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 – 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.

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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Chicago Sun-Times – Mayor Richard M. Daley Saturday again stressed the importance of a Wal-Mart in the Chatham neighborhood, but would not say he would grant administrative approval for the retailer.

Marathon Pundit – Illinois Democratic politicians for the most part are very eager for the Gitmo North prison to open in Thomson. However, Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has been trying to open a store on Chicago’s South Side for two years, and with some exceptions, notably Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, the Democrats don’t want the big box behemoth there.

PEORIA — The author of “Green Recovery” had a message for the 400 people in attendance Tuesday at the Workforce Forum held by the Central Illinois Workforce Network at the Peoria Civic Center: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

Andrew Winston, whose previous book was “Green to Gold,” was making a point about the need for companies to go green or face the consequences.

“The smartest companies are recommitting to sustainability and using environmental thinking, not only to stay profitable, but also to drive innovation and help customers through dark times,” said Winston.