Walmart, Suppliers and Government Officials Accelerate Job Growth

Commitments to Inject $70 Million into Factory Growth and Add More Than 1,000 U.S. Jobs Highlight Event

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 22, 2013 - Nearly 1,500 government officials and suppliers convened today at the Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Summit to advance American renewal in manufacturing and help rebuild opportunities for America's middle class. The summit at the Orlando Convention Center underscored Walmart's commitment to buy an additional $50 billion in U.S.-made products over the next 10 years and featured announcements from suppliers that, combined, are expected to infuse more than$70 million into factory growth and create more than 1,000 domestic jobs.

"Jump-starting the manufacturing industry and rebuilding the middle class requires a national effort by companies, industry leaders, lawmakers and others," said Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart U.S. "Together, we can help spark a revitalization of U.S.-based manufacturing, using new technology and new innovations to make production in the United States affordable and feasible."

The summit brought together representatives from across industries – including 500 supplier companies, 32 state governments, major retail industry leaders and other retailers. Governors and state officials had the opportunity to speak directly with hundreds of manufacturers who are ready to create jobs in their local communities. For supplier companies, Walmart's summit provided an opportunity to present potential projects and learn about the resources available in different states.

"At the Department of Commerce, we are leading the Administration's efforts to support American manufacturing and expand our exports," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. "I applaud Walmart for convening this summit and all of the participating companies for the commitment they've made to expand their manufacturing activities in our country. Right now, companies in America are making and selling products around the world at an all-time record pace, and the incentives to make things here and hire American workers is only getting stronger. A summit like this one, which brings multiple organizations from the public and private sectors together, is exactly the type of cooperation that's needed to grow businesses, create jobs and keep America competitive."

As the economics of manufacturing are shifting and goods are increasingly being produced closer to where they are consumed, the numbers work to manufacture more in America.

GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said, "GE and Walmart understand how to bring together the best people and the best technologies to make the world work better. Today's announcement builds on the history of collaboration between GE and Walmart, and reinforces our belief that manufacturing is a competitive advantage, allowing U.S. companies to compete and win in every corner of the world."

Supplier Commitments:

During the summit, suppliers and manufacturers discussed opportunities to create jobs, restore communities and drive economic growth. Multiple companies announced domestic manufacturing investments, including the following:

• GE is creating 150 jobs through a $30 million investment to produce domestically made GE Energy Efficient Soft White bulbs that will be sold exclusively at U.S.-based Walmart stores.
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• No nonsense^®, one of the most recognizable legwear brands in America, made by Kayser-Roth Corporation, announced today a sock initiative with Walmart that will add more than 100 new jobs at Kayser-Roth and additional jobs in local industries in North Carolina. No nonsense^® will be expanding its Made in the USA Program by investing up to $28 million in its existing production facilities located in North Carolina.
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• Element Electronics Corp. plans to open a new flat screen TV factory in Winnsboro, S.C.Production is scheduled to begin in December 2013 and the aggressive project will target up to 500 jobs.
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• Renfro, a North Carolina based, multi-national legwear company specializing in the design, manufacture and sale of all kinds of socks is expanding its capacities over the next two years inCleveland, Tenn., and Fort Payne, Ala., by investing an additional $14 million and creating an additional 195 manufacturing jobs.
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• Chobani, maker of America's No. 1 selling Greek Yogurt, invested $450 million to open its Twin Falls, Idaho, plant last December. The plant employs more than 1,000 people and is the largest yogurt manufacturing facility in the world.
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• Hampton Products International has been analyzing re-shoring production over the last five years and recently invested $5 million in a new Shell Lake, Wis., facility to begin production of Wright Products ® screen and storm door hardware. The company plans additional capital investments in 2014 at that site that over time are expected to add an additional 150 jobs.

