BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 21 -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) has been named one of the "Top 40 U.S. Companies for Diversity" by Black Enterprise magazine. The publication also listed the company as one of the "10 Best Companies in Marketing Diversity." Wal-Mart was selected because of its continued commitment to diversity, both internally and externally.
Black Enterprise evaluates diversity programs, consults diversity experts and corporate diversity officers and extensively surveys 1,000 of America's largest companies and 50 leading global companies with significant U.S. operations. Wal-Mart and other companies honored this year demonstrated significant representation of African-Americans and other ethnic minorities in four key areas: corporate procurement, corporate board participation, senior management representation and total workforce.
In recent years, Wal-Mart has been recognized for its continued dedication to diversity from various publications. This second honor by Black Enterprise for its diversity efforts is one of several received in 2006. Others include: Top U.S. Companies for Asian-Americans, Asian Enterprise; Noteworthy Companies for Diversity, DiversityInc; and Corporate 100 Best Places to Work for Latinos, Hispanic Magazine, among others.
"At Wal-Mart, we remain committed to maintaining diversity in all aspects of our business," said Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Chief Diversity Officer Charlyn Jarrells Porter. "We are pleased to be recognized by Black Enterprise magazine for our overall diversity practices and diversity marketing efforts and will continue to work to be a leader in these areas."
Wal-Mart embraces diversity and has a long tradition of supporting all cultures in all facets of its business. The company employs more than 225,000 African-Americans, 150,000 Hispanics and 815,000 females. Wal-Mart's 13- member board of directors includes two African-Americans, three females and two Hispanics.
"The Black Enterprise 40 Best Companies for Diversity truly understand how critically valuable a diverse workforce and inclusive business practices are to the success of their operations," said Black Enterprise President and CEO Butch Graves. "These companies are setting the standard for corporate America, and it is our sincere hope that other companies will follow their lead and build businesses that are more reflective of the society in which we live."
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The company has operations in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and NYSE Arca, formerly the Pacific Stock Exchange, under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartfacts.com . Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com .
Black Enterprise, your ultimate guide to financial empowerment, is the premier business and investment resource for African Americans. Since 1970, Black Enterprise has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. The monthly publication provides 3.7 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. As the definitive source of information for and about African American business markets and leaders, Black Enterprise is the authority for business news and trends.
SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
CONTACT: Linda Blakley of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., +1-479-273-4314
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