March 31, 2009 – The WalMart Foundation donated $175,000 to United Way of Kentucky to expand access to government and social services and to help to establish a statewide 2-1-1 system. The grant was made through the WalMart Foundation’s State Giving Program and will help United Way of Kentucky fulfill its mission to improve the health and welfare of all Kentuckians.
United Way of Kentucky provides training and technical assistance to member United Ways working to promote the organization throughout the state, manages the Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign and coordinates crisis response in times of emergencies. There are currently 22 local United Ways partnered with United Way of Kentucky to help Kentuckians build stronger, healthier and safer communities.
“We strive to help our customers and the people in our surrounding communities live better,” said Jason Wetzel, Senior Manager Public Affairs for WalMart. “With this donation to the United Way, WalMart can help support Kentuckians who are working together to give back and improve communities across the state.”
There are 22 counties in Kentucky currently with access to 2-1-1 information and referral number, an easy-to-remember three-digit dialing code assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. It streamlines access to health and human services and volunteer opportunities. United Way of Kentucky is working with organizations, including local United Ways, established call centers, community leaders and telecommunications companies, to bring 2-1-1 to individuals in need all across Kentucky.
“Expanding access to 2-1-1 is a priority for United Way of Kentucky and our 22 local partners,” said Terry Tolan, President of United Way of Kentucky. “This is an incredible opportunity for United Ways to expand access to services at the local level and continue our efforts to bring 2-1-1 to individuals in need all across Kentucky.”
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 supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability and health. In 2007, WalMart, Sam’s Club and the WalMart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States.
About WalMart Stores, Inc. in Kentucky (NYSE: WMT)
* Contributed more than $4.6 million to Kentucky organizations and local causes in cash and in-kind donations in 2007.
* Kentucky philanthropic contributions totaled nearly $6.9 million in 2007.
* The largest private employer in Kentucky.
* More than 33,000 Kentuckians are employed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The average wage for regular, full-time hourly associates in Kentucky is $11.28 per hour (Walmart Discount Stores, Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets). (March 2009)
About United Way of Kentucky
United Way of Kentucky is the voluntary association of 22 United Ways from across the Commonwealth. Serving local communities since 1984, United Way of Kentucky builds local United Way capacity and strengthens a statewide network to meet the human services needs of all Kentuckians. As the largest non-governmental funder of services to children and families in Kentucky, United Way has a long history of commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens of all ages throughout the Commonwealth.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Walmart Great Value brand
Retailer Transforms its Great Value Brand with More Products, Consumer Friendly Packaging and Improved Quality
Thursday, March 26, 2009
WalMart Executive to Speak at Conference
March 25, 2009 - WalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) will make a presentation during the 2009 Morgan Stanley Arizona Field Trip at approximately 3:00 p.m. CDT, Wednesday, April 1. Bill Simon, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Walmart U.S., will provide an overview on the operations of its U.S. super centers.
A live webcast of the presentation at the conference and question-and-answer session will be available through the link provided on walmartstores.com/investors. The presentation slides will be available as well. It will be archived for one year on the company’s Web site.
WalMart Stores, Inc. operates Walmart discount stores, super centers, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Club locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT.
A live webcast of the presentation at the conference and question-and-answer session will be available through the link provided on walmartstores.com/investors. The presentation slides will be available as well. It will be archived for one year on the company’s Web site.
WalMart Stores, Inc. operates Walmart discount stores, super centers, Neighborhood Markets and Sam’s Club locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT.
Walmart expands Home Portfolio with Launch of New Brand
March 25, 2009 – Walmart today announced the launch of Your Zone, a new home furnishings collection for teens now arriving in stores nationwide and on Walmart.com. The introduction of the teen brand is another way Walmart delivers on its promise to help people save money so that they can live better.
“Your Zone provides a platform for teens to create their own space and express their evolving personality, for less,” said Linda Hefner, executive vice president of Home at Walmart. “The Your Zone collection further strengthens our branded product offering. Teens love the fun products, and Moms love the unbeatable prices.”
