striving to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, while Mayor Leighton’s Efficiency Program is a perfect example of the cost savings that energy efficient lighting can create.”
“We are proud to honor these cities and their mayors for their leadership and the innovative ways they are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of life in their communities,” said Ray Bracy, Senior Vice President, U.S. Government Relations and Public Affairs, WalMart Stores, Inc. “While the challenge of climate change remains, together we are helping Americans reduce their energy use and save money so they can live better. With the commitment of USCM, WalMart and concerned citizens, we will continue to move our cities, our nation and our planet forward toward a more sustainable future.”
“All 32 Denver metropolitan mayors and the Regional Transportation District joined forces and worked hard to earn community support for a sales tax increase to build FasTracks, the largest transportation initiative in the country with 119 miles of new light rail,” said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. “We were able to demonstrate to residents throughout the metropolitan area how they would benefit – that even if they wouldn’t ride light rail, they’d end up with shorter commute times by getting as many people possible off the highways and onto the trains. FasTracks will be a crown jewel for Colorado and a clear example of what can happen when government and the communities they serve come together for a common goal.”
“The City of Wilkes-Barre is very proud to be the recipient of this Award,” said Mayor Thomas M. Leighton. “Initiating an efficient energy service program in Wilkes-Barre made both environmental and economic sense. Through this program, we lessened our impact on the environment while experienced substantial cost-savings, estimated to be $170,000 annually. By winning this award, we hope to serve as a model for other communities and businesses who strive to become more environmentally conscious.”
First Place - Award Winning Program Summaries
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (Large City Category)
FasTraks
FasTracks is the most ambitious transit initiative in U.S. history, creating an opportunity to connect smart growth, housing choices and expanded transportation. The challenge of passing a large transit initiative in an ideologically diverse region was met by uniting the environmental and businesses communities and all Metro Denver mayors in a regional bipartisan coalition.
Regionwide, 51 of the 57 new stations will have Transit Oriented Development potential
- meaning the potential to reduce sprawl, and provide pedestrian- and bike-friendly environments that encourage residents to live, work, shop, and play in close proximity to transit, thus reducing their carbon footprint. Last year, Mayor Hickenlooper also pledged to make the Democratic Convention the greenest in history.
Wilkes-Barre (PA) Mayor Thomas Leighton (Small City Category)
Efficient Energy Service Program
A broad-based, public initiative that relies on a combination of energy efficiency upgrades in various city departments. These ranged from new compact fluorescent lamps; overhead and pyramid lighting in public parking garages and public spaces; LED traffic signalization lamps; and a new HVAC system in city hall.
Mayor Leighton initiated this program to make Wilkes-Barre a more eco-friendly place, and reduce the city’s operating expenses by increasing energy efficiency. The project was completely financed through a 15 year bank loan to the City of Wilkes-Barre. In 15 years, the annual energy savings to the City of Wilkes-Barre will be sufficient to pay back the loan with interest.
The following cities were selected as finalists for the awards.
Large City Finalists:
Boston; Charleston; Chattanooga; Colorado Springs; Frisco (Texas); Honolulu ; Houston; Louisville; San Francisco; Seattle; Stamford; and Tallahassee.
Small City Finalists:
Carmel; Chapel Hill; Columbia; Highland Park; Manhattan Beach; North Miami Beach; and Pleasanton.
Providence, RI — Denver (CO) Mayor John Hickenlooper, and Wilkes-Barre (PA) Mayor Thomas Leighton have been selected to receive the 2009 Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards, a program sponsored by The U.S. Conference of Mayors and WalMart Stores, Inc.
The Awards Program recognizes mayors for innovative practices in their cities designed to increase energy efficiency and curb global warming. An independent panel of judges determined the winners from a pool of 140 applicants.
“These leading mayors are great examples of the local action taking place within our cities to become climate friendly,” said Conference President Miami Mayor Manuel Diaz. “Mayor Hickenlooper’s FasTraks Program will serve as a national model, for cities striving to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, while Mayor Leighton’s Efficiency Program is a perfect example of the cost savings that energy efficient lighting can create.”
“We are proud to honor these cities and their mayors for their leadership and the innovative ways they are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of life in their communities,” said Ray Bracy, Senior Vice President, U.S. Government Relations and Public Affairs, WalMart Stores, Inc. “While the challenge of climate change remains, together we are helping Americans reduce their energy use and save money so they can live better. With the commitment of USCM, WalMart and concerned citizens, we will continue to move our cities, our nation and our planet forward toward a more sustainable future.”
“All 32 Denver metropolitan mayors and the Regional Transportation District joined forces and worked hard to earn community support for a sales tax increase to build FasTracks, the largest transportation initiative in the country with 119 miles of new light rail,” said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. “We were able to demonstrate to residents throughout the metropolitan area how they would benefit – that even if they wouldn’t ride light rail, they’d end up with shorter commute times by getting as many people possible off the highways and onto the trains. FasTracks will be a crown jewel for Colorado and a clear example of what can happen when government and the communities they serve come together for a common goal.”
“The City of Wilkes-Barre is very proud to be the recipient of this Award,” said Mayor Thomas M. Leighton. “Initiating an efficient energy service program in Wilkes-Barre made both environmental and economic sense. Through this program, we lessened our impact on the environment while experienced substantial cost-savings, estimated to be $170,000 annually. By winning this award, we hope to serve as a model for other communities and businesses who strive to become more environmentally conscious.”
First Place - Award Winning Program Summaries
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (Large City Category)
FasTraks
FasTracks is the most ambitious transit initiative in U.S. history, creating an opportunity to connect smart growth, housing choices and expanded transportation. The challenge of passing a large transit initiative in an ideologically diverse region was met by uniting the environmental and businesses communities and all Metro Denver mayors in a regional bipartisan coalition.
Regionwide, 51 of the 57 new stations will have Transit Oriented Development potential
- meaning the potential to reduce sprawl, and provide pedestrian- and bike-friendly environments that encourage residents to live, work, shop, and play in close proximity to transit, thus reducing their carbon footprint. Last year, Mayor Hickenlooper also pledged to make the Democratic Convention the greenest in history.
Wilkes-Barre (PA) Mayor Thomas Leighton (Small City Category)
Efficient Energy Service Program
A broad-based, public initiative that relies on a combination of energy efficiency upgrades in various city departments. These ranged from new compact fluorescent lamps; overhead and pyramid lighting in public parking garages and public spaces; LED traffic signalization lamps; and a new HVAC system in city hall.
Mayor Leighton initiated this program to make Wilkes-Barre a more eco-friendly place, and reduce the city’s operating expenses by increasing energy efficiency. The project was completely financed through a 15 year bank loan to the City of Wilkes-Barre. In 15 years, the annual energy savings to the City of Wilkes-Barre will be sufficient to pay back the loan with interest.