"Many of us want to move forward, but it can be difficult for any one retailer, supplier or local government to know where to start," concluded Simon. "At the summit, we are building a network of support for domestic manufacturing. In the room, we have the capital, the expertise, the ideas, and, most importantly, the will."

The National Retail Federation (NRF) partnered with Walmart to host the event and drive this initiative forward among its members.

"Retailers have a strong role to play in creating more jobs and manufacturing in America. We can give manufacturers the confidence they need to invest in the infrastructure they need to make this possible. We're proud to partner with Walmart in this effort," said Matthew Shay, President and CEO of the National Retail Federation. "The discussions helped to define the economic opportunity that can be driven by more U.S. manufacturing, provided details on working with government and offered examples of how suppliers are successfully increasing domestic manufacturing."

South Carolina's Gordon Wins Co-Angler Title, $25,250

GREENVILLE, S.C., March 11, 2012 - Tom Monsoor finished the 2011 season ranked sixth in the Kellogg's Angler of the Year standings in Walmart FLW Tour Major competition. He's starting 2012 right where he left off and is leading a full field of pros from all across the United States, Canada, Spain and Japan as they fish for a top cash award of up to $125,000 at the Walmart FLW Tour on Lake Hartwell presented by Folgers.

The LaCrosse, Wis., angler advanced to the top 10 as the No. 1 seed with a five-bass limit Saturday of 21-10. With a three-day catch of 15 bass weighing 54-9, he now holds a miniscule 1-ounce lead in the tournament going into the final day of competition.

"I'm not real confident," said Monsoor, who has 32 career top-10 finishes in FLW Outdoors competition. "Ehrler's really a good fisherman, and it looks like he's on some really good fish.
"I had a great day," Monsoor said. "I might not do that tomorrow."

Monsoor's technique for success is no surprise to those who have followed his career – he's throwing a swimming jig – and he said he will rely on the jig on the final day of competition.
"I'll have five poles all with my swimming jig on them," Monsoor said.

National Guard pro Brent Ehrler of Redlands, Calif., advanced to the final round of 10 pros in the No. 2 spot with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 54-8.

Rounding out the top 10 pros and advancing to the final day of competition are:
            3rd:      Marty Stone, Fayetteville, N.C., 15 bass, 50-13
            4th:      Kettle Brand Chips pro Dan Morehead, Paducah, Ky., 15 bass, 50-9
            5th:      Todd Auten, Lake Wylie, S.C., 15 bass, 50-9
            6th:      Micah Frazier, Newnan, Ga., 15 bass, 49-13
            7th:      Chevy pro Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C., 15 bass, 48-10
            8th:      National Guard pro Brett Hite, Phoenix, Ariz., 15 bass, 48-0
            9th:      Chevy pro Jay Yelas, Corvallis, Ore., 15 bass, 46-14
            10th:     Andy Morgan, Dayton, Tenn., 15 bass, 45-10

Finishing in 11th through 20th are:
            11th:     Kellogg's Frosted Flakes pro Dave Lefebre, Erie, Pa., 15 bass, 45-8, $12,500
            12th:     EverStart pro Ron Shuffield, Bismarck, Ark., 15 bass, 42-10, $12,500
            13th:     Cody Meyer, Auburn, Calif., 15 bass, 42-9, $12,500
            14th:     Allen Boyd, Salem, Ind., 15 bass, 41-14, $12,500
            15th:     M&Ms pro Jim Moynagh, Carver, Minn., 15 bass, 40-2, $12,500
            16th:     Adrian Avena, Vineland, N.J., 15 bass, 37-9, $12,000
            17th:     Travis Fox, Rogers, Ark., 13 bass, 37-7, $12,000
            18th:     Lancen Halbert, Enoree, S.C., 13 bass, 36-13, $12,000
            19th:     Clifford Pirch, Payson, Ariz., 10 bass, 32-0, $12,000
            20th:     Pringles pro Vic Vatalaro, Kent, Ohio, 10 bass, 30-11, $12,000

Final results for the remaining field can be found at FLWOutdoors.com.
Overall there were 86 bass weighing 238 pounds, 13 ounces caught by pros Saturday. The catch included 16 five-bass limits.