Bedding and furnishings designed to be versatile and interactive will inspire teens to create a living space uniquely their own. Bedding is available in bright, fun patterns and reversible solids, and includes comforter sets priced from $28 to $40, sheet sets from $12 to $24, and window treatments for under $15. Interchangeable rugs, pillows and throws are also available to personalize the look, along with bulletin boards, display shelves, and other accessories. Furniture and lounge seating will arrive in stores in late spring to round out the collection.
Your Zone is the latest addition to Walmart’s growing Home proprietary brand portfolio, which includes Better Homes and Gardens, Canopy, and MainStays.
“Your Zone provides a platform for teens to create their own space and express their evolving personality, for less,” said Linda Hefner, executive vice president of Home at Walmart. “The Your Zone collection further strengthens our branded product offering. Teens love the fun products, and Moms love the unbeatable prices.”
Bedding and furnishings designed to be versatile and interactive will inspire teens to create a living space uniquely their own. Bedding is available in bright, fun patterns and reversible solids, and includes comforter sets priced from $28 to $40, sheet sets from $12 to $24, and window treatments for under $15. Interchangeable rugs, pillows and throws are also available to personalize the look, along with bulletin boards, display shelves, and other accessories. Furniture and lounge seating will arrive in stores in late spring to round out the collection.
Your Zone is the latest addition to Walmart’s growing Home proprietary brand portfolio, which includes Better Homes and Gardens, Canopy, and MainStays.
President Obama Meets Children's Miracle Network "Champions" from Around the Country
Children’s Miracle Network, an international non-profit that raises funds for children’s hospitals in the United States, visited the White House today with 53 very special ambassadors – young “Champions” who are living testaments to the medical care being provided at Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country.
President Barack Obama met with a child from every state who is part of Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club. After spending time with the Champions, President Obama invited the Champions and their siblings to play on the playground on the South Lawn.
Champions Across America raises awareness for the 17 million children who are treated each year at 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. The program designates a Champion child in every state who has battled a serious illness or injury. The 2009 Champions have braved illnesses such as brittle bone disease, brain tumors, leukemia and cerebral palsy, and survived car accidents and plane crashes.
“The Champions Across America program has been raising awareness about the importance of children’s hospitals for the past 13 years,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO, Children's Miracle Network. “It’s always a privilege to be at the White House and we hope that President Obama was inspired by the children he met today.”
In addition to the White House visit, the Champions had the opportunity to visit with members of Congress during a luncheon at Capitol Hill where Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) addressed the group.
“Children’s hospitals across the country are literally saving millions of lives each year, and I appreciate these young and brave Children’s Miracle Network Champions taking the time to come to Washington to represent children across America who are suffering from many serious medical conditions,” said Senator Hatch. “These Champions are a true inspiration to all.”
Joining the Champions were Miss America 2009 Katie Stam and country music star Mark Wills. “One of Miss America’s most important and most rewarding duties is to serve as the official Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network,” said Stam. “Being able to get to know each of these Champions on a personal level has connected me forever to them and their families. I look forward to visiting their hospitals and helping them raise money throughout the year.”
“Over the past two decades, Children’s Miracle Network, its hospitals and especially their patients have found a very special place in the hearts of Walmart and Sam’s Club associates,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “We have been inspired by the Children’s Miracle Network Champions, and as they bring their stories of courage and determination to our nation’s capitol, we hope that others will be inspired to support the work of children’s hospitals.”
WalMart’s support for the Children’s Miracle Network began in 1987. Since then, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised and contributed more than $460 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
President Barack Obama met with a child from every state who is part of Champions Across America presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club. After spending time with the Champions, President Obama invited the Champions and their siblings to play on the playground on the South Lawn.
Champions Across America raises awareness for the 17 million children who are treated each year at 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. The program designates a Champion child in every state who has battled a serious illness or injury. The 2009 Champions have braved illnesses such as brittle bone disease, brain tumors, leukemia and cerebral palsy, and survived car accidents and plane crashes.
“The Champions Across America program has been raising awareness about the importance of children’s hospitals for the past 13 years,” said Scott Burt, president and CEO, Children's Miracle Network. “It’s always a privilege to be at the White House and we hope that President Obama was inspired by the children he met today.”
In addition to the White House visit, the Champions had the opportunity to visit with members of Congress during a luncheon at Capitol Hill where Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) addressed the group.
