German Heritage Celebrated in Wal-Mart Supercenter Design
Value and convenience highlight first Jefferson Wal-Mart JEFFERSON, Wis., June 4, 2008 – The park-like landscaping and multiple store front façade adorns burgundy roof accents on the first Wal-Mart Supercenter in Jefferson. Hints of the community’s rich German heritage are incorporated into the design of the new store, located at 1520 Highway 26, and the architectural details reflect the town’s central business district. During the grand opening on Wednesday, June 11, shoppers will experience the store’s unique flare, from the extensive landscaping and street lights with acorn inspired globes on the exterior to the great shopping values on every aisle. “We are excited that Wal-Mart has decided to join our community and proud the store reflects our history,” said Jefferson Mayor Gary Myers. “We are looking forward to the jobs, economic benefits and community support the company brings.” “I’m proud of what we’re doing here in Jefferson and can’t wait to share this beautiful new store with our customers,” said Store Manager Dan Uttech. “ Expanded Merchandise Selection Helps Families Save Money
Inside the new Supercenter area residents will find value and savings on a wide selection of merchandise and services. The store features a full line of groceries including fresh produce, a fresh bakery and an array of side dishes and freshly prepared meals in the delicatessen. For added convenience, the new store has a lawn and garden center, a one-hour photo lab, a Wal-Mart Connect Center for cellular phone sales and an expanded electronics and home entertainment department. The store will carry products from Wal-Mart’s new Canopy™ brand, a line of durable, affordable furniture and home accessories. Local residents can also save money on their healthcare needs in the store’s pharmacy with Wal-Mart’s $4 prescription program. The $4 prescriptions are now available for most commonly treated medical conditions. Store to Employ 300 Associates
Uttech said the store plans to employ approximately 300 associates. He, like the majority of other store managers, began his Wal-Mart career as an hourly associate. Uttech’s first job with the company was in 1994 at a Wal-Mart store in Watertown. “Wal-Mart provides good jobs that give associates the chance to build careers,” said Uttech. ”I’m happy to provide jobs in the area and great career opportunities for our new associates.” The average wage for full-time hourly associates in Wisconsin is $11.17 per hour. Benefits are available to eligible full- and part-time associates. Wal-Mart’s Commitment to the Community
Wal-Mart is celebrating the grand opening by contributing to $18,000 to local charitable organizations. Tomorrow’s Hope, an after school tutoring program, will receive $5,000. Additional grants support the Jefferson fire and police departments and the City of Jefferson Public Library. (For a complete list of grants see page three of this release.) “We realize that by supporting local organizations, we can help make a difference in our community,” added Uttech. “We are thrilled to provide these grants as part of our grand opening celebration. We hope to play a significant role in supporting the needs of organizations in the Jefferson and neighboring communities.” The store plans to give donations away locally throughout the year. Area organizations can contact the store to inquire about grants and opportunities to raise money outside store locations throughout the year. Design Includes Environmentally Friendly Features
The Jefferson Supercenter was constructed with energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. Skylights in the store harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. Freezer cases and the store’s non-sales areas utilize LED lights and sensors that automatically turn off when those areas are unoccupied or customers are not present. LED lighting throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. The store’s concrete flooring is made using recycled materials while its finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Sports Figures, Community Helps Store Celebrate Opening
Community and business leaders including Mayor Gary Myers and Chamber of Commerce President Janet Werner are scheduled to help mark the opening of the new Supercenter. The national anthem will be performed by the Jefferson High School music department and the colors will be posted by representatives of the Jefferson Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Doors will open at 8 a.m. following the brief 7:30 a.m. ceremony. Additional grand opening activities planned throughout the day include product samples and giveaways. “Later in the week, former Green Bay Packer Santana Dotson and Milwaukee Brewers J.J. Hardy are scheduled to sign autographs for customers,” said Uttech. “These local celebrity athletes are excited to meet or customers June 14 and 16.”
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartstores.com, or www.walmartfoundation.org. EDITOR’S NOTES - An invitation-only open house for VIPs, Wal-Mart associates and their families is scheduled for Monday, June 9 at 6 p.m. Preview tours will be provided and checks will be presented to representatives from community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Dan Uttech, store manager, can provide details about the grand opening, offer quotes for interviews and arrange for photo opportunities or tours. He can be reached at 920-674-2364
- Statements and quotes on behalf of Wal-Mart should not be obtained from or attributed to agency employees.
FACT SHEET
Jefferson Wal-Mart Supercenter Store fast facts - Location: 1520 Highway 26, Jefferson, Wis.
- 148,977-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter
- Grand opening celebration: 7:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 11
- Store manager: Dan Uttech
Charitable giving - $18,000 in charitable contributions will be provided to the following area organizations:
- City of Jefferson Fire Department
- City of Jefferson Police Department
- City of Jefferson Public Library
- East Elementary School
- Jefferson County Literacy Council
- Jefferson High School
- Jefferson Middle School
- Tomorrow’s Hope Inc
- West Elementary School
Store features - Full line of groceries, liquor, bakery goods, deli foods, frozen foods, meat and dairy products, fresh produce.
- Merchandise departments include apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, toys, health and beauty aids, expanded electronics and home entertainment department, toys, one-hour photo lab, pharmacy and Wal-Mart Connect Center for cellular services.
- The store’s home furnishings department will feature products from Wal-Mart’s new Canopy™ brand, a line of durable, affordable furniture and home accessories. Products in the home furnishings department will be organized by room and will feature more visible signage and displays showing how the products coordinate in a given room.
- The new Supercenter will be open from 6 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week.
Employment - The store plans to employ approximately 300 associates.
- Store Manager Dan Uttech began his Wal-Mart career as an associate in 1994 as a sales associate in Watertown, Wis.
- Wal-Mart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include healthcare insurance with no lifetime maximum. Wal-Mart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, company performance-based bonuses, stock purchase program and life insurance.
For more information
• Store manager: Dan Uttech, 920-674-2258
• Wal-Mart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com
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