PALMDALE – Walmart managers and associates joined several city officials and others inside the front doors of Walmart Supercenter #1660 Wednesday for a ceremony to celebrate the retail giant’s 20 years of business in Palmdale.
“The success of this store is no accident,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford. “The Walmart team at this store has really been with it, they’ve stuck with it, and now 20 years later, they’re still rocking and rolling at 10th street west Walmart.”
Ledford was one of several public and private sector leaders who recognized the retail outlet during the ceremony for 20 years of service to the community. The Palmdale Chamber of Commerce, the Antelope Valley Black Chamber of Commerce, Senator Sharon Runner’s Office, Congressman Buck McKeon’s Office, and Assemblyman Steve Knight’s Office, all recognized the retail outlet with certifications of appreciation.
“It’s 20 great years and we expect 20 more great years,” Knight said, adding that the store in Palmdale was where he did most of his shopping.
“This is a place where I can shop for motor oil, apples and underwear,” Knight quipped.
Store Manager Trent Blankenship said in the 20 years that Walmart Store 1660 has been in Palmdale, the store has contributed more than $300,000 in funds directly to the Antelope Valley community, to schools, fire departments, police, local chambers of commerce, and local boys and girls clubs.
“Today Walmart enjoys $419 billion in sales, 2.1 million associates worldwide, and daily exemplifies our commitment to saving our customers money so they can live better,” Blankenship said. “Our focus today, however, is on the commitment and dedication of some folks that can proudly say that they’ve been serving the community since day one at this Palmdale Walmart.”
Thirteen 20-year Walmart employees were honored with certificates and gift bags for their loyalty to the company.
“This is a tribute to these employees and everybody who’s worked together on a team for this store,” said Ledford. “It has produced a great great outcome, and we’re just getting started.”
The 13 employees, who worked at Palmdale Walmart for 20 years or more, were also given certificates of recognition from the California State Assembly’s Office.