The following cities were selected as finalists for the awards.
Large City Finalists:
Boston; Charleston; Chattanooga; Colorado Springs; Frisco (Texas); Honolulu ; Houston; Louisville; San Francisco; Seattle; Stamford; and Tallahassee.
Small City Finalists:
Carmel; Chapel Hill; Columbia; Highland Park; Manhattan Beach; North Miami Beach; and Pleasanton.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Walmart Readies Remarkable Father's Day Prices For Every Dad's "Man Cave"
Retailer Brings in New Savings and New Gadgets, from Game Room to Garage
BENTONVILLE, Ark., (June 11, 2009) – Every dad has a man cave at home – the place you most likely will find him when he wants to relax. Starting June 14, Walmart is helping families find savings that add something more to man caves in his game room, garage and backyard. New savings include a $128 Magnavox Blu-ray Disc player, select Blu-ray movies two for $20, new video game bundles, and handy tools to keep him entertained with new projects.
Also starting this Sunday, Walmart will be the first retailer next to Dell to introduce the new, smart-looking Dell Studio One™ 19 touch screen desktop – one of the newest additions to a re-designed Walmart electronics department.
The Game Room/Living Room Cave: The hi-def or game experience with new savings.
* $128 Magnavox Blu-ray Disc player (NB500MGX)*
* Two for $20 Blu-ray movie bundles of dads’ favorites such as Shooter/ The Italian Job and Face Off / Next
* $59.96 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play Wii bundle with Wii Motion Plus Accessory and protective sleeve
* $399 PS3 (80GB) Bundle including Quantum of Solace on Blu-ray Disc and the MLB ’09: The Show
* Five for $20 select DVDs – More than 50 favorites including FlyBoys, iRobot, and We Are Marshall
* HDTV savings – $398 Sanyo 37-inch LCD (720p – model DP37649), $697 Vizio 42-inch LCD (1080p – model VO420E), and $1,788 Sony Bravia 52-inch (1080p – model KDL-52S5100)
The Home Office Cave: New products arrive and new savings inspire.
* $398 Dell Inspiron Black Notebook Computer* or $848 Dell Studio One 19 All-in-one Touch Desktop Computer – both exclusively at Walmart
* $69 Canon Pixma Ink Jet Photo Printer with Fax
* $69 Seagate Free Agent Go 250GB Portable Hard Drive
Mobile Man Cave: Popular GPS and cellular products for dads on-the-go, enjoying the drive.
* $199 Palm Pre smart phone (with qualifying contract, no mail-in rebate) – select stores
* $128 Garmin nuvi 250, 3.5 inch touch screen GPS - voice guidance and loaded with more than 5 million points of interest*
* $10 Glove Box Tool Kit (52-piece) for the car
* $46 iPod-Compatible FM Transmitter and Car Charger, available online only at Walmart.com
The Deck Cave: For grilling with the guys, playing chef for the family, or hanging out.
* $17 Grill Care Co. four-piece stainless steel barbecue tool set
* $20 Weber’s Way to Grill guide
* $149 Royal Oak 30-inch Deluxe Charcoal Grill or $198 Brinkman 4-Burner Gas Grill
* $50 Classic Cotton Rope Hammock, available online at Walmart.com
The Garage Cave: For escapes in the garage or making minor improvements.
* $15 Black & Decker 75-piece drill accessory kit or $15 Black & Decker cordless screwdriver
* $15 Carrand Power Jet Wash Wand, $25 Torin Blackjack floor jack, $30 5-gallon ShopVac
* $100 Karcher 1,550 PSI Pressure Washer
BENTONVILLE, Ark., (June 11, 2009) – Every dad has a man cave at home – the place you most likely will find him when he wants to relax. Starting June 14, Walmart is helping families find savings that add something more to man caves in his game room, garage and backyard. New savings include a $128 Magnavox Blu-ray Disc player, select Blu-ray movies two for $20, new video game bundles, and handy tools to keep him entertained with new projects.
Also starting this Sunday, Walmart will be the first retailer next to Dell to introduce the new, smart-looking Dell Studio One™ 19 touch screen desktop – one of the newest additions to a re-designed Walmart electronics department.
The Game Room/Living Room Cave: The hi-def or game experience with new savings.
* $128 Magnavox Blu-ray Disc player (NB500MGX)*
* Two for $20 Blu-ray movie bundles of dads’ favorites such as Shooter/ The Italian Job and Face Off / Next
* $59.96 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 All-Play Wii bundle with Wii Motion Plus Accessory and protective sleeve
* $399 PS3 (80GB) Bundle including Quantum of Solace on Blu-ray Disc and the MLB ’09: The Show
* Five for $20 select DVDs – More than 50 favorites including FlyBoys, iRobot, and We Are Marshall
* HDTV savings – $398 Sanyo 37-inch LCD (720p – model DP37649), $697 Vizio 42-inch LCD (1080p – model VO420E), and $1,788 Sony Bravia 52-inch (1080p – model KDL-52S5100)
The Home Office Cave: New products arrive and new savings inspire.
* $398 Dell Inspiron Black Notebook Computer* or $848 Dell Studio One 19 All-in-one Touch Desktop Computer – both exclusively at Walmart
* $69 Canon Pixma Ink Jet Photo Printer with Fax
* $69 Seagate Free Agent Go 250GB Portable Hard Drive
Mobile Man Cave: Popular GPS and cellular products for dads on-the-go, enjoying the drive.
* $199 Palm Pre smart phone (with qualifying contract, no mail-in rebate) – select stores
* $128 Garmin nuvi 250, 3.5 inch touch screen GPS - voice guidance and loaded with more than 5 million points of interest*
* $10 Glove Box Tool Kit (52-piece) for the car
* $46 iPod-Compatible FM Transmitter and Car Charger, available online only at Walmart.com
The Deck Cave: For grilling with the guys, playing chef for the family, or hanging out.
* $17 Grill Care Co. four-piece stainless steel barbecue tool set
* $20 Weber’s Way to Grill guide
* $149 Royal Oak 30-inch Deluxe Charcoal Grill or $198 Brinkman 4-Burner Gas Grill
* $50 Classic Cotton Rope Hammock, available online at Walmart.com
The Garage Cave: For escapes in the garage or making minor improvements.
* $15 Black & Decker 75-piece drill accessory kit or $15 Black & Decker cordless screwdriver
* $15 Carrand Power Jet Wash Wand, $25 Torin Blackjack floor jack, $30 5-gallon ShopVac
* $100 Karcher 1,550 PSI Pressure Washer
WalMart Announces Preliminary 2009 Annual Shareholders' Meeting Voting Results
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 8, 2009 - WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today announced preliminary shareholder voting results for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held June 5, 2009. Approximately 91.6 percent of outstanding shares were represented at the meeting.
