Wal-Mart Creates JOZ In The LSA


Wal-Mart Supercenter is still committed to the Lafayette Square Area, but the February heavy snow and blizzard conditions derailed Wal-Mart’s planned groundbreaking at the 46th and Lafayette Road site. Wal-Mart did not let the weather stymie its breaking commitment to move forward, so the corporation did the next best thing while waiting for the earth to thaw. It introduced its Jobs and Opportunity Zone program to assist businesses in the area.
Wal-Mart trumped its previous act of philanthropy of a $10,000 donation to the Lafayette Square Area Coalition with the announcement of Jobs and Opportunity Zone (JOZ). Wal-Mart Senior Manager of Public Affairs Jason Wetzel said LSA area qualified for the JOZ because of its stagnant growth. “The LSA has some problems but it also has its positives like the community’s support to improve the area,” he said.
Wal-Mart still retains a cardboard box filled 1,300 letters as an evidential reminder that the community wanted Wal-Mart as much as Wal-Mart wanted to be at this site. It was actually serendipity that LSAC would initiate a letter writing campaign asking Wal-Mart to come into the area at the same time Wal-Mart was examining the market, each party not knowing the others intentions.
Wal-Mart Vice Chairman John Menzer described the program that has targeted nine areas in the United States to partner with businesses to spur economic growth in blighted, brownfield or stagnant growth areas. “It’s about creating opportunity beyond the four walls of our stores,” said Menzer. The fact that Wal-Mart does not even have four walls up or even the ability to generate revenue in the area further demonstrates its commitment to the area. The store is schedule to open in the Spring of 2008.
Menzer said the first JOZ started last year on the Westside of Chicago. Wal-Mart redeveloped an abandoned Helene Curtis factory. Menzer described the area as a brownfield in an area of economic decay. He said the area is starting to thrive. Starbucks and CVS are planning to locate in the area.
No definite dates were set for the groundbreaking or exactly when the JOZ would select five stores in the LSA to be in the Small Business Spotlights. JOZ involves teaching better business skills and assisting businesses with advertising in local newspapers and in-store radio network. Wal-Mart Marketing Manager Curtis Reid said that it would be beneficial to work with Lafayette Square Area Coalition President Mary Clark to identify the selection.
Wetzel explained Wal-Mart has been in contact with the Urban League and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to develop partnership and specifically invited these groups to the JOZ announcement.