Walmart has been a proud member of the Ceres community for more than 15 years. To better serve the Ceres community, Walmart plans to relocate your Ceres store to the proposed shopping center at the Northwest corner of Mitchell Road & Service Road.

The new store will include the same everyday household items and great savings you have come to expect with the added convenience of new products such as a full-service grocery department that includes fresh and locally-grown fruits and vegetables, a bakery, deli and more. Together, we can create 85 new Walmart jobs, new sales tax revenue for public services and financial support for local charities.

 

 

Design subject to approval of the City

Two Modesto Nonprofit Organizations to Share $50,000 in Grants from Walmart!

 

May 15, 2012 - Hunger relief organizations in Modestowill get a helping hand today as Walmart presents a total of $50,000 in grants to two local nonprofits. Modesto was among the top 21 finishers in the company's "Fighting Hunger Together" spring Facebook campaign. According to Feeding America's Map the Meals project, more than 104,000 people in Stanislaus County are food insecure.

 

The following nonprofit organizations will receive funding:

• Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties will receive $40,000
• Howard Training Center will receive $10,000.

"Our communities stepped up to the plate and showed their support to end hunger in San Joaquin County and Stanislaus County," said Mike Mallory, Executive Director of Second Harvest of San Joaquin County and Stanislaus County. "The grant we will receive from Walmart will help us continue feeding more than 30,000 individuals each month throughout the two counties. Hunger is with us 365 days of the year and our organization thanks Walmart for their continued commitment to fight hunger in our area."

In total, Walmart will provide $2 million in hunger-relief grants to the top 21 communities in the Facebook campaign. Youngstown, Ohio, the first place finisher, will receive $1 million in hunger-relief grants. Each of the 20 runner-up communities will receive $50,000 in grants. For a complete list of nonprofits receiving funding, visit www.walmart.com/fightinghunger.

 

PROJECT UPDATE

February 22, 2012 - As reported in the Ceres Courier earlier today, Applebee's is interested in opening a new restaurant at the proposed Walmart shopping center, but this will not happen anytime soon due to a legal challange.  Click here to read the article.  Click here to send a letter to the editor.

Walmart Unveils "Great For You!" Icon

February 7, 2012 - Walmart today unveiled the "Great for You!" Icon.  The icon, part of the company’s healthier food initiative, is an effort to implement a transparent, summary icon for its private label brand products backed by rigorous nutrition criteria. “Great For You” will initially appear on select Walmart Great Value and Marketside items, as well as on fresh and packaged fruits and vegetables at Walmart U.S. stores nationwide this spring. By extending “Great For You” to fruits and vegetables and nutritious food options the company will make it easier for its customers to build healthier diets. 

Click here to read the press release in full!

Walmart Announces New "Get on the Shelf" Contest!

January 18, 2012 - Walmart today announced the launch of "Get on the Shelf," the first contest of its kind from a major retailer.  Anyone can enter "Get on the Shelf" for the chance to get their product sold on Walmart.com and even in Walmart stores! Contestants will create videos of their latest products and the public will vote online for the winners. 

“Walmart has the best products at everyday low prices but we know there are some great undiscovered products that have not yet reached our shelves,” said Venky Harinarayan, senior vice president of Walmart Global e-commerce. "Today, we are removing these barriers by giving anyone a chance to launch their product at Walmart and reach millions of shoppers nationwide.”

Click here to read the press release in full.

Ceres Courier Runs Piece Explaining Walmart Delay, Lawsuit

December 15, 2011 - The Ceres Courier reports that the City of Ceres is "very confident" that the new Ceres Walmart will be validated in court. Click here to read the Courier's report.

Walmart Announces New Holiday Grant Program!

November 15, 2011 - Walmart has announced a new way of giving back to the communities it serves.  As part of its broad $19 million holiday season grant program, Walmart is empowering YOU to decide which local organization deserves a portion of $1.5 million in grants.  This $1.5 million will be given away over a 12-day period in December to local nonprofits that focus on providing basic needs to families.  Hurry though, the deadline for submissions on Walmart’s Facebook is November 30! 

Click here to read Walmart’s official press release explaining how you can help bring a local nonprofit a portion of $1.5 million!