The company reported that shareholders approved the election of each of WalMart’s 15 director nominees. Each director received affirmative votes from 96.7 percent or more of the shares voted. Shareholders also ratified Ernst & Young LLP as Wal-Mart’s independent accountants, with affirmative votes from approximately 99.3 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting.
The remaining six shareholder proposals, which the Board of Directors recommended against, failed to receive affirmative votes from a majority of the total shares that were represented at the meeting and accordingly, they were defeated. A preliminary report on the approximate percentages of the shares represented at the meeting that were voted in favor of each shareholder proposal follows:
* Proposal 3 – Gender identity nondiscrimination policy: approximately 12.8 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 4 – Pay for superior performance: approximately 2.6 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 5 – Advisory vote on executive compensation: approximately 18.5 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 6 – Political contributions report: approximately 11.7 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 7 – Special share owner meetings: approximately 21.5 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 8 – Incentive compensation to be paid in stock options: approximately 1.2 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
Final vote totals will be included in the company’s quarterly report for the fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2009 to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
The company reported that shareholders approved the election of each of WalMart’s 15 director nominees. Each director received affirmative votes from 96.7 percent or more of the shares voted. Shareholders also ratified Ernst & Young LLP as Wal-Mart’s independent accountants, with affirmative votes from approximately 99.3 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting.
The remaining six shareholder proposals, which the Board of Directors recommended against, failed to receive affirmative votes from a majority of the total shares that were represented at the meeting and accordingly, they were defeated. A preliminary report on the approximate percentages of the shares represented at the meeting that were voted in favor of each shareholder proposal follows:
* Proposal 3 – Gender identity nondiscrimination policy: approximately 12.8 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 4 – Pay for superior performance: approximately 2.6 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 5 – Advisory vote on executive compensation: approximately 18.5 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 6 – Political contributions report: approximately 11.7 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 7 – Special share owner meetings: approximately 21.5 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
* Proposal 8 – Incentive compensation to be paid in stock options: approximately 1.2 percent of the shares that were represented at the meeting
Final vote totals will be included in the company’s quarterly report for the fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2009 to be filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Walmart Board Approves $15 Billion Share Repurchase Program
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 5, 2009 - At its 39th Annual Shareholders’ Meeting today, WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase program that gives the company authorization to repurchase $15 billion of its shares. This program replaces the previous $15 billion program, which was announced June 1, 2007 and had approximately $3.4 billion of remaining authorization. Under the program, repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to unissued status.
"We remain committed to returning value to our shareholders through share repurchase and dividends," said Mike Duke, WalMart Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “During the last five years, WalMart has repurchased approximately $21 billion worth of its shares."
In addition to share repurchases made in fiscal year 2010, Wal-Mart will pay more than $4.2 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends during fiscal year 2010. Wal-Mart has increased its dividend every year since March of 1974, when it began paying a dividend of five cents per share. The company is paying an annual dividend of $1.09 per share this fiscal year, a 15-percent increase from $0.95 paid last year.
"We remain committed to returning value to our shareholders through share repurchase and dividends," said Mike Duke, WalMart Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “During the last five years, WalMart has repurchased approximately $21 billion worth of its shares."
In addition to share repurchases made in fiscal year 2010, Wal-Mart will pay more than $4.2 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends during fiscal year 2010. Wal-Mart has increased its dividend every year since March of 1974, when it began paying a dividend of five cents per share. The company is paying an annual dividend of $1.09 per share this fiscal year, a 15-percent increase from $0.95 paid last year.
WalMart Board Approves $15 Billion Share Repurchase Program
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 5, 2009 - At its 39th Annual Shareholders’ Meeting today, WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase program that gives the company authorization to repurchase $15 billion of its shares. This program replaces the previous $15 billion program, which was announced June 1, 2007 and had approximately $3.4 billion of remaining authorization. Under the program, repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to unissued status.
"We remain committed to returning value to our shareholders through share repurchase and dividends," said Mike Duke, WalMart Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “During the last five years, WalMart has repurchased approximately $21 billion worth of its shares."
In addition to share repurchases made in fiscal year 2010, Wal-Mart will pay more than $4.2 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends during fiscal year 2010. Wal-Mart has increased its dividend every year since March of 1974, when it began paying a dividend of five cents per share. The company is paying an annual dividend of $1.09 per share this fiscal year, a 15-percent increase from $0.95 paid last year.
"We remain committed to returning value to our shareholders through share repurchase and dividends," said Mike Duke, WalMart Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “During the last five years, WalMart has repurchased approximately $21 billion worth of its shares."
In addition to share repurchases made in fiscal year 2010, Wal-Mart will pay more than $4.2 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends during fiscal year 2010. Wal-Mart has increased its dividend every year since March of 1974, when it began paying a dividend of five cents per share. The company is paying an annual dividend of $1.09 per share this fiscal year, a 15-percent increase from $0.95 paid last year.
Walmart Create More Than 22,000 Jobs for USA, in 2009
Positions to staff new or expanded stores; include store management, pharmacists, human resource managers, cashiers and sales associates
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 4, 2009 – Walmart U.S. announced today that it will create more than 22,000 jobs in 2009 to staff new or expanded stores in the United States. The company is hiring for a number of positions including store management, pharmacists, human resource managers, customer service associates, cashiers and sales associates among others.
"During this difficult economic time, we’re proud to be able to create quality jobs for thousands of Americans this year," said Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman of WalMart Stores, Inc. “At Walmart, we offer competitive pay and benefits and real opportunities for our associates to advance and build careers. Job creation is just one way in which we’re working hard every day to help people across this country live better.”Last October, Walmart announced plans to open 142 to 157 new or expanded stores during the 2010 fiscal year in the United States.
The company will create more than 1,000 jobs in several individual states. For example, the company will create approximately 1,300 jobs in Arizona; 1,000 jobs in California; 1,300 jobs in Florida; 1,500 jobs in Michigan; 1,200 jobs in New Jersey; 1,000 jobs in South Carolina; 1,200 jobs in Utah and 1,100 in Virginia.
“We are excited that during these economically challenging times Walmart is investing in Michigan by creating good paying jobs and offering benefits to their employees,” said Richard Studley, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “The positive impact that these jobs will have on the families of the new employees and their communities cannot be overstated.”
Benefits, including affordable health plans that offer customized health coverage options, are available to full- and part-time associates. More than 94 percent of store and club associates in the United States have some type of health care coverage.