Pros are competing for a top award of up to $125,000 this week plus valuable points in the hope of qualifying for the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup presented by Walmart, the world championship of bass fishing. The top 35 anglers in the point standings from the six Walmart FLW Tour Major tournaments will qualify.
Kevin Gordon of Aiken, S.C., won the co-angler division and $25,250 Saturday with a three-day total of 15 bass weighing 43 pounds, 3 ounces followed by David Kuykendall of Fletcher, N.C., in second place with 15 bass weighing 35-12 worth $7,500.

"I did pretty good today," Gordon said. "I'm super excited and got to fish with some great guys. This is a great organization and I really enjoyed my time here this week."
Gordon fished his final day of competition with Ehrler and said they spent the day fishing a variety of presentations and depths.
"(Ehrler) was on them strong," Gordon said. "Sitting in the back of the boat all I had to do was adapt to conditions whether it was deep or shallow. I fished with one of the best fishermen today you could ask for."

Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers are:
            3rd:      Richard Peek, Centre, Ala., 14 bass, 34-3, $5,000
            4th:      David Lauer, Loxahatchee, Fla., 14 bass, 32-9, $4,000
            5th:      Rich Dalbey, Greenville, Texas, 12 bass, 30-6, $3,000
            6th:      Bryan Partak, Marseilles, Ill., 12 bass, 29-12, $2,500
            7th:      J.R. Wright, Truckee, Calif., 15 bass, 29-9, $2,000
            8th:      Brant Grimm, Kingsport, Tenn., 14 bass, 29-6, $1,800
            9th:      James Dixon, Southfield, Mich., 15 bass, 28-9, $1,700
            10th:     Philip Jarabeck, Lynchburg, Va., 15 bass, 27-14, $1,600

Final results for the remaining field can be found at FLWOutdoors.com.
Overall there were 57 bass weighing 114 pounds, 1 ounce caught by co-anglers Saturday. The catch included six five-bass limits.

Co-anglers are fishing for a top award of $25,000 this week plus valuable points that could help them qualify for the 2012 Forrest Wood Cup presented by Walmart. The top 35 co-anglers in the point standings from the six Walmart FLW Tour Major tournaments will qualify.

The top 10 pros will take off at 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning from Portman Shoals Marina. Sunday's final weigh-in will be held at the TD Convention Center located at One Exposition Drive in Greenville beginning at 4 p.m.
 
Fans will be treated to the FLW Outdoors Expo at the TD Convention Center on Sunday from noon - 4 p.m. prior to the final weigh-in. The Expo includes Ranger boat simulators, the opportunity to interact with professional anglers, enjoy interactive games, activities and giveaways provided by sponsors, and fans can learn more about the sport of fishing and other outdoor activities. All activities are free and open to the public. On Sunday the first 300 children 14 and under who are accompanied by an adult will receive a free rod and reel combo courtesy of The Greenville News. Also on Sunday one lucky fishing fan will win a Can-Am ATV courtesy of WESC 92.5. The ATV giveaway is free to enter but the winner must be present at the conclusion of Sunday's final weigh-in to win.

Coverage of the Lake Hartwell tournament will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network when "FLW" airs April 15 from 1 - 2 p.m. ET. "FLW" is hosted by Jason Harper and is broadcast to more than 559 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.

White Castle Teams Up With Wal-Mart for a FREE Slider Giveaway

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 5, 2012,

WHAT: White Castle is teaming up with Wal-Mart to bring the Original White Castle Slider to Panama City Beach, Florida during Spring Break.  The Wal-Mart Supercenter in Panama City Beach will host the one day giveaway of 10,000 burgers.
 
WHO: White Castle is teaming up with Wal-Mart for this historic occasion.
 
