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The new store, which will remain open 24/7 from here on out, is
expected to draw traffic from nearby communities, filling a need for
many products that previously were being purchased outside the
county. "This will help stop our leakage and keep dollars in Logan
County," said Rob Orr, director of the Lincoln & Logan County
Development Partnership. The store is also expected to draw traffic
off the interstate. And when people come in to buy groceries or when
travelers stop they buy gas, they get something to eat and make
other stops and purchases, Orr said. Manager Cody Atkins
introduced a long stream of local employees who have been with the
store almost 30 years. "All these men and women have done a really
great job for us over the years," he said. "They continue to exceed
our expectations and strive for excellence to take care of our
customers. We certainly appreciate what they do for us every day."
Atkins introduced Bobbi Abbott, Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of
Commerce director, as a great mentor for him in going through the
process of opening the new store.
Abbott thanked the sales associates for their patience each year
in redeeming Chamber Bucks, which are sold at the holiday time. It
takes some time to handle those, but the Chamber Bucks help our
economy by keeping those dollars in Logan County, and Wal-Mart
redeems the larger percentage.
She also gave great credit to Atkins, saying that it was the
first time she's ever seen a project of that size ready under
deadline, and by a few days.
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 Lincoln Mayor Beth Davis said she appreciated the value the store
brings, in that it will increase our tax base in the community. She
thanked the aldermen who helped make it happen and the city clerk,
Melanie Riggs, for her work.
City, county and community leaders and chamber representatives
were in attendance, along with a number of regional Wal-Mart
managers and store managers.
Atkins said that a number of products and services have been
added or expanded. There's an eye care center, drive-through
pharmacy, banking, auto center and more. He's also pleased with the
store's friendly appearance, the use of earth tones and pleasant
color schemes that the new store features. More energy-efficient
systems have been employed to help the environment also.
More proudly, he announced that Wal-Mart associates work hard at
raising funds for a number of local charities.
Checks have been written for the following:
-
Children's Miracle
Network, $1,310
-
Boy Scouts of
America, $1,500
-
Senior Citizens of
Logan County, $1,000
-
CIEDC, $2,000
-
Logan County Habitat
for Humanity, $2,000
-
Lincoln Area YMCA,
$5,000
-
Lincoln Park
District, $10,000
-
Skateboard park (to
be developed)
[Jan
Youngquist]
People were ready to
shop the wide aisles in the new store Wednesday morning. In addition
to a full grocery section and expanded goods and clothing lines,
there are also a number of added sublet outlets for services such as
banking, eyewear and a Subway sandwich shop. Longtime employees were
first recognized as the stay of the business locally. |