“Children’s hospitals across the country are literally saving millions of lives each year, and I appreciate these young and brave Children’s Miracle Network Champions taking the time to come to Washington to represent children across America who are suffering from many serious medical conditions,” said Senator Hatch. “These Champions are a true inspiration to all.”
Joining the Champions were Miss America 2009 Katie Stam and country music star Mark Wills. “One of Miss America’s most important and most rewarding duties is to serve as the official Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network,” said Stam. “Being able to get to know each of these Champions on a personal level has connected me forever to them and their families. I look forward to visiting their hospitals and helping them raise money throughout the year.”
“Over the past two decades, Children’s Miracle Network, its hospitals and especially their patients have found a very special place in the hearts of Walmart and Sam’s Club associates,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. “We have been inspired by the Children’s Miracle Network Champions, and as they bring their stories of courage and determination to our nation’s capitol, we hope that others will be inspired to support the work of children’s hospitals.”
WalMart’s support for the Children’s Miracle Network began in 1987. Since then, Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, customers and members have raised and contributed more than $460 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
WalMart lends muscle to health reform
WalMart is ramping up its Washington activity to push for comprehensive health care reform, and the world's largest retailer says it is ready to use its economic muscle to get out in front and influence the discussion.
"We're willing to take a stand independently and not just do it through our associations," said Linda Dillman, the retail giant's executive vice president of benefits, who was in town last week with a posse of Wal-Mart employees bending ears on Capitol Hill.
Long a target of complaints from labor, environmental and health care activists, Wal-Mart has been trying to rehabilitate its reputation in recent years by going green in its stores and becoming more employee-friendly. For instance, the company has begun offering employees a broader range of low-cost insurance options and, as part of its health care reform campaign, is pushing for greater use of electronic medical records - and helping doctors pay for the upgrade.
The company began its congressional outreach last summer with regular Washington visits, and its officials and employees have dropped in on about 75 lawmakers' offices since then. Chief Executive Mike Duke has talked with both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, according to Dillman. And last week, Dillman gave a keynote speech to the National Business Group on Health, which represents large employers in the health care debate.
To introduce themselves to policymakers, Wal-Mart executives explain how the company has provided better health care to its 1.4 million employees by offering plans that cost between $5 and $200 per month and provide a range of coverage. The expanded options boosted by 10 percent the number of employees enrolled, Dillman said, and now a little over half of Wal-Mart's employees are covered.
"We're doing our share to offer a good plan, an inexpensive plan to our associates so they'll take that option," she said.
Even the Service Employees International Union, which has had sharp differences with Wal-Mart in the past, has nice things to say.
"As the largest private corporation, they do have the ability to set a standard to providing good jobs with good health care," said SEIU spokeswoman Lori Lodes. "Right now they are at the table, and they have a very strong commitment to reforming our health care system."
Wal-Mart and SEIU are partners in a coalition of business and labor groups pushing for better health care.
Wal-Mart has been criticized in the past because many of its employees and their families were uninsured or covered by government-provided health insurance. But Dillman said only 3 percent of the company's employees are now on state assistance.
The company is also pushing for increased use of electronic medical records. Wal-Mart recently announced it would offer a health information technology package to doctors for $25,000 - about half the price of technology now on the market - through its Sam's Club warehouses. The move comes on the heels of the $19 billion Congress approved in the stimulus bill to help doctors move to electronic records.
Small-business voice gets louder
A small-business advocacy group is hawking a message that's not normally heard on Capitol Hill: Small-business owners support health care reform, even though it might require them to offer insurance or pay into the system.
Small Business Majority was founded four years ago with a simple goal, according to its website, "solving the single-biggest problem facing America's 27 million small businesses: affordable and accessible health care." And its chief executive, John Arensmeyer, says research and polling shows that small-business owners are willing to be part of a solution that requires small business to play or pay.
"We're trying to make sure that policymakers understand how critical getting health care reform is for small business and how our health care crisis is killing small business," Arensmeyer said. "Most small business is willing and prepared to be part of a solution that involves shared responsibility of all stakeholders."