WHEN: This first ever event is the kick-off of the Spring Break party.  The party starts Saturday, March 10 at 1:00 pm with 10,000 White Castle Original Sliders FREE to excited Spring Break Cravers and Panama City White Castle loyalists.
 
WHERE: This one day Slider giveaway will be held at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, 10270 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Florida.

America's first fast-food hamburger chain is participating with Wal-Mart for a Slider Spring Break Party like no other.  Hungry Panama City Beach residents and Cravers from around the country are invited to the Wal-Mart Supercenter for a taste of the Original White Castle Slider hot off the grill.  White Castle team members from the Chicago area will be grilling 10,000 hamburgers and cheeseburgers starting at 1:00 pm, Saturday March 10.  The FREE Sliders will be handed out until they are gone.  There will be a limit per person so we can provide steamy hot Sliders to lots of cravers throughout the afternoon. 

Kicking off the Panama City Beach Spring Break event is the 10,000 Slider giveaways open to vacationers and local residents alike.  In addition to burgers hot off the grill; coupons will be distributed for savings on White Castle frozen burgers at the Panama City Beach Wal-Mart Supercenter. 

About White Castle
White Castle is a family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio that owns and operates more than 400 White Castle restaurants in 11 states. The company was founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1921 and is America's first fast-food hamburger chain. All White Castle Sliders are made from 100-percent USDA approved beef or 100-percent white meat chicken.

For more information on White Castle, visit www.whitecastle.com.  White Castle Food Products, LLC distributes frozen Sliders through Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores, Food Service outlets and Vending Machines all across the country.  

Wal Mart Women File Discrimination Charges

Most filed in five states with early federal deadline protecting right to pursue claims WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012 - In a move to protect their right to pursue individual and class action pay and promotion claims against Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., more than 500 former and current Wal-Mart women employees who had been part of a national class action lawsuit have filed a charge of discrimination against the retailer with the U.S. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) as of Friday, Jan. 27. That was the deadline for women in five states – Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina – to pursue their claims, according to plaintiffs' attorneys Joseph Sellers, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, and Brad Seligman, the Impact Fund, who represent the women. The vast majority of the EEOC charges – some 430 – were filed in those states since the June 2011 U.S. Supreme Court decision reversing a lower court ruling certifying class action against Wal-Mart. Women in all other states who previously filed class action claims against Wal-Mart, and its subsidiary Sam's Club, have until May 25, 2012, to file a claim with the EEOC. "The Supreme Court did not give Wal-Mart a free pass to discriminate. Filing an EEOC claim is one more way current and former women employees of Wal-Mart can assert their rights," Sellers and Seligman said in a statement. More than 12,000 women have contacted plaintiffs' counsel directly or through the informational website, www.walmartclass.com, to discuss pursuing claims of gender-based pay and promotion discrimination. Even in the five states with the Jan. 27, 2012, filing deadline, women with pay and promotion discrimination charges against Wal-Mart from July 2011-on can file EEOC claims against the company. "These EEOC charges are just the down-payment—we expect to file thousands of additional charges by the May 25, 2012 deadline. We urge women throughout the country who feel they have been discriminated against by Wal-Mart in pay and promotions to log onto the www.walmartclass.com site and register," said Seligman. Regional class action lawsuits on behalf of women plaintiffs who worked in California and Texas region Wal-Mart stores were filed in federal courts in those states in October 2011. An expanded class action was filed in Texas federal court in January 2012.

Walmart to Generate Solar Energy

Walmart's solar power initiative will total more than 130 stores by the end of 2013; Adds hundreds of jobs through partnership with California-based SolarCity

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 23 - Walmart today announced its plan to install solar panels on up to 60 additional stores in California, expanding the company's solar portfolio to more than 75 percent of its stores in the state, making California the first state in the nation where Walmart has devoted this level of commitment to renewable energy.