Walmart Announces New Grant for Veterans!

November 9, 2011 - In preparation for Veterans Day on November 11, Walmart has announced a new two-year, $750,000 grant to Veterans Green Jobs, an organization that retrains recent veterans for placement in full-time, green sector jobs. This contribution is the most recent part of Walmart’s five-year, $20 million giving initiative aimed at combating the high veteran unemployment rate. To read the press release in its entirety, click here!

Ceres Courier Editorial Asks Project Opponents to Come Clean on Funding!

October 26, 2011 - Jeff Benzinger, Managing Editor for the Ceres Courier, published an editorial asking that the "Citizens for Ceres" Walmart opposition group open their books and announce the funders of their expensive anti-Walmart campaign.  Click here to read the editorial and two Letters to the Editor!  To share your views, write a letter to the editor by clicking here!

Local Papers Report on Lawsuit Filed to Halt Project

October 19, 2011 - The Modesto Bee and The Ceres Courier report that an attorney who frequently sues Walmart projects has filed suit against the proposed Ceres Walmart shopping center project.  Observers agree that the lawsuit will only delay a project that promises new jobs in this tough economy. To let your local newspaper how you feel, click here.  To read Walmart's statement, click here.

October 18, 2011 - As part of Walmart's efforts to promote emergency preparedness in the communities it serves, Walmart announced that it will be participating in the Great California Shakeout!  On October 20,organizations throughout the state will conduct Drop, Cover and Hold On drills to better prepare residents for earthquakes. Click here to get more information!

October 12, 2011 - A letter to the Ceres Courier editor, written by Ceres citizen Meena Rambaran, was published today, asking the Courier to investigate the origin of the anti-Walmart group "Citizens for Ceres."  To read the letter in its entirety, click here!

August 24, 2011 - Despite support of the project from the three council members voting on the proposed Walmart store and shopping center at Monday night's City Council hearing, approval fell short by one vote as Vice Mayor Ken Lane wanted to see more out of the retenanting plan. Walmart will return to the City Council for a final decision on Sept. 12th. 

Click here to read Modesto Bee coverage of the hearing, and click here to read the Ceres Courier coverage.

August 17, 2011 - The Ceres Courier shares a compelling op-ed as to why the Ceres City Council should approve the proposed Walmart store and shopping center come Monday, August 22nd. Read article here. 

July 21, 2011 - In support of Walmart's continued national and local hunger outreach, a report titled "From Shelf to Table: An Analysis of Walmart's Impact on Hunger in America," details state by state giving figures, as well as the 50 communities who received the most local hunger donations over the last fiscal year.  See report here.

July 20, 2011 - The Ceres Courier reports that the city lacks available services and retail options that many nearby cities enjoy, but have an opportunity to change the economic landscape by approving the Mitchell Ranch Shopping Center. Read more here!

July 7, 2011 - Capitol Weekly Opinion: The impact of Wal-Mart superstores in California by Lon Hatamiya.

June 23, 2011 - Today Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced a $25 million giving campaign aimed at expanding summer services for kids.  This summer more than 350 local nonprofit organizations will receive funding to help expand nutrition, learning and employment services for elementary through high school students.  Read press release here for more info!

June 22, 2011 - The Turlock Journal reports that through the generous donation of $97,00 from Walmart and Rabobank, Ag In Motion, a 53-foot state-of-the-art mobile trailer classroom, is scheduled for a public unveiling at The National Ag Science Center in Modesto. This mobile classroom is designed to tour middle schools and provide students with an educational experience designed to excite young minds and encourage future careers in agriculture. Read article here.

June 8, 2011 - In case you missed it, Ceres Courier Editor Jeff Benziger writes a great editorial on the proposed Walmart store and shopping center debate! Click here to read more.  Click here to submit a supportive letter to Jeff Benziger about why you want a new Ceres Walmart!

May 17, 2011 - As a company, Walmart is guided by a sense of purpose; a commitment brought to life each day through the mission of saving people money so they can live better.  What does living better mean to you?  Join The Live Better Network and become connected with other people around the world who want to grow together and share in the collective pursuit to live a better life.