Other benefits include profit sharing and 401(k) contributions, a stock purchase plan and a discount on store merchandise. Last year, the company put 4 percent of the income of every full-time and part-time U.S. associate with more than a year of service into a profit sharing and 401 (k) plan, even if the associate did not contribute to the plan.
In 2008, more than 150,000 hourly associates received promotions to new positions within the company. Earlier this year, the company shared more than $2 billion in financial incentives with hourly store and club associates through bonuses, 401(k) and profit sharing plans.
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 4, 2009 – Walmart U.S. announced today that it will create more than 22,000 jobs in 2009 to staff new or expanded stores in the United States. The company is hiring for a number of positions including store management, pharmacists, human resource managers, customer service associates, cashiers and sales associates among others.
"During this difficult economic time, we’re proud to be able to create quality jobs for thousands of Americans this year," said Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman of WalMart Stores, Inc. “At Walmart, we offer competitive pay and benefits and real opportunities for our associates to advance and build careers. Job creation is just one way in which we’re working hard every day to help people across this country live better.”Last October, Walmart announced plans to open 142 to 157 new or expanded stores during the 2010 fiscal year in the United States.
The company will create more than 1,000 jobs in several individual states. For example, the company will create approximately 1,300 jobs in Arizona; 1,000 jobs in California; 1,300 jobs in Florida; 1,500 jobs in Michigan; 1,200 jobs in New Jersey; 1,000 jobs in South Carolina; 1,200 jobs in Utah and 1,100 in Virginia.
“We are excited that during these economically challenging times Walmart is investing in Michigan by creating good paying jobs and offering benefits to their employees,” said Richard Studley, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “The positive impact that these jobs will have on the families of the new employees and their communities cannot be overstated.”
Benefits, including affordable health plans that offer customized health coverage options, are available to full- and part-time associates. More than 94 percent of store and club associates in the United States have some type of health care coverage.
Other benefits include profit sharing and 401(k) contributions, a stock purchase plan and a discount on store merchandise. Last year, the company put 4 percent of the income of every full-time and part-time U.S. associate with more than a year of service into a profit sharing and 401 (k) plan, even if the associate did not contribute to the plan.
In 2008, more than 150,000 hourly associates received promotions to new positions within the company. Earlier this year, the company shared more than $2 billion in financial incentives with hourly store and club associates through bonuses, 401(k) and profit sharing plans.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Walmart to Launch Miley Cyrus & Max Azria Clothing Line As Walmart Presents the Miley Cyrus Concert Tour
North American Tour to Kick Off This September;
New Paperless Ticket Technology Utilized for North American Tour Going on Sale June 13, 2009 at 10:00a.m.
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 3, 2009 – Walmart today announced the introduction of Miley Cyrus & Max Azria, a new clothing line available only at Walmart. Walmart brings together best-selling artist and entertainer Miley Cyrus and Max Azria of apparel house BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Inc. to offer customers affordable and trend-right apparel. The line will arrive in all Walmart stores and on Walmart.com in early August, and includes tops, pants, graphic tees, shoes and accessories, all priced less than $20.
“Our launch of the Miley Cyrus & Max Azria line continues our strategy of engaging customers across categories," said John Fleming, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S. “This time, we're bringing together a leading entertainer and a top apparel house to bring exciting product and price leadership to our customers.”
Miley Cyrus’ rock-and-roll roots influenced many of the looks. The line reflects a continuation of her relationship with Walmart, where she is among the retailer’s top-selling recording artists. “I love creating looks that are all about personal expression and individuality,” said Cyrus. “Collaborating with Max Azria has been an amazing experience, and I’m really excited about launching this line with Walmart. There’s even more to come!”
“Miley Cyrus is talented and approachable, so working with her sparked a line that is authentic and vibrant,” said Max Azria, designer and CEO of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Inc. “By partnering with Walmart, we saw an opportunity to reach mainstream customers with our product and introduce our designs to a much broader audience.”
Complementing the Miley Cyrus & Max Azria announcement, Walmart will be the title sponsor of the Miley Cyrus concert tour. AEG Live announced that tickets for the North American tour will go on sale to the public on June 13, 2009, at 10:00a.m. American Express® Cardmembers will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase advance tickets to the tour prior to public sale. Tickets will be available for purchase with an American Express Card through ticketmaster.com/mileycyrus or by calling 800-745-3000, from 10:00a.m. locally Wednesday, June 10, 2009 through 10:00p.m. locally Friday, June 12, 2009.
All tickets will be sold exclusively through Paperless Ticket delivery, which means fans will not receive a physical concert ticket for their entry into the event. Buying paperless helps ensure fans have secure and convenient access to event tickets at the original sale price.
On the day of show, concert-goers just need to bring the credit card they used for the ticket purchase and their government-issued photo ID to the concert. All members of the ticket purchaser’s party must be present at the same time to enter the venue. The venue’s ticket usher will swipe their credit card upon entry and present each person in their party with seat locator slips for quick access into the show. To purchase paperless tickets or for more information, fans should visit ticketmaster.com/mileycyrus or call their local Ticketmaster charge-by-phone number.
Box-office sales will be limited to day of show sales only and will be paperless. Gift Cards will not be accepted. Fans in Portland, OR; Des Moines, IA; Las Vegas, NV; Tulsa, OK; Philadelphia, PA and Columbia, SC should visit their local concert venue Web site or aeglive.com for purchase information as tickets will not be sold through Ticketmaster. Tour tickets are limited to four (4) per household.
Upcoming European dates will be announced in the near future. The full North American schedule for the Miley Cyrus concert tour 2009 is as follows:
Date Location Venue
September 14th Portland, OR Rose Garden
September 16th Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
September 18th Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
September 20th San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
September 22nd Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
September 23rd Anaheim, CA Honda Center
September 25th Glendale, AZ jobing.com Arena
September 26th Las Vegas, NV Thomas & Mack Center
September 29th Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena
October 2nd Omaha, NE Qwest Center
October 3rd Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
October 4th St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
October 6th Auburn Hills, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills
October 7th Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
October 9th DesMoines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
October 10th Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
October 12th Tulsa, OK BOK Center
October 15th San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
October 18th Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
October 20th New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
October 21st Memphis, TN FedExForum
October 23rd Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena
October 24th N. Little Rock, AR ALLTEL Arena
October 27th Chicago, IL United Center
October 29th Mineapolis, MN Target Center
October 31st Louisville, KY Freedom Hall
November 1st Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
November 3rd Washington, DC Verizon Center
November 4th Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
November 5th University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center
November 7th Newark, NJ Prudential Center
November 8th Newark, NJ Prudential Center
November 9th Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
November 12th Hartford, CT XL Center
November 15th Clevland, OH Quickens Loan Arena
November 16th Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
November 18th Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
November 19th Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
November 22nd Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
November 24th Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
November 25th Nashville, TN Sommet Center
November 28th Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena
November 29th Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
December 1st Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
December 2nd Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
For more ticket and tour information, fans can visit ticketmaster.com, walmart.com and aeglive.com. Tickets subject to applicable service charges. Event time and date subject to change. Ticketing information may vary per market. Please check your local venue for ticket purchasing information.
