HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2023 Press Release Statement from Councilmember Canneth Lee Canneth Lee
1ST District Council Member
Committee of the Whole
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227 W. Jefferson Blvd. Rm. 441 Office: (574) 235-9321 FAX: (574) 235-9173
County-City Building South Bend, IN Voicemail: (574) 235-5980 TDD: (574) 235-5567
46601- 1830 Email:CLEE@SOUTHBENDIN.GOV
NEWS RELEASE
FROM: COUNCIL MEMBER CANNETH LEE
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO WALMART ON PORTAGE AVE CLOSURE
DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2023
CONTACT: CLEE@SOUTHBENDIN.GOV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESPONSE TO WALMART ON PORTAGE AVE CLOSURE
I am shocked and frustrated by the closing of the Walmart on Portage. Once I received an email
from the Government liaison from Walmart, I immediately made contact to see what was going
on. I was told the store was underperforming and Corporate made the decision. I asked what the
plans were for the 270 workers, they said they would be relocated to other Walmart locations or
will be given severance pay until June. I asked about the building who owns it and what are the
plans; Walmart owns the building and didn't have an answer at this time. It was a Corporate
decision.
Wednesday I started reaching out to social service agencies and found out Work One will be
working with employees with their Rapid Recovery program to help employees transition. Also,
there have been conversations to setup resource for individuals that may need help with resume
writing and job searching.
This is a devastating loss for the first (1st) district. My thoughts and prayers are with those 270
workers and thousands of people who were dedicated shoppers at Walmart. We will continue to
appeal to Walmart and will work tirelessly with the Department of Community Investment to
advocate for an option to replace the loss of Walmart.
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