"California presents a great opportunity for Walmart to make significant progress toward our sustainability goals by installing solar power on more than 130 store rooftops throughout the state," said Kim Saylors-Laster, Walmart vice president of energy.  "Walmart has reduced energy expenses by more than a million dollars through our solar program, allowing us to pass these savings on to our customers in the form of everyday low prices."

When complete, Walmart's total solar commitment in California is expected to:

• Generate up to 70 million kilowatt hours of clean, renewable energy per year, which is the equivalent of powering more than 5,400 homes*;
• Avoid producing more than 21,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is the equivalent of taking approximately 4,100 cars off the road*; and
• Provide 20 to 30 percent of each facility's total electric needs.

"Walmart's effort to expand and accelerate its solar power initiative program here in California demonstrates their commitment to sustainability. These kinds of projects create jobs, reduce costs for businesses by lowering power bills, and protect the environment," said Mary D. Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board. "We appreciate Walmart's leadership and encourage other businesses to follow Walmart's lead."

"Walmart's commitment to renewable energy in California is commendable," said Gwen Ruta, vice president for corporate partnerships at Environmental Defense Fund.  "These projects are a win-win for the environment and our economy, and help move our country toward a cleaner energy future."

"Walmart has undertaken one of the most ambitious solar initiatives of any company in the U.S., and tripled the scale of its initial project with us," added Lyndon Rive, SolarCity's CEO.  "Walmart is setting an example that far more companies in the U.S. can follow; it is possible for many businesses to pay less for solar power than they currently pay for electricity."

Walmart's investment in solar power is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs in California through its partnership with SolarCity, which will own, install and maintain the new solar power systems. The San Mateo, Calif.-based company has added more than 500 new full-time jobs since it initiated its first Walmart solar project, and expects to hire hundreds more before the end of the year.

"Our solar efforts in California have proven to be a great way for Walmart to build our renewable energy program," said Mack Wyckoff, senior manager of renewable energy at Walmart.  "We are confident that we will continue to grow our solar energy program in the U.S. and around the world because of the initial success we have had in California."

Why Walmart so much Interested in Secretary Hilary Clinton's Statement

 
How big business houses use politicians to gain for their business, this is latest example from Wal Mart. Without commenting so much on this issue,please go through this news item, you will learn whole story.... 

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 16, 2011- "There is perhaps no single issue more essential to the progress of our world than the progress of women. Secretary Clinton has been a leader in creating that progress, so we appreciate the Secretary's support of our efforts to open market access for women-owned businesses. Our plan to spend $20 billion with these businesses, as well as the work we'll do in factories and on farms to empower women, will help bring about a global marketplace where women's contributions are truly valued.

"The challenge of empowering women is a complex one, and we want to thank Secretary Clinton and Ambassador Verveer for their leadership on this issue. No one can solve this issue alone, but with the continued leadership of the Secretary and others, we will continue to make progress on the critical issue of providing women and girls the tools they need to succeed in life, at home and at work."

--- Leslie Dach, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Walmart
 
(Secretary Clinton made her remarks during a keynote address at the APEC Women and the Economy Summit this morning in San Francisco.)

Background:
 
Walmart's Global Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative:

On Sept. 14, 2011, Walmart announced a major global initiative to help empower women economically across its supply chain. Over the next five years, Walmart will lead an effort with specific goals to open markets for women-owned businesses and increase training and career opportunities for women on farms and in factories.  The goals were developed with NGOs and other partners and are designed to leverage the company's size and scale to help women and their families live better. Like its work on sustainability, hunger and healthier foods, this initiative is another step forward in the company's commitment to leading on social issues.

APEC:
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's (APEC) Women and the Economy Summit (WES) is being held this week in San Francisco. The United States is one of 21 member economies of APEC, whose primary goal is to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,600 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide.

....Wal Mart entered in Indian Market and this move is to win over Indian Woman.