To: State Desk

Contact: WFWM Press Office, 202-350-6680

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Working Families for Wal-Mart (WFWM), a national organization with more than 150,000 volunteer members dedicated to getting the truth out about Wal- Mart's positive contributions to working families today announced the formation of its Indiana steering committee, the organization's sixth local committee. This group of Indiana community leaders will add their voices to the national discussion about Wal-Mart and lead the organization's efforts in the Hoosier State.

"I am pleased to welcome this group of Indiana officeholders and community leaders to Working Families for Wal-Mart," said Catherine Smith, interim chair of the Working Families for Wal- Mart National Steering Committee. "Together we will continue to tell the story of Wal-Mart's positive impact on our communities."

Members of the Indiana steering committee met last month to share their Wal-Mart experiences and discuss next steps in Indiana.

"I've seen firsthand the positive impact a Wal-Mart store can have on surrounding neighborhoods," said Kathy Carrier, president and CEO of Briljent. "A Wal-Mart store recently opened in my community in an area abandoned by other retailers. The new store brought us new jobs and real savings, something our community has needed."

A Global Insight study in 2005 found that Wal-Mart saved the average American household $2,329 in 2004 even if they did not shop at Wal-Mart.

"Wal-Mart's charitable giving in Indiana has been a blessing," said Reverend C. L. Day, founder and president of Neighborhoods Organized to Assist Humanity Inc. (N.O.A.H.). "Last year Wal-Mart gave $7.3 million to local organizations in Indiana and $245 million nationally. These contributions are making a real difference in our communities."

Recently, Wal-Mart announced that it will make 314 generic drugs available for only $4 per prescription, at stores throughout Indiana, no co-pay or insurance required. This program is currently available in 27 states. The prescription medicines included in the program represent many of the most commonly prescribed generic medications in a wide range of therapeutic categories. In Florida, where the program launched, it is estimated that one drug used to treat high blood pressure could save customers about $150,000 monthly and almost $1.8 million annually.

The Indiana steering committee joins the already formed WFWM national committee and local committees in Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, California and Ohio. Together these volunteer leaders, along with the organization membership, are giving voice to the millions of Americans who know Wal-Mart makes a real difference for their family and community.

Steering committee members come from a variety of backgrounds and communities. They are customers, business leaders, activists, civic leaders and many others with firsthand knowledge of Wal- Mart's positive contributions to America's communities. They make their homes throughout the state of Indiana.

Facts about Wal-Mart in Indiana:

Quality Jobs: Wal-Mart created thousands of jobs last year nationwide and currently employs more than 38,500 associates in the state of Indiana. The average hourly associate is paid nearly twice the federal minimum wage and can become eligible for health insurance for as little as $23 per month, with monthly premiums as low as $11 in some areas. Additionally, Wal-Mart paid more than $52.2 million in state and local taxes in the state of Indiana in FYE 2006.

Consumer Savings: An independently-certified study conducted by Global Insight in 2005 found that Wal-Mart saved each American household on average $2,329 in 2004 even if they did not shop at Wal-Mart.

Local Charitable Giving: Wal-Mart contributed more than $7.3 million to local causes and organizations in Indiana during 2005, and $245 million nationwide.

Working Families for Wal-Mart Indiana Steering Committee Members:

The Working Families for Wal-Mart Indiana steering committee includes: Turae Dabney, Honorable Vanessa Summers, Honorable Sam Smith, Kim Beard, Valerie Davidson, Honorable Bob Hoffman, Ron Gibson, Kathy Carrier, Reverend C. L. Day and Angela Smith Jones. For the full biographies of the Working Families for Wal-Mart Indiana steering committee please visit: http://www.forwalmart.com/leadership/indiana/

------

About Working Families for Wal-Mart:

Working Families for Wal-Mart is a national organization comprised of volunteer members dedicated to getting the truth out about Wal-Mart's positive contributions to working families. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and include: customers, business leaders, activists, civic leaders, educators and many others. Working Families for Wal-Mart believes in the value Wal-Mart provides to its customers, to its associates and to the communities it serves. Learn more about Working Families for Wal-Mart by visiting http://www.forwalmart.com

http://www.usnewswire.com/

-0-

/© 2006 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

  Add comment

Name:
E-Mail:
Comment:
Enter code:

  Comments