April 20, 2011 - As Ceres Courier editor Jeff Benziger suggested in his last article, the Ceres Planning Commission to approve the proposed Walmart and shopping center has been appealed.  The project will be sent to the City Council for a final vote.  Read the Courier article here.

April 14, 2011 - The Modesto Bee confirms that the Ceres Planning Commission's decision to approve the Walmart store and shopping center project has been appealed.  Read article here!

April 13, 2011 - In today's Ceres Courier Editorial, Jeff Benziger applauds the Planning Commission for approving the proposed Walmart store and shopping center based on project merits rather than politics.  Stating there is a "likely appeal" this week, readers are encouraged to write in to the paper to express their feelings for the project. 

Click here to submit a letter of support to the Ceres Courier and click here to read the full editorial.

April 12, 2011 - Today Walmart announced its Military Family Promise as part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's "Joining Forces" military support initiative.  The commitment will guarantee military personnel and military spouses who are employed at Walmart or Sam's Club, a job at a nearby store or club upon being transferred to a different part of the country by the U.S. Military. Click here to read the press release and learn more about this program!

April 6, 2011 - Walmart announced today that the company increased it's giving by 64 percent in FY 2011, largely due to donations made to local food banks from Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and distribution centers.  Walmart and the Walmart Foundation also gave $319 million in cash and $480 million in in-kind contributions globally.  To read press release, click here.

April 5, 2011 - The Ceres Courier reports the Planning Commission approved the proposed Walmart and shopping center in a 3-1 vote.  The project is far from over as an appeal from the opposition is likely expected.  Read more here!

March 17, 2011 - Walmart is proud to announce that due to the success of the company's waste reduction program, it has eliminated more than 80 percent of the waste generated in their California stores that would otherwise go to landfills. Read press release here.  View Walmart zero waste program fact sheet here.  Click here to watch a Youtube video on the different ways Walmart stores eliminate waste.

March 17, 2011 - The new Atwater Walmart opened today with customers coming as far as Fresno to visit the new store!  Read coverage of the opening in the Modesto Bee.

March 15, 2011 - Today Walmart announced an inital commitment of $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in Japan.  Read press release here.

March 2, 2011 - Ceres Courier editor Jeff Benziger delivers stinging criticism of the February 22nd Planning Commission Hearing saying, "Hopefully the commission will not be knocked off center by focusing on political issues when this is a planning issue." Read editorial here!

March 2, 2011 - Ceres Planning Commission to extend Walmart hearing to April 4th.  Read Ceres Courier article for additional hearing details.

February 23, 2011 - Unable to reach a decision at the Planning Commission hearing Tuesday night, commissioners push vote back to April 4th.  Read Ceres Courier review of hearing here. Read Modesto Bee coverage of hearing by clicking here.

February 16, 2011 - The Ceres Courier gives a detailed description of the proposed Walmart store and Mitchell Ranch Shopping Center that the Ceres Planning Commission will vote on Tuesday, February 22nd.  Read article here.

February 10, 2011 - Today Walmart announced that its proposed Ceres project has gained the support of over 10,000 supporters and a public opinion survey found that 81% of Ceres voters held a favorable view of Walmart.  Read Press Release

February 9, 2011 - The Ceres Courier announces that the Ceres Planning Commission will hear the proposed Walmart project on February 22nd.  Read article here.

February 2, 2011 - Watch new Walmart Youtube video "When Walmart Comes to Town," showing all the benefits communities experience when Walmart builds in their town! Click here to view.

January 21, 2011 - The Modesto Bee reports on Walmart's recent partnership with first lady Michelle Obama to combat childhood obesity by producing and selling affordable, healthier foods.  Read full article here. Watch a webcast of the announcement by clicking here.

January 5, 2011 - The Ceres Courier reports that the Planning Commission may be considering the Walmart project in February.  The article also highlights what steps Walmart is taking to be a good neighbor including traffic improvements, new signals and sound walls.  To view improvements along Don Pedro Avenue, click here. Click here for full article.