New Paperless Ticket Technology Utilized for North American Tour Going on Sale June 13, 2009 at 10:00a.m.
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 3, 2009 – Walmart today announced the introduction of Miley Cyrus & Max Azria, a new clothing line available only at Walmart. Walmart brings together best-selling artist and entertainer Miley Cyrus and Max Azria of apparel house BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Inc. to offer customers affordable and trend-right apparel. The line will arrive in all Walmart stores and on Walmart.com in early August, and includes tops, pants, graphic tees, shoes and accessories, all priced less than $20.
“Our launch of the Miley Cyrus & Max Azria line continues our strategy of engaging customers across categories," said John Fleming, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S. “This time, we're bringing together a leading entertainer and a top apparel house to bring exciting product and price leadership to our customers.”
Miley Cyrus’ rock-and-roll roots influenced many of the looks. The line reflects a continuation of her relationship with Walmart, where she is among the retailer’s top-selling recording artists. “I love creating looks that are all about personal expression and individuality,” said Cyrus. “Collaborating with Max Azria has been an amazing experience, and I’m really excited about launching this line with Walmart. There’s even more to come!”
“Miley Cyrus is talented and approachable, so working with her sparked a line that is authentic and vibrant,” said Max Azria, designer and CEO of BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Inc. “By partnering with Walmart, we saw an opportunity to reach mainstream customers with our product and introduce our designs to a much broader audience.”
Complementing the Miley Cyrus & Max Azria announcement, Walmart will be the title sponsor of the Miley Cyrus concert tour. AEG Live announced that tickets for the North American tour will go on sale to the public on June 13, 2009, at 10:00a.m. American Express® Cardmembers will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase advance tickets to the tour prior to public sale. Tickets will be available for purchase with an American Express Card through ticketmaster.com/mileycyrus or by calling 800-745-3000, from 10:00a.m. locally Wednesday, June 10, 2009 through 10:00p.m. locally Friday, June 12, 2009.
All tickets will be sold exclusively through Paperless Ticket delivery, which means fans will not receive a physical concert ticket for their entry into the event. Buying paperless helps ensure fans have secure and convenient access to event tickets at the original sale price.
On the day of show, concert-goers just need to bring the credit card they used for the ticket purchase and their government-issued photo ID to the concert. All members of the ticket purchaser’s party must be present at the same time to enter the venue. The venue’s ticket usher will swipe their credit card upon entry and present each person in their party with seat locator slips for quick access into the show. To purchase paperless tickets or for more information, fans should visit ticketmaster.com/mileycyrus or call their local Ticketmaster charge-by-phone number.
Box-office sales will be limited to day of show sales only and will be paperless. Gift Cards will not be accepted. Fans in Portland, OR; Des Moines, IA; Las Vegas, NV; Tulsa, OK; Philadelphia, PA and Columbia, SC should visit their local concert venue Web site or aeglive.com for purchase information as tickets will not be sold through Ticketmaster. Tour tickets are limited to four (4) per household.
Upcoming European dates will be announced in the near future. The full North American schedule for the Miley Cyrus concert tour 2009 is as follows:
Date Location Venue
September 14th Portland, OR Rose Garden
September 16th Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
September 18th Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
September 20th San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
September 22nd Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
September 23rd Anaheim, CA Honda Center
September 25th Glendale, AZ jobing.com Arena
September 26th Las Vegas, NV Thomas & Mack Center
September 29th Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena
October 2nd Omaha, NE Qwest Center
October 3rd Kansas City, MO Sprint Center
October 4th St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
October 6th Auburn Hills, MI The Palace of Auburn Hills
October 7th Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
October 9th DesMoines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
October 10th Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center
October 12th Tulsa, OK BOK Center
October 15th San Antonio, TX AT&T Center
October 18th Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
October 20th New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
October 21st Memphis, TN FedExForum
October 23rd Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena
October 24th N. Little Rock, AR ALLTEL Arena
October 27th Chicago, IL United Center
October 29th Mineapolis, MN Target Center
October 31st Louisville, KY Freedom Hall
November 1st Lexington, KY Rupp Arena
November 3rd Washington, DC Verizon Center
November 4th Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
November 5th University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center
November 7th Newark, NJ Prudential Center
November 8th Newark, NJ Prudential Center
November 9th Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
November 12th Hartford, CT XL Center
November 15th Clevland, OH Quickens Loan Arena
November 16th Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
November 18th Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
November 19th Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum
November 22nd Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
November 24th Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
November 25th Nashville, TN Sommet Center
November 28th Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena
November 29th Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
December 1st Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
December 2nd Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
For more ticket and tour information, fans can visit ticketmaster.com, walmart.com and aeglive.com. Tickets subject to applicable service charges. Event time and date subject to change. Ticketing information may vary per market. Please check your local venue for ticket purchasing information.
Walmart U.S. To Create More Than 22,000 Jobs In 2009
Positions to staff new or expanded stores; include store management, pharmacists, human resource managers, cashiers and sales associates
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 4, 2009 – Walmart U.S. announced today that it will create more than 22,000 jobs in 2009 to staff new or expanded stores in the United States. The company is hiring for a number of positions including store management, pharmacists, human resource managers, customer service associates, cashiers and sales associates among others.
"During this difficult economic time, we’re proud to be able to create quality jobs for thousands of Americans this year," said Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman of WalMart Stores, Inc. “At Walmart, we offer competitive pay and benefits and real opportunities for our associates to advance and build careers. Job creation is just one way in which we’re working hard every day to help people across this country live better.”Last October, Walmart announced plans to open 142 to 157 new or expanded stores during the 2010 fiscal year in the United States.
The company will create more than 1,000 jobs in several individual states. For example, the company will create approximately 1,300 jobs in Arizona; 1,000 jobs in California; 1,300 jobs in Florida; 1,500 jobs in Michigan; 1,200 jobs in New Jersey; 1,000 jobs in South Carolina; 1,200 jobs in Utah and 1,100 in Virginia.
“We are excited that during these economically challenging times Walmart is investing in Michigan by creating good paying jobs and offering benefits to their employees,” said Richard Studley, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “The positive impact that these jobs will have on the families of the new employees and their communities cannot be overstated.”