That message runs counter to the National Federation of Independent Business, which opposes a play-or-pay model. NFIB has been viewed for decades as the voice of small business in Washington.
And that's part of the reason Arensmeyer said he launched his group.
"I ran a business for many years, and it didn't seem to me they were representing much of what I was seeing day to day," he said, noting that NFIB opposed health care reform in the early 1990s.
Arensmeyer said his nonprofit, nonpartisan group comes without ideological baggage and has positions backed up by data. The group has nine staff members, and its approximately $1 million budget is funded by foundations, he said.
NFIB spokeswoman Stephanie Cathcart said her group's surveys and polling show small businesses oppose a play-or-pay system.
"We oppose an employer mandate, and [play or pay] generally is the same as a tax on business," she said. "It's a job killer."
And she said that NFIB, now in its sixth decade, also has been making a data-driven case against play or pay.
"We've always been the voice of small business. We've always taken a research process that polls beyond our membership," she said.
A common enemy
When it comes to health care reform, there has been a rift on the left between the single-payer and public-private advocates, so last week offered a rare opportunity to see both sides coming together in common cause: to bash insurance companies.
The two sides teamed up to protest a policy forum at a Washington Ritz-Carlton sponsored by America's Health Insurance Plans, a national association representing more than 1,300 companies that provide health insurance.
But don't expect a marriage anytime soon between the single-payer groups, which believe reforms short of abolishing health insurance companies will fail, and public-private supporters, which are pushing for tighter controls on insurance companies and the creation of a public insurance plan option.
"I'd say it was a concurrent event. It doesn't mean there was any kind of merger there," said single-payer advocate Chuck Idelson, spokesman for the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, the nation's largest nurses union.
Public-private advocate Jacki Schechner of Health Care for America Now put it another way: "Let's just say that if we were in a relationship, our Facebook status would be, 'It's complicated,'" she joked.
As for the insurance industry?
"We were really pleased that our policy conference brought people together from across the spectrum for a productive policy discussion," AHIP spokesman Mike Tuffin said, noting that Republican Sen. Orrin G. Hatch and President Barack Obama's budget director, Peter Orszag, both attended.
"We're willing to take a stand independently and not just do it through our associations," said Linda Dillman, the retail giant's executive vice president of benefits, who was in town last week with a posse of Wal-Mart employees bending ears on Capitol Hill.
Long a target of complaints from labor, environmental and health care activists, Wal-Mart has been trying to rehabilitate its reputation in recent years by going green in its stores and becoming more employee-friendly. For instance, the company has begun offering employees a broader range of low-cost insurance options and, as part of its health care reform campaign, is pushing for greater use of electronic medical records - and helping doctors pay for the upgrade.
The company began its congressional outreach last summer with regular Washington visits, and its officials and employees have dropped in on about 75 lawmakers' offices since then. Chief Executive Mike Duke has talked with both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, according to Dillman. And last week, Dillman gave a keynote speech to the National Business Group on Health, which represents large employers in the health care debate.
To introduce themselves to policymakers, Wal-Mart executives explain how the company has provided better health care to its 1.4 million employees by offering plans that cost between $5 and $200 per month and provide a range of coverage. The expanded options boosted by 10 percent the number of employees enrolled, Dillman said, and now a little over half of Wal-Mart's employees are covered.
"We're doing our share to offer a good plan, an inexpensive plan to our associates so they'll take that option," she said.
Even the Service Employees International Union, which has had sharp differences with Wal-Mart in the past, has nice things to say.
"As the largest private corporation, they do have the ability to set a standard to providing good jobs with good health care," said SEIU spokeswoman Lori Lodes. "Right now they are at the table, and they have a very strong commitment to reforming our health care system."
Wal-Mart and SEIU are partners in a coalition of business and labor groups pushing for better health care.
Wal-Mart has been criticized in the past because many of its employees and their families were uninsured or covered by government-provided health insurance. But Dillman said only 3 percent of the company's employees are now on state assistance.
The company is also pushing for increased use of electronic medical records. Wal-Mart recently announced it would offer a health information technology package to doctors for $25,000 - about half the price of technology now on the market - through its Sam's Club warehouses. The move comes on the heels of the $19 billion Congress approved in the stimulus bill to help doctors move to electronic records.
