LEWISTON – Maybe it was the strobe lights. Or the sound system blaring “Funky Town.” Or the contrast between a dapper Gov. John Baldacci chatting with former boxing champ Joey Gamache, clad in surfer shorts and flip-flops.
However surreal, Wal-Mart’s grand opening of its newest distribution center was a celebration. At times resembling a Broadway musical, a tent revival and a pep rally, the program recognized the many people who collaborated to bring the center here.
“When we plan for a distribution center, the computer puts dots on a map,” said Kelly Abney, regional vice president of logistics, to a crowd gathered in the center’s mammoth dry-goods warehouse.
Next come the real estate and construction people who evaluate sites within a 200-mile radius of each computer dot.
“But what it really comes down to are the people,” said Abney, noting that that means elected officials as well as potential workers. “That’s what makes the difference. That’s what brought us to Lewiston.”
Hundreds of those people were on hand Wednesday to mark the milestone. As the strobe lights dimmed, assistant general manager Ed O’Brien took the stage, microphone in hand, and hollered, “Who’s in the house?”
Woo-woos too
Dozens of Wal-Mart associates, clad in white T-shirts and blue caps, leapt to their feet and hollered in return. Then O’Brien introduced the management staff, while the associates applauded and sent a few “woo-woos” through the air.
The frenzy reached its climax when Alan Hanley, general manager for the center, was introduced and arrived at the stage driving a miniature Wal-Mart tractor-trailer. He was greeted by a rousing rendition of the corporate cheer.
“How’s that for a start?” quipped Hanley.
Pretty good, judging by the response from the crowd.
When finished, the $60 million distribution center will send groceries to Wal-Mart stores throughout New England. The dry-goods warehouse expects to send its first shipment out next week; the refrigeration warehouse – under construction now – should be doing the same by fall 2006.
About 200 people have been hired already, with wages starting at $13 per hour. Another 250 are expected once the second phase of the project is complete. The distribution center is expected to contribute $883,000 to the city’s coffers annually and send the state of Maine an additional $1.7 million in tax revenues.
Biggest deal in 30 years
For Mayor Lionel Guay, the distribution center is validation of the risk that city councilors and staff took four years ago when they negotiated a deal with Wal-Mart that included $17 million in state and local incentives. He said naysayers predicted that no Fortune 500 company would ever locate a distribution center here. They were wrong. The distribution center is the largest economic development project the city has seen in 30 years.
“And I have to say this, How sweet it is,'” he said.
Several Wal-Mart executives complimented the city staff for their willingness to work around problems, such as a 16-month delay in opening the center. Others cited the good relationship between the public and private sectors in Maine, which allowed for major road improvements, infrastructure changes and recruiting help.
To underscore its commitment to the area, Wal-Mart executives presented $34,000 in donations to local charities that range from Good Shepherd Food-Bank to the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club, eight local schools and the Boys and Girls Club.
Once all the speakers were finished – including Baldacci and Gamache – hundreds of balloons were released from the rafters as a ceremonial yellow ribbon was cut on the stage.
Hanley, who hails from Pennsylvania and experienced his first Maine winter this year, said he’s been overwhelmed by the community and his staff.
“People ask me what it’s like here,” he said. “I tell them it’s exceeded our expectations tenfold.”
Comments are no longer available on this story