Benefits, including affordable health plans that offer customized health coverage options, are available to full- and part-time associates. More than 94 percent of store and club associates in the United States have some type of health care coverage.
Other benefits include profit sharing and 401(k) contributions, a stock purchase plan and a discount on store merchandise. Last year, the company put 4 percent of the income of every full-time and part-time U.S. associate with more than a year of service into a profit sharing and 401 (k) plan, even if the associate did not contribute to the plan.
In 2008, more than 150,000 hourly associates received promotions to new positions within the company. Earlier this year, the company shared more than $2 billion in financial incentives with hourly store and club associates through bonuses, 401(k) and profit sharing plans.
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 4, 2009 – Walmart U.S. announced today that it will create more than 22,000 jobs in 2009 to staff new or expanded stores in the United States. The company is hiring for a number of positions including store management, pharmacists, human resource managers, customer service associates, cashiers and sales associates among others.
"During this difficult economic time, we’re proud to be able to create quality jobs for thousands of Americans this year," said Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman of WalMart Stores, Inc. “At Walmart, we offer competitive pay and benefits and real opportunities for our associates to advance and build careers. Job creation is just one way in which we’re working hard every day to help people across this country live better.”Last October, Walmart announced plans to open 142 to 157 new or expanded stores during the 2010 fiscal year in the United States.
The company will create more than 1,000 jobs in several individual states. For example, the company will create approximately 1,300 jobs in Arizona; 1,000 jobs in California; 1,300 jobs in Florida; 1,500 jobs in Michigan; 1,200 jobs in New Jersey; 1,000 jobs in South Carolina; 1,200 jobs in Utah and 1,100 in Virginia.
“We are excited that during these economically challenging times Walmart is investing in Michigan by creating good paying jobs and offering benefits to their employees,” said Richard Studley, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. “The positive impact that these jobs will have on the families of the new employees and their communities cannot be overstated.”
Benefits, including affordable health plans that offer customized health coverage options, are available to full- and part-time associates. More than 94 percent of store and club associates in the United States have some type of health care coverage.
Other benefits include profit sharing and 401(k) contributions, a stock purchase plan and a discount on store merchandise. Last year, the company put 4 percent of the income of every full-time and part-time U.S. associate with more than a year of service into a profit sharing and 401 (k) plan, even if the associate did not contribute to the plan.
In 2008, more than 150,000 hourly associates received promotions to new positions within the company. Earlier this year, the company shared more than $2 billion in financial incentives with hourly store and club associates through bonuses, 401(k) and profit sharing plans.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
WalMart CEO Mike Duke Says Company has "More Opportunities Today Than Ever"
Says Retailer Will Keep New Customers When Economy Improves
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., June 5, 2009 - Today WalMart Stores, Inc. President and CEO Mike Duke told more than 16,000 people at the company’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting that the company has had strong performance and that it will “seize the moment” to make further strides with its business and help people save money and live better around the world.
“This is not a time to slow down. This is not a time to take comfort in our success. This is WalMart’s time to look to the future and seize the opportunity to truly lead around the world,” said Duke. “We must broaden and accelerate what we’re already doing well. And where we can do better, we will innovate.”
Over the past few years, the company has made significant gains with customers by improving the store experience, offering better merchandise presentations, strengthening international formats and re-emphasizing price leadership. Duke said the improvements that have led to the company’s strong performance are permanent and sustainable. He said he believes that’s important because customers are not going back in terms of their mindset.
“Our customers will stay with us when this economy turns around and they have more discretionary money to spend. We are building long-term loyalty to WalMart,” said Duke. “I believe the economic crisis has brought a fundamental shift in consumer attitudes and behavior. There is a ‘new normal,’ in which people want to save money and are getting smarter about saving money.”
Duke highlighted WalMart’s success in the past fiscal year with earnings up 6 percent to $3.35 per share, $7.3 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, and worldwide sales surpassing $400 billion for the first time. Duke also said that the strength of the company’s first quarter performance was very good relative to competitors.
“We continue to outperform the market. We have a strong balance sheet and great access to capital markets. We also increased our annual dividend by 15 percent. And this is at a time when a record number of companies decreased or even eliminated their dividends,” Duke said. “Shareholders are really seeing this company’s culture of sound financial management pay off. You’re also seeing the depth and talent of our leadership team.”
The WalMart CEO also broadly outlined enhanced training and development of the company’s global workforce of nearly 2.2 million associates. “Many of our associates build careers at WalMart - taking on new roles and growing and developing with us. And for many associates, a WalMart job is their first job,” Duke said. “We can strengthen the training and educational opportunities that all associates receive while working at WalMart. We can offer a clearer career path to achievement. And if we do that, we will provide our associates with an even stronger foundation for their futures.”
Duke reiterated WalMart’s commitment to the “Live Better” part of the company’s mission and continuing to help solve the big issues facing the world. “We are passionate about helping our customers live better. And I think we’ve set an example that shows business can be trusted. Customers and elected officials recognize and appreciate that leadership,” Duke said. “Your Wal-Mart will broaden and accelerate our commitment to associates, to sustainability, to responsible sourcing. Your WalMart will lead.”
Having been elected by the Board of Directors to his new post in November, this was Duke’s first address at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting as president and CEO. He closed his remarks by saying, “I am so proud to have been selected to lead this great company and work shoulder to shoulder with you. I commit to all of you, as your CEO, that I will serve you with trust and integrity. I commit to you that I will honor our culture and the legacy of Sam Walton. And I promise you always my personal best, and I will require your personal best, so that together we can seize this moment, and we can be the best Wal-Mart that we can be.”
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., June 5, 2009 - Today WalMart Stores, Inc. President and CEO Mike Duke told more than 16,000 people at the company’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting that the company has had strong performance and that it will “seize the moment” to make further strides with its business and help people save money and live better around the world.
“This is not a time to slow down. This is not a time to take comfort in our success. This is WalMart’s time to look to the future and seize the opportunity to truly lead around the world,” said Duke. “We must broaden and accelerate what we’re already doing well. And where we can do better, we will innovate.”
Over the past few years, the company has made significant gains with customers by improving the store experience, offering better merchandise presentations, strengthening international formats and re-emphasizing price leadership. Duke said the improvements that have led to the company’s strong performance are permanent and sustainable. He said he believes that’s important because customers are not going back in terms of their mindset.
“Our customers will stay with us when this economy turns around and they have more discretionary money to spend. We are building long-term loyalty to WalMart,” said Duke. “I believe the economic crisis has brought a fundamental shift in consumer attitudes and behavior. There is a ‘new normal,’ in which people want to save money and are getting smarter about saving money.”
