Apex NC 10-14-09
Although it was 55 degrees and cloudy with light rain this morning, it was bright and sunny and 70 degrees in the new Walmart in Apex. I had the privilege to hold the yellow ribbon with new store manager Theresa Drake and our Mayor, Keith Weatherly, as the ribbon cutting and grand opening took place before employees, managers, Chamber members and manufacturer reps, as well as the most important people, Walmart customers. After the ceremony, I was one of the first with a cart. I needed a dorm room fridge for our son, a sophomore at State, and this was the place to get it. Yes,I got a great deal!
Here is the thing, and it is at the heart of this commentary. Apex employment increased by 420 this morning. I counted the smiles! And our tax and revenue base increased big time as well, in what is still considered nationally as a slow jobless recovery. Mayor Weatherly, in his remarks, stated with a vein of humor, "It's about time Walmart found us."
All of us present at this grand opening agree. The store is drop dead gorgeous. Large aisles and well placed items typify the Walmart focus. It is a wonderful place to get EVERYTHING!
Save money. Live better. That is Walmart's theme. This store will bring traffic from Fuquay, Holly Springs, Cary, and Pittsboro. This day is a major moment in Apex history, and further insures Apex, the Peak of Good Living, to be a player on the East Coast for real estate, industry, newcomers, and opportunity for a long time.
Without a doubt, Apex is a great place to live, play and work. I talked to Chris Welborn, the Walmart Market Manager about the first Apex community event that Walmart might associate itself with, the Peak City Film Festival-Family Style. It is a perfect match. The common denominator for Walmart, Apex, and the Festival, is family.
Check out the new Walmart! And thank them for employing your neighbor! Walmart's presence in our town changes how we do business. And that's wonderful news!
Showing posts with label Walmart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walmart. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
1969 Idle Thoughts
8-15-09 Apex, NC
Yes, I have a confession to make to my friend Bob Butler... I was a Democrat back then.
Forty years ago, my Dad took me by my collar, and out of the pick up bed of Dean's 1964 El Camino... The guys were heading to Woodstock. I had a satchel, eight bucks, and a pair of jeans with me. My Mom had called my Dad at work. I was 16.
To this day, the music of Woodstock is by far the best collection of Rock n Roll ever recorded.
1969 is my favorite year. It was a year of fun, girls, and so much potential. As I look back those 40 years, I realize it was a truly extraordinary 365 days. 1969 was special.
Not only was Woodstock the Diamond of this year to remember, there were other very memorable jewels that made '69 what it was.
There were so many firsts. Apollo 9, the ATM, Seiko's first quartz watch, Wal-mart, the Pontiac Trans Am, the microprocessor, the first human eye transplant, bell bottoms, Sesame Street, and Abbey Road.
People we cannot ever forget. President Richard Nixon's first year in the White House, Clint Eastwood, and Goldie Hawn among others instantly famous in 1969, and Charles Manson's vicious murder of Sharon Tate making headlines in unbelievable fashion.
Funny Girl and Easy Rider were great flicks.
Cars cost, on average, $3200. Apartment rent was $135. Gas was 35 cents.
Who could forget the Draft Lottery?
Chicago and Blind Faith were brand new bands.
The number one song was "Sugar, Sugar" by the Archies.
And finally, Zager and Evans singing "In the Year 2525".
Our past is so reflective of our future. And our future depends so much on our past.
That's heavy man... Heavy...
Yes, I have a confession to make to my friend Bob Butler... I was a Democrat back then.
Forty years ago, my Dad took me by my collar, and out of the pick up bed of Dean's 1964 El Camino... The guys were heading to Woodstock. I had a satchel, eight bucks, and a pair of jeans with me. My Mom had called my Dad at work. I was 16.
To this day, the music of Woodstock is by far the best collection of Rock n Roll ever recorded.
1969 is my favorite year. It was a year of fun, girls, and so much potential. As I look back those 40 years, I realize it was a truly extraordinary 365 days. 1969 was special.
Not only was Woodstock the Diamond of this year to remember, there were other very memorable jewels that made '69 what it was.
There were so many firsts. Apollo 9, the ATM, Seiko's first quartz watch, Wal-mart, the Pontiac Trans Am, the microprocessor, the first human eye transplant, bell bottoms, Sesame Street, and Abbey Road.
People we cannot ever forget. President Richard Nixon's first year in the White House, Clint Eastwood, and Goldie Hawn among others instantly famous in 1969, and Charles Manson's vicious murder of Sharon Tate making headlines in unbelievable fashion.
Funny Girl and Easy Rider were great flicks.
Cars cost, on average, $3200. Apartment rent was $135. Gas was 35 cents.
Who could forget the Draft Lottery?
Chicago and Blind Faith were brand new bands.
The number one song was "Sugar, Sugar" by the Archies.
And finally, Zager and Evans singing "In the Year 2525".
Our past is so reflective of our future. And our future depends so much on our past.
That's heavy man... Heavy...
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