Wal-Mart Touts JOZWal-Mart’s announcement of its Job and Opportunity Zone definitely nixed the winter blahs in the Lafayette Square Area February 19. Wal-Mart Executives were accompanied by Governor Mitch Daniels, Deputy Mayor Steven Campbell and Lafayette Square Area Coalition President Mary Clark. The governor’s presence compounded the significance of Wal-Mart’s message that value and bargains are important to creating a better quality of life. City County Councilors Paul Bateman, Isaac Randolph, and Cherrish Pryor were in the audience to show additional support. The announcement also reaffirmed Wal-Mart’s commitment to the area, even though the ground remains idle at 46th and Lafayette Road and the corporation was denied its Community Revitalization Enhancement District. The state reversed its policy saying that retail is not eligible for a 25 percent tax credit. Retail became exempted because the state thinks the market drives the success of retail. “It did not stop a good idea and the market will respond. It is important that the state holds to its policy. Other businesses could learn from Wal-Mart’s successful business model by being value driven and taking out costs,” Governor Daniels said. He also touted Wal-Mart as having the highest of ethical standards. Georgetown Stadium 14 staged the event, and it also served as a backdrop message that not all businesses are leaving the area. “This two-year old business selected LSA because it realized it is underserved market,” Owner Mitch Bryson said. Theatre manager Carmen World and Bryson called the governor’s visit “thrilling.” The Governor took time for a photo shot with World and Bryson. The Governor did not dash out after the press conference. He definitely made this announcement a morning priority by being accessible to talk to the LSA business owners after the event. Bryson indicated the future Wal-Mart Supercenter would only drive more traffic to the theatre. For several days the Lafayette Square Area Coalition sent out emails inviting people to an unknown big announcement. The unknown seemed to build enthusiasm and a sense of mystery. LSAC Clark said “all I can say it is big. I can’t say what it is.” Finally on February 16, a media advisory stated Wal-Mart had a major announcement to make that included the presence of the Governor and Campbell. Mark Killgo, owner of Computer Overdrive, attended to see about vendor relationships with Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has about 1,558 Indiana suppliers. Killgo had the opportunity to talk John Menzer, Wal-Mart’s vice chairman. Killgo told the story about a friend that was approached by Wal-Mart’s founder Sam Walton. Walton was seeking a supplier. Killgo said his friend turned down Walton’s request because he was not big enough retailer for him to supply. His friend told Walton to come back when he had more than nine stores. . |
|
