Chicago Business Journal – A coalition of Chicago ministers is readying a campaign for more Wal-Mart stores in Chicago — and preparing another against aldermen who stand in the way.

The alliance of just over 200 ministers, representing more than 100,000 congregants, will first demand that Mayor Richard M. Daley grant administrative approval to begin construction of a Wal-Mart at the Chatham Market shopping center, saving that project from falling into foreclosure. The group also will pressure aldermen to approve that store and others in retail-starved neighborhoods such as Englewood and Pullman.

If, as appears likely, more Wal-Marts don’t get the green light this year, the ministers say they’ll mount a campaign against aldermen who oppose the big retailer’s expansion. Taking a page from union groups that have held Wal-Mart back, the ministers say they will support candidates in favor of the store with political advertising and urge their congregants to vote against dissenters.

Chicago Sun-Times

Next February’s aldermanic election is the latest roadblock standing in the way of a second Wal-Mart store in Chicago.

For years, the excuse to block Wal-Mart was Chicago’s bid for the Summer Olympics: “We can’t possibly upset the unions,” aldermen cried. “That could hurt Chicago’s chances for the Olympics.”

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Chicago Sun-Times – Far South Side Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) said Wednesday he has the votes to break the stalemate that has prevented Wal-Mart from building as many as five Chicago Supercenters.

Instead of forcing the issue on a proposed Chatham Wal-Mart at 83rd and Stewart — now bottled up in the City Council’s Finance Committee — Beale wants aldermen to vote first on Pullman Park.

The massive mixed-use project on the former Ryerson Steel property between 103rd and 111th along the Bishop Ford Freeway would be anchored by a Wal-Mart Supercenter that sells groceries desperately needed in the heart of a “food desert.”

The 270-acre project also includes 1,200 homes, a hotel tower, community recreation center, park and senior apartments.

Donation to organization to help students successfully transition to high school

CHICAGO, Illinois, January 27, 2010 – Chicago Urban League received a $75,000 contribution to assist with their NULITES program. The grant – which was given to the non-profit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will help seventh and eighth graders strengthen their academic, financial, and social development.

“NULITES provides a valuable resource to students and their parents in the Englewood community. Students have the opportunity to work cooperatively to enhance their educational experience and gain leadership skills that they can carry with them throughout their academic careers. They also learn the importance of giving back to their community, which is something the Chicago Urban League encourages in all of our programs,” said Herman Brewer, Acting President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League.

John Bisio of Walmart presented the $75,000 donation at Mays Academy. The grant was presented to Herman Brewer, President/CEO of Chicago Urban League, and Mays Academy Principal Dr. Patricia McCann during a check presentation at the Chicago school.

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Chicago Tribune

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports Wal-Mart’s efforts to build a supercenter store at 83rd Street and Stewart Avenue as well as at other locations throughout the city. As corporations continue to downsize and outsource jobs overseas, Wal-Mart’s commitment to create jobs while providing city residents access to badly needed food and other products at low prices should be applauded and fully supported.

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by Arlene Jones

I, too, got the e-mail saying that Wal-Mart had caused the closure of businesses because of its presence in the Austin community. I, too, looked at the report that was prepared by individuals from both Loyola University and UIC to back up that assertion. After looking at all the facts, figures, dots and dashes, I concluded that I am neither a mathematician nor a statistician.

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