I met Dina and Joanne under the awning of Walton’s 5&10 last week.
Together, Dina and her daughter Joanne had driven to Bentonville, Arkansas, “on their own dime” to experience the wonder of Associate Week and the Shareholders Meeting. They made the journey because visiting Walton’s 5&10 was on Dina’s bucket list.
Dina said that someone had told her she wouldn’t have a good time if she wasn’t an associate selected by the store to represent them at the meeting. Dina didn’t listen. She didn’t take this journey off her bucket list. She came anyway – and was having the time of her life.
“Let’s give you a real good story to bring back,“ I offered. And so Dina and her daughter got a glimpse of The Walmart World Room during the space’s rare down time. It’s a unique room above Walton’s Five and Dime where special events take place with views of the Bentonville Square.
A meeting of the Walmart World magazine team was in session one floor below us. And so, as we made our way to the second floor, Dina remarked how her visit was even better than she expected. Interrupting the meeting, I introduced Dina to the team. The team, of course, was delighted to meet her. Tears came to Dina’s eyes as she told them how being in Bentonville and part of Shareholders was “so wonderful, it’s like a dream.” Turning her head, she apologized for being so sentimental. But no apology was needed; we’ve all been there before.
Amanda Recalls Hurricane Katrina
Down in the gallery, Amanda from New Orleans watched the video of how Walmart responded to Hurricane Katrina. “Walmart was there for me,” she said. “I lost everything and Walmart helped me through it, every step of the way. I know people often say we’re like a big family, but we really are.” And then the tears welled up in her eyes and she remarked how much it all meant to her.
A Special Bond
There’s something about our company that moves even the most stoic among us. It’s always been there and is as strong as ever. It’s part of our company’s DNA. That something is a bond we all feel, belonging to and caring for something more than just our selves, knowing that we’re not alone in this world and that Walmart makes a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.
Sandra Stanislav
I worked for wal mart in bastrop for one week. The store never scheduled me for the training computer until the last day that i worked plus on day two i was put on a cash register with a female who was suppose to train me and instead all she did was scream at me until all i wanted to do was go home. then one of the supposed bosses just moved me some where else while nothing happened to this other person. I could not put up with working with someone who did this to me because she was an older em
Kelly Newell Giles
I am a 14yr associate with Walmart. I have always loved working for this company, until recently. The pay increase that was announced, unfortunately, were basically for the new associates and the ones that were not at $10.00 an hour yet. But what about all the associates that have worked hard and long to be at the pay scale they are currently at?? Does anyone at corporate care about them? Something is wrong with this concept...
Kelly Newell Giles
That would be bond for the new associates not the ones that have proved their loyalty and dedication!
Pam Lee
What an awesome story. Made me cry!