Small-business voice gets louder
A small-business advocacy group is hawking a message that's not normally heard on Capitol Hill: Small-business owners support health care reform, even though it might require them to offer insurance or pay into the system.
Small Business Majority was founded four years ago with a simple goal, according to its website, "solving the single-biggest problem facing America's 27 million small businesses: affordable and accessible health care." And its chief executive, John Arensmeyer, says research and polling shows that small-business owners are willing to be part of a solution that requires small business to play or pay.
"We're trying to make sure that policymakers understand how critical getting health care reform is for small business and how our health care crisis is killing small business," Arensmeyer said. "Most small business is willing and prepared to be part of a solution that involves shared responsibility of all stakeholders."
That message runs counter to the National Federation of Independent Business, which opposes a play-or-pay model. NFIB has been viewed for decades as the voice of small business in Washington.
And that's part of the reason Arensmeyer said he launched his group.
"I ran a business for many years, and it didn't seem to me they were representing much of what I was seeing day to day," he said, noting that NFIB opposed health care reform in the early 1990s.
Arensmeyer said his nonprofit, nonpartisan group comes without ideological baggage and has positions backed up by data. The group has nine staff members, and its approximately $1 million budget is funded by foundations, he said.
NFIB spokeswoman Stephanie Cathcart said her group's surveys and polling show small businesses oppose a play-or-pay system.
"We oppose an employer mandate, and [play or pay] generally is the same as a tax on business," she said. "It's a job killer."
And she said that NFIB, now in its sixth decade, also has been making a data-driven case against play or pay.
"We've always been the voice of small business. We've always taken a research process that polls beyond our membership," she said.
A common enemy
When it comes to health care reform, there has been a rift on the left between the single-payer and public-private advocates, so last week offered a rare opportunity to see both sides coming together in common cause: to bash insurance companies.
The two sides teamed up to protest a policy forum at a Washington Ritz-Carlton sponsored by America's Health Insurance Plans, a national association representing more than 1,300 companies that provide health insurance.
But don't expect a marriage anytime soon between the single-payer groups, which believe reforms short of abolishing health insurance companies will fail, and public-private supporters, which are pushing for tighter controls on insurance companies and the creation of a public insurance plan option.
"I'd say it was a concurrent event. It doesn't mean there was any kind of merger there," said single-payer advocate Chuck Idelson, spokesman for the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, the nation's largest nurses union.
Public-private advocate Jacki Schechner of Health Care for America Now put it another way: "Let's just say that if we were in a relationship, our Facebook status would be, 'It's complicated,'" she joked.
As for the insurance industry?
"We were really pleased that our policy conference brought people together from across the spectrum for a productive policy discussion," AHIP spokesman Mike Tuffin said, noting that Republican Sen. Orrin G. Hatch and President Barack Obama's budget director, Peter Orszag, both attended.
Monday, March 23, 2009
WalMart hourly staff get billions in thanks
WalMart Stores Inc. is awarding roughly $2 billion (U.S.) to its hourly employees at American locations through financial incentives, including $933.6 million in bonuses distributed yesterday.
About a million employees will share in the windfall.
The world's largest retailer announced earlier it had gained market share by emphasizing low prices amid a recession.
In a memo to employees obtained by Reuters, CEO Mike Duke itemized the shower of gratitude: $933.6 million in bonuses, $788.8 million in profit sharing and retirement plan contributions, millions of dollars in merchandise discounts and contributions to its employee stock purchase plan.
"While economic challenges forced others to step back, we moved forward," Duke stated in the memo.
Duke said WalMart now needs to "accelerate and broaden all of our efforts."
About a million employees will share in the windfall.
The world's largest retailer announced earlier it had gained market share by emphasizing low prices amid a recession.
In a memo to employees obtained by Reuters, CEO Mike Duke itemized the shower of gratitude: $933.6 million in bonuses, $788.8 million in profit sharing and retirement plan contributions, millions of dollars in merchandise discounts and contributions to its employee stock purchase plan.
"While economic challenges forced others to step back, we moved forward," Duke stated in the memo.
Duke said WalMart now needs to "accelerate and broaden all of our efforts."
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