Minocqua Locals and Tourists Net More Savings at Supercenter
New Wal-Mart brings more products, services and year-round jobs MINOCQUA, Wis., July 16, 2008 – Minocqua’s much-anticipated Wal-Mart Supercenter opens Wednesday, expanding the convenience and savings local customers have counted on for more than a decade. Those visiting to fish and enjoy the outdoors will also have a chance to pick up fishing equipment or stock the pantry for days on the lake. The new store at 8760 Northridge Way adds 95,388 square feet to the original store, incorporating new products and services such as a full line of groceries, a family fun center and a Wal-Mart Connect Center for cellular phone sales. Wal-Mart will celebrate the opening at 7 a.m. Wednesday with a brief ceremony. The store will be open 24 hours daily. “Our associates have done a tremendous job serving the residents of Minocqua for over 12 years,” said Store Manager James Ovsak. “Now by having fresh produce and groceries, locals and visitors to Minocqua will have even more opportunities to save. Our customers can count on us to provide value on every aisle.” The new store features wider aisles, lower displays and navigational signage to guide customers throughout the store. “Shoppers will find it much easier to navigate and find their favorite products for the campfire, kitchen or living room,” added Ovsak. New Jobs Added with Growth
The new store will provide 100 additional jobs, bringing the total number of associates to 250. That includes 30 associates who have worked at the store since it originally opened in 1995 and 35 who have been with Wal-Mart for more than 10 years. “Wal-Mart is a great neighbor and community member,” said Joe Handrick, Minocqua town chairman. “We are excited to have them in Minocqua, especially as the new location and expansion brings added shopping conveniences and over 100 new jobs to our town.” Ovsak, who has spent 13 years with Wal-Mart and four years as the store manager in Minocqua, said there’s no greater feeling than helping grow the local economy. “I’m proud we have the opportunity to provide additional jobs and career opportunities to our community,” he said. Environmentally Friendly Features
The store’s expansion provided an opportunity to increase its environmentally friendly features. Now the Minocqua store, like all new Wal-Mart stores, boasts energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features that reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. LED lighting throughout the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting. Part of the cement used in the store’s concrete floor is made with recycled materials from coal-fired electrical generation and steel manufacturing, reducing the amount of limestone that is needed. “We believe that being a good steward of the environment and building a successful business are goals that go hand-in-hand,” said Ovsak. The store recycles a variety of materials, from car batteries to waste cooking oil. Plastic hangers, aluminum cans and office paper are sandwiched between cardboard, bundled into bales and sent to recycling centers. Grand Opening Celebration includes $22,000 in Grants
The Minocqua Supercenter’s grand opening provides another opportunity for Wal-Mart to give back to the community.. As part of the celebration, the store will give $22,000 in grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation to local organizations, including many community service programs, the city, the fire department and local schools. Grand Opening Celebration
The store’s 7 a.m. opening ceremony includes a presentation of the colors by members of the local American Legion, the national anthem performed by Minocqua’s own Brenda Brandt and an invocation by Church of the Pines, Pastor Gary Cole. Following brief comments by store representatives and city officials, including Joe Handrick, Minocqua town chairman, a group of the store’s original associates will cut the ribbon to signify the opening. 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.com. EDITOR’S NOTES - An invitation-only open house for Wal-Mart associates, their families and other VIPs is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sunday. Associates will provide preview tours and present grant checks to representatives of several community organizations. Reporters and photographers are welcome.
- Statements and quotes on behalf of Wal-Mart should not be obtained from or attributed to agency employees.
FACT SHEET
Minocqua Wal-Mart Supercenter Store fast facts - Location: 8760 Northridge Way
- Originally opened in 1995
- 153,429-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter, gaining an additional 95,388 square feet
- Grand opening celebration: 7 a.m., Wednesday, July 16
- Store manager: James Ovsak
Charitable giving
$22,000 in charitable contributions will be provided area organizations: - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Northwoods
- Habitat for Humanity
- Howard Young Foundation, Inc.
- Susan B. Komen Foundation
- City of Minocqua
- Northwoods Wildlife Hospital & Rehab Center
- Lakeland Sharing Foundation
- City of Minocqua Public Library
- City of Minocqua Fire Department
- Boy Scouts of America
Store features - Full line of groceries including fresh produce, a bakery, a deli, meat and dairy products, frozen foods and a complete liquor section.
- Merchandise departments include apparel and accessories, fine jewelry, toys, health and beauty aids, lawn and garden, expanded electronics and home entertainment department.
- Convenience services include one-hour photo lab, vision center, family fun center, Wal-Mart Connect Center and garden center
- Leased areas in the store include a Cost Cutters Family Hair Salon, a Subway restaurant and a Northwoods National Bank branch.
- Open 24 hours
Employment - The store plans to employ approximately 250 associates, including 100 new positions.
- Store Manager James Ovsak began his Wal-Mart career as an associate in 1995, as an assistant manager in Rhinelander.
- Wal-Mart benefits – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include health care 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
• Wal-Mart information online: www.walmartstores.com; merchandise sales: www.walmart.com # # #
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