Duke highlighted WalMart’s success in the past fiscal year with earnings up 6 percent to $3.35 per share, $7.3 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, and worldwide sales surpassing $400 billion for the first time. Duke also said that the strength of the company’s first quarter performance was very good relative to competitors.
“We continue to outperform the market. We have a strong balance sheet and great access to capital markets. We also increased our annual dividend by 15 percent. And this is at a time when a record number of companies decreased or even eliminated their dividends,” Duke said. “Shareholders are really seeing this company’s culture of sound financial management pay off. You’re also seeing the depth and talent of our leadership team.”
The WalMart CEO also broadly outlined enhanced training and development of the company’s global workforce of nearly 2.2 million associates. “Many of our associates build careers at WalMart - taking on new roles and growing and developing with us. And for many associates, a WalMart job is their first job,” Duke said. “We can strengthen the training and educational opportunities that all associates receive while working at WalMart. We can offer a clearer career path to achievement. And if we do that, we will provide our associates with an even stronger foundation for their futures.”
Duke reiterated WalMart’s commitment to the “Live Better” part of the company’s mission and continuing to help solve the big issues facing the world. “We are passionate about helping our customers live better. And I think we’ve set an example that shows business can be trusted. Customers and elected officials recognize and appreciate that leadership,” Duke said. “Your Wal-Mart will broaden and accelerate our commitment to associates, to sustainability, to responsible sourcing. Your WalMart will lead.”
Having been elected by the Board of Directors to his new post in November, this was Duke’s first address at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting as president and CEO. He closed his remarks by saying, “I am so proud to have been selected to lead this great company and work shoulder to shoulder with you. I commit to all of you, as your CEO, that I will serve you with trust and integrity. I commit to you that I will honor our culture and the legacy of Sam Walton. And I promise you always my personal best, and I will require your personal best, so that together we can seize this moment, and we can be the best Wal-Mart that we can be.”
Remarks as Prepared for Mike Duke President and CEO of WalMart Stores, Inc. WalMart Shareholders Meeting
Thank you, Linda. I really appreciate that introduction. And I appreciate the role that the Board of Directors plays in making WalMart a great company.
And to all of the associates here, let me just say: I appreciate you -- each and every one of you. We know what’s behind our success at WalMart. It’s almost 2.2 million hard working associates around the world. I believe that what Sam Walton used to say is still true today: “Our people make the difference.”
Rob Walton was very kind in what he said about David, Lee and me. That sort of continuity among CEOs is pretty rare these days. But it does happen at Wal-Mart. As Rob said, I think it speaks volumes about the culture that Sam Walton created.
Each of us is a steward of this culture and the Wal-Mart mission. We have to be every day, in every store, with every customer. At the same time, saving people money so they can live better is bigger than any individual, especially a CEO. This mission is an opportunity and a responsibility that we all share, to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of millions of people around the world.
And never has this mission been more important - or more relevant - than right now. I’m absolutely convinced that these are the times that Sam Walton built your company for.
Over the past year, our performance has been strong. I know Tom touched on these numbers before, but I think they’re worth repeating. Last fiscal year, earnings were up 6 percent to $3.35 per share. We returned $7.3 billion to you, our shareholders, through dividends and share repurchases. We closed the year with about $11.6 billion in free cash flow. And our worldwide sales surpassed, for the first time, $400 billion.
These would be good results in any year. But this has been far from any old year. We’re living through and working through the toughest global economy in decades. You have so much to be proud of.
And you should be proud that we’re already off to a good start this year. In the 1st quarter, our earnings and comp sales were strong. We continue to outperform the market. We have a strong balance sheet and great access to capital markets. We’ve also increased our dividend by 15 percent, and this is at a time at a time when a record number of companies decreased or even eliminated their dividends.
Shareholders are really seeing this company’s culture of sound financial management pay off. You’re also seeing the depth and talent of our leadership team -- with Eduardo in the U.S., Doug at International, Brian at Sam’s, and the other corporate leaders that I get to work with everyday.
You know, I’m so proud of the job that our leadership team and everyone here and everyone in our stores has done. When you think about it, we did what we set out to do over the last couple of years. All around the world, we built a better Wal-Mart.
We’ve improved our merchandise. The products and services and brands that our customers want are on our shelves.
We’ve improved the store experience. Customers are able to shop our stores quickly and conveniently and with the help of friendly associates.
We’ve reemphasized price leadership. Customers know that when we say our prices are unbeatable, we mean unbeatable.
We’ve strengthened our formats around the world. Customers are getting the experience that they want, and we’re getting the efficiency that we need.
We’ve also made real progress on big issues like health care and sustainability. Customers and elected officials recognize and appreciate that leadership.
So regardless of the country or the language, people everywhere trust our company. They trust Wal-Mart. They trust you.
And let me say, the improvements we’ve made are permanent and sustainable. We are not going back. This is important because the mindset of our customers is not going back.
I believe the economic crisis has brought a fundamental shift in consumer attitudes and behavior. There is a “new normal” in which people want to save money and are getting smarter about saving money. They understand and appreciate the value of value.
So let me be clear, and people ask me about this all the time, our customers will stay with us when this economy turns around and they have more discretionary money to spend. We are building long term loyalty to Wal-Mart.
So does this mean that we can go back to our offices, our stores and our clubs, and relax and take it easy for a while? Of course not. That’s not us. As Sam once said, “We just don’t feel good unless we’re moving forward and upward.” And that’s an important part of my own approach. So let me tell you a little about that.
First, I really care about people. Anyone who has worked with me knows that I invest in people and want them to grow. Setting high standards is an essential part of that.
I also have a passion for retailing. I love spending time in our stores and clubs, and I especially love meeting customers in their homes. And I value our suppliers and work hard to listen to them and understand their businesses.
I love this company, its culture, how we treat people, and what we stand for and believe in.
I also really love to compete, but only when we win. Therefore, we only play with a plan for winning.
So let me ask you this: how can we go beyond building a better Wal-Mart? How do we build the best Wal-Mart possible?
I believe we have more opportunities today than ever in our history. Because of the “new normal,” because we’ve built so much trust, we can truly lead -- for our customers, for our shareholders, for our planet.
But we must seize this moment in time.
If you’ve been in a meeting with me over the last couple of months, you’ve heard what I believe we need to do. All of us as a team must broaden and accelerate what we’re already doing well. That means having a greater sense of urgency. We can’t waste a second. And it means everyone in the Wal-Mart family around the world is participating. Everyone will be included.
And where we can do better, we will innovate. We will change. We will improve. Sam Walton said that one of the greatest strengths of Wal-Mart’s culture is our ability to turn on a dime. And I believe Mr. Sam was right. We should not hesitate to call on that strength.
