Ald. Mitts Wal-mart Press Release

EMMA M. MITTS Alderman – 37th Ward 5344 West North Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60639 Telephone: 773 – 745 – 2894 FAX : 773 – 745 – 3749 E-Mail: [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Andrea Smith, 312 – 720 – 2965, [email protected]

Alderman Mitts Thankful Austin Wal-Mart Store in the City of Chicago Yields Economic Benefits in Difficult Economy 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts & Community Report on Retail Giant’s Impact (Chicago) - - - 37th Ward Alderman Emma M. Mitts today reported on the accomplishments achieved in the 37th Ward as a result of Wal-Mart’s entry into the west side community two years ago. During a City Hall press conference, Mitts was surrounded by ministerial, business and community leaders from the West Side and Chicago, and unveiled a “Two-Year Economic Report Card”. Alderman Mitts reported that since the store opened its doors in 2006 through September, 2008, over $10.3 Million in new sales tax revenue has been collected for the State, City, County and RTA. In just its second year of operation, from October 2007 to September 2008, the store yielded over $5.3 million in new tax revenues for the City, County, State and RTA – of which $2.6 million in new sales tax revenues were realized for the City of Chicago, RTA, and Cook County. “During this holiday season, and time of economic uncertainty for many local governments and families, we are blessed and thankful for our partnership with the world’s largest retailer,” said Mitts. “Wal-Mart has proven to be an incredible economic engine for the west side of Chicago, providing hope, opportunity and a way for my constituents to stretch their dollar as much as possible during these very tough times. It scares me to imagine what life in our community would be like if we had not been successful in bringing Wal-Mart to our community.” According to the Alderman’s “Two Year Report Card”, opportunity has been provided for 310 hourly associates whose average hourly average wage is $11.30 – a figure that does NOT take into account any management positions/salaries. “This is what bringing Wal-Mart to the community was all about -- helping members of my community get a start in life while providing the training necessary to improve themselves and their family’s future,” added the Alderman. Camille Lilly, Executive Director of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, also applauded WalMart’s efforts to support local businesses. “Wal-Mart has been an innovative business partner to the

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Austin Community. Their Store of the Community program has enabled many Chicago-based, minority and west side companies to expand their businesses and sell their products on the shelves of the West Side and other Chicago area Wal-Mart stores,” reported Lilly. Examples include Magnolia Teas, Reggio’s Pizza, as well as Del Rey Tortillas, El Milagro, Cloverhill Bakery, Mexifeast Foods and La Criolla, to name a few. Pastor Joseph Kyles, Chairman of the 37th Ward Pastor’s Alliance, voiced his continued support for the work that Wal-Mart has done in the community. “Wal-Mart has more than lived up to its promises and provided significant resources for local community-based organizations. We believe that further expansion of Wal-Mart stores into other Chicago communities will not only help keep our City vibrant during these difficult economic times but help our fellow Chicagoans save significant dollars by buying merchandise and other consumer goods in their own communities. For example, I cannot express to you how important Wal-Mart’s $4 prescription drug program is to many – in particular our seniors -- in our community.” Margaret Garner, president of Broadway Consolidated, Inc., a Chicago minority and womanowned business, and a construction specialist who built the west side Chicago Austin store, notes the retail giant’s impact in today’s economy. “Wal-Mart employs over 400 Chicagoans, provides low prices to help consumers in difficult economy and provides millions in needed city and state tax revenue while donating generously to support charitable groups and organizations.” Mitts also reported that Wal-Mart has contributed over $5,000,000 to Chicago charities, community organizations and business associations since 2005. “Today more than ever, Wal-Mart’s contributions to local community groups are making a significant difference in the lives of individuals, children and teens, families and seniors, when resources are increasingly scarce and yet the need is growing every day.” Mari Gallagher of Mari Gallagher & Associates, a research firm provided evidence that the opening of the Austin Wal-Mart had a negligible effect on local small businesses in the area. Alderman Mitts concluded by saying, “We worked hard for several years to bring Wal-Mart into our community; and it has proved to be well worth the efforts of everyone gathered here today. Because of Wal-Mart’s investment in our community, we have seen significant economic development in the 37th Ward – 3 new banks, 2 new grocery stores, a CVS pharmacy, a new Menard’s retail hardware, and more in a community that had been stagnant in terms of job growth and economic opportunity for many years. We are truly blessed.”

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