Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Hosts "Business-to-Business" Expo for Miami-Area Business Owners and Community Partners
Session provides local suppliers with resources and potential partnership opportunities with Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and other businesses BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 29, 2008 – As an extension of its commitment to provide economic opportunities to local communities, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will host today its fourth “Business-to-Business” (B2B) Expo in Miami at the Sheraton Miami Mart. During this session, representatives from Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., will share first-hand information with companies interested in business opportunities with Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Club. This session will also provide participants the opportunity to network with other local businesses in the community, and to further discuss products or services, as well as potential business opportunities with fellow locally-based businesses. “At Wal-Mart, we recognize and value the positive economic impact we can provide to local businesses and suppliers by simply sharing best business practices,” said Todd Peterson, regional operations support director, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “Our goal is to continue to be a resource for the communities we serve. Whether it’s through future Business-to-Business Expos, community partnerships, or providing our customers with the opportunity to save money so they can live better, Wal-Mart will continue to maintain a commitment to local economic development in cities such as Miami.” The B2B sessions are an extension of Wal-Mart’s Jobs and Opportunity Zones program, which is designed to provide a stimulus to local economies through a Wal-Mart store opening, partnerships with local chambers and grants to local businesses. Each session features presentations highlighting Wal-Mart’s supplier development process and Supplier Diversity Program, as well as discussions on how to obtain access to capital. The participants will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with local and regional buyers. As of 2008, Wal-Mart spent more than $5 billion for merchandise and services with 2,688 suppliers in the state of Florida. As a result of Wal-Mart's relationship with these suppliers, Wal-Mart supports 137,826 supplier jobs in Florida. For the Miami B2B Expo, Wal-Mart has partnered with the Associated Builders and Contractors, Latin Builders Association (LBA), Minority Business Council, Associated Builders and Contractors, Beacon Council, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Miami Dade Community College to help heighten awareness of this important session through their membership and networking channels. “Businesses and communities across the country are in need of valuable resources that will help them succeed in today’s marketplace,” said Carlos Doubleday, regional general manager and vice president, Sam’s Club. “The B2B Expo will provide communities with the tools needed to enhance local businesses and increase the opportunities available to them. We are excited to partner with local organizations to help educate the local business community about the opportunities and services Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club can provide.” In addition to hosting local B2B Expos, Wal-Mart further demonstrates its commitment to providing greater economic opportunities to its associates, customers and the communities it serves through everyday savings in its stores and Clubs, its supplier diversity program and community partnerships. In fact, this morning Wal-Mart presented a $10,000 check to Amigos For Kids ™, a local organization that responds to the diverse needs of South Florida's abused, abandoned and less fortunate children and their families, through education, abuse prevention and community involvement.
As part of its partnership with the LBA, Wal-Mart will sponsor the organization’s 3rd Annual Membership Expo on May 30. During this session, Patrick Hamilton, vice president of construction, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., will deliver the keynote address to more than 500 South Florida businesses and LBA members. Additionally, Wal-Mart representatives will be on hand to meet exhibitors and attendees, and explain how local businesses can conduct business with Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and its 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 company supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability, and health and human services. In 2007, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartstores.com/community. ###
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