So how can we put this into action? I believe we can do much more to act as a global company and leverage our strengths around the world. We need to see ourselves not just as Wal-Mart U.S. or International or Sam’s Club, but as one global company.
That means creating, and when appropriate, sharing systems and processes that lower costs. It means doing a better job of global sourcing, and leveraging our purchasing worldwide. It means winning the talent war -- by recruiting the best, by developing and investing in associates, and by sharing knowledge and ideas across borders. It means managing costs in our operations everywhere, so that we can continue to be aggressive in saving customers money.
We need to be obsessed with understanding customers in every market we operate in. And we need to serve customers however they want to shop -- whether it’s on a mobile phone, a laptop, or in a local store. We also need to see ourselves and conduct ourselves not as Goliath, but as David -- not as a giant, but as a nimble and innovative competitor in every market.
So this is not a time to slow down. This is not a time to take comfort in our success. This is Wal-Mart’s time to look to the future and seize the opportunity to truly lead around the world.
I believe we are doing this in the area of sustainability. We know how much this focus has made a difference for our company. Sustainability has helped us make our operations more efficient. We’ve also stepped out and helped our customers, our suppliers, and our communities be more socially and environmentally responsible. Today, we’re playing a larger role in society that few of us ever thought we would play. We’re going to continue to focus and lead on sustainability.
At the same time, I believe we have a big opportunity to lead with our people. As I said before, I really love people. There is so much that we have in common -- regardless of where we’re from, the positions we hold, or how long we’ve been with the company.
As you heard throughout the morning, we see ourselves as a family. We care deeply about our communities. And we value opportunity.
At WalMart, our associates have real opportunities to advance and build a career. Nearly three-quarters of store management in the U.S. started with us as hourly associates.
We’re creating jobs. Last year, your Wal-Mart created 63,000 jobs around the world, including 33,000 jobs in the U.S. And when the company does well financially, we share our results with associates. In fact, for their 2008 performance, we distributed well over a billion dollars worldwide to hourly associates in incentive bonuses.
This year, I want our company to build on the progress we’ve made in associate opportunity. We can make a big difference here. We can change the way people everywhere look at training and development in a company of our size. And we can be part of the solution to some big issues facing the countries we operate in.
Issues like having a well-trained workforce to meet the challenges of the 21st century; offering working people a path into a better life - whether they live in rural America or cities in emerging countries; helping women - who for too long have been left out of too many economies - climb the career ladder.
Many of our associates build careers at Wal-Mart -- taking on new roles and growing and developing with us, just like a lot of people here today. And for many associates, a Wal-Mart job is their first job.
Like Eduardo said, we can strengthen the training and educational opportunities that all associates receive while working at Wal-Mart. We can offer a clearer career path to achievement. And if we do that, we will provide our associates with an even stronger foundation for their futures.
Let me make another important point on this topic, I know we’ve made improvements in the areas of diversity and inclusion. In fact, this week I was excited to kick off the first meeting of the President's Global Council of Women Leaders. They’re an important group that we’re going to look to for advice. But I’m still not satisfied with our progress to date.
Anyone who knows me and my priorities, knows how much I value diversity and inclusion. No one should be left out. Every Wal-Mart associate deserves the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential at this company and in life.
At Wal-Mart, we’ve always taken the long perspective. We have a culture built on trust and integrity. We are passionate about helping our customers live better. And I think we’ve set an example that shows business can be trusted.
The issues we face in the world today are going to require business to be part of the solution. And they’re going to require business and government and NGOs to work together. It’s the only way the world is going to emerge stronger from this difficult time.
The fact is the global economy will grow again and create jobs again. But will our prosperity be built on a solid foundation - a foundation that is sustainable? Or will it be built on sand?
I believe we can and must have an economy that is greener - that uses fewer fossil fuels and relies more on renewable forms of energy. I believe we can have a population that is healthier and has access to affordable and quality health care. I believe we can have a global workforce that has the skills and knowledge it needs to succeed in good times and transition when times get tough. I believe we are helping working men and women everywhere not just aspire to a better life but get there and live there securely.
Your WalMart will broaden and accelerate - broaden and accelerate - our commitment to associates, to sustainability, to responsible sourcing. Your Wal-Mart will lead.
As part of the WalMart family, we have a very special opportunity and responsibility. It comes from how we’ve performed and positioned ourselves. It comes from the mission of saving people money so they can live better. But above all, it comes from who we are as individuals and the culture we all share.
This is your WalMart. And this is my Wal-Mart. We are almost 2.2 million associates strong. We operate more than 7,900 stores in 15 countries. And more than 200 million customers and members around the world go through our check out lines each week.
This is the extraordinary company that we’re all a part of. And never has there been a time when the strengths of our company were more aligned with what the world needs than right now. This is true for how we can help the world save money, but also for how we can help the world live better.
Let me leave you with one final thought. I am so proud to have been selected to lead this great company and work shoulder to shoulder with all of you. My wife, Susan, and my family are so proud to be in this role as part of the worldwide Wal-Mart family.
I commit to all of you, as your CEO, that I will serve you with trust and integrity. I commit to you that I will honor our culture and the legacy of Sam Walton.
And I promise you always my personal best, and I will require your personal best, so that together we can seize this moment, and we can be the best Wal-Mart that we can be.
Thanks to each and every one of you.
WalMart Board Approves $15 Billion Share Repurchase Program
June 5, 2009 - At its 39th Annual Shareholders’ Meeting today, WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase program that gives the company authorization to repurchase $15 billion of its shares. This program replaces the previous $15 billion program, which was announced June 1, 2007 and had approximately $3.4 billion of remaining authorization. Under the program, repurchased shares are constructively retired and returned to unissued status.
"We remain committed to returning value to our shareholders through share repurchase and dividends," said Mike Duke, WalMart Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “During the last five years, WalMart has repurchased approximately $21 billion worth of its shares."
In addition to share repurchases made in fiscal year 2010, WalMart will pay more than $4.2 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends during fiscal year 2010. WalMart has increased its dividend every year since March of 1974, when it began paying a dividend of five cents per share. The company is paying an annual dividend of $1.09 per share this fiscal year, a 15-percent increase from $0.95 paid last year.
"We remain committed to returning value to our shareholders through share repurchase and dividends," said Mike Duke, WalMart Stores, Inc. president and chief executive officer. “During the last five years, WalMart has repurchased approximately $21 billion worth of its shares."
In addition to share repurchases made in fiscal year 2010, WalMart will pay more than $4.2 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends during fiscal year 2010. WalMart has increased its dividend every year since March of 1974, when it began paying a dividend of five cents per share. The company is paying an annual dividend of $1.09 per share this fiscal year, a 15-percent increase from $0.95 paid last year.
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