December 17, 2010 - The Chico Enterprise Record writes in an editorial, “When it comes to Walmart expansions, the process and paperwork usually drowns out the citizenry. The comparison between what happened when Walmart expansions were proposed in Chico and Oroville is most telling. In both cases the process followed a pattern repeated over and over up and down the state: Walmart proposes a supercenter. An out-of-town lawyer starts sniffing around, paid by an undisclosed source. A citizens group springs up in opposition to the expansion. The aforementioned lawyer takes the role as the group's mouthpiece, and generates mountains of legal paper for the city's planning staff and its consultants to grind through."

Editorial: A tale of two California cities

December 16, 2010 - Have you been to Walmart lately?  See how Walmart's newest stores are very different than those built years ago!  Watch Walmart Youtube video.

Action Item: The Managing Editor of the Ceres Courier encourages readers to let him know how they feel about the proposed Walmart store.  Please email your comments to Jeff Benziger at jeffb@cerescourier.com

You can also call the Courier's "Sound Off" comment line at anytime at 209-537-7070 to voice your support for Walmart.  Comments may be published.

December 1, 2010 - The editor of the Ceres Courier writes, "Soon and very soon, the city of Ceres will finally be deciding on whether or not to allow a Walmart Supercenter to build here.  Frankly, it's about time."  Read more here.

Walmart’s plan to build a new store in Ceres has nearly 10,000 supporters!

Help us reach the 10,000 mark by sharing the news of this exciting project with your friends and family. Ask them to visit  www.CeresWalmartCAN.com  to become a Walmart supporter too.

Take Action - Please tell your friends of the project’s benefits:

• Greater selection and a full grocery department at great prices!

• 85 new Walmart jobs!

• New tax revenue for police, fire protection and other city services!

See how many  of your neighbors support Walmart, too!

Map 1 – Regional View
Map 2 – City Map

Only with the support of the City Council can we bring you the benefits of a New Walmart, so urge them to support the project by clicking here.

Thank you for your support.  

November 23, 2010 - The Minority Business News reports that Walmart Stores Inc. had a 25 percent increase in its purchases with diverse suppliers in 2009.  Read full article here!

November 11, 2010 - Every day is Veterans Day at Walmart!  Check out the newest Walmart Youtube video that features America's veterans turned associates by clicking here.

October 20, 2010 - The Ceres Courier reports that the study on the proposed Walmart store is nearly complete and that a hearing is expected soon.  Read more.

October 14, 2010 – Follow Walmart on Youtube and Twitter. See the right side of this website to stay connected. Now featured on Youtube, Walmart employees talk about the role of sustainability in the company's success. Click here to watch.

October 11, 2010 - The Modesto Bee reports on the proposed Patterson Walmart store, "... it seems that most residents back the project. Controversy that has greeted Wal-Mart proposals in other communities hasn't developed.  The Patterson Irrigator newspaper came out in favor of the store."  Read more.

September 22, 2010 - Wal-Mart Tries to Unmask Opponents, Wall Street Journal

August 9, 2010 – Investor Place reports that “Wal-Mart Ranks as Most Generous Company” for contributing to charities and causes. Read the article | See the USA Today graph

June 30, 2010 - Store Manager Mary Lopez shares the many benefits a new Walmart store will bring to the Ceres community in a Letter to the Editor. Read more.

June 26, 2010 – To read Merced Sun Star article “Wal-Mart wants time to determine if competitors might be supporting lawsuits” click here.

June 25, 2010 – The Wall Street Journal, “Rival Chains Secretly Fund Opposition to Wal-Mart.” Click here to read.

June 23, 2010 – In today’s Ceres Courier concerns were expressed about the future of the existing Walmart store once the new Walmart shopping center is built. A Walmart spokesperson responded, “"We do not own any Walmart stores in California that are vacant." "We have an entire division of Walmart called Walmart Realty that is a real estate company... We believe that we have a responsibility to work with communities to find a use that generates economic growth opportunities." Read more | For project details, click here.

June 18, 2010 - The Turlock Journal reports that “. . . now that the economy has gone sour and cities are desperately seeking new avenues of revenue and employment, at least one Turlock City Council member thinks the time has to come to reconsider the ban that bars big box stores from blooming up in Turlock’s fields.” Read more.