Wal-Mart Aims To Foster Minority-Owned Business With Chicago Program

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to launch a new minority supplier program from Chicago, focusing on professional services, food and general merchandise.

Thomas Mars, executive vice-president and chief administrative officer of the Bentonville, Ark.-based retail giant, announced the supplier program at a Metropolitan Planning Council lunch Monday in Chicago.

Chicago is "a critically important" market for Wal-Mart, Mr. Mars said during a speech at the luncheon, and one in which "we're committed to doing it right."

As Wal-Mart moves into Chicago in a big way, supplier relationships will be closely watched and potentially lucrative.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Crain's Chicago Business