THE NEW COMMERCE WAL~MART WILL BE OPENING ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC OCTOBER 11,2000.
MARCH 21,2000 GROUND BROKE AT
THE NEW LOCATION,
OCTOBER 11, 2000 THE DOORS WILL OPEN.
CONGRATULATIONS
COMMERCE WAL~MART!!!!!!
903-886-3108
Web-master for this site was present for the Grand Opening
The Commerce Lions Club had a sneak preview of the new store on Oct 10,2000, when the Lions Club meeting moved from Ben E Keith to the new Commerce Wal~Mart Supercenter at 12:30pm. Del Tyler, the new Community Ambassador between Commerce Wal-mart, the community and the University, gave the group the grand tour before the actual grand opening on the next day.
On the 10th of October the "Old Store" closed its doors for the Last time at 5:00pm. Even before the store closed its doors, the work crews had taken the old Wal~Mart letters off of the building and spray painted the old parking lot sign as to cover up Wal~Mart. It was out with the old and in with the new in a short time. I paid my last respects to the old store that I patronized for 21yrs and worked at for 2 and 1/2 yrs. It was sort of sad in a way to see it go empty. It really was empty the last day of business - not much left in it but paper goods, chemicals and other essential items for the public.
The new store located just south of Culver Street on Hwy 50, is a great deal improved from the old location. Groceries, meat market, produce, alcoholic beverages, expanded merchandise to what was already there. Jim Barnes the manager of Commerce Wal-mart Supercenter was all in tears when he was introducing his family. Jim is really a great man. You could see it in his face and feel it in his heart that Commerce Wal-mart really IS a FAMILY oriented business. I would like to personally and publicly congratulate him on his leadership and dedication to the Commerce Store and to Wal-mart all together.
Commerce Wal-mart gave alot back to the community on its reopening of the new store. Several worthy organizations received substantial donations from the store manager during the conclusion of the opening ceremony. Congratulatons to all of them.
I will miss the old store - but the new one has so much more to offer - Commerce should be proud to have it in the city. The associates of the store are proud as peacocks and ready to work for you - the citizens of Commerce.
Thank you for visiting my
site from the article in the Commerce Journal - Sept 26th.
Welcome Jim Barnes as new manager of the Commerce Walmart!!!
Take the Opinion Poll on the Digital Commerce Site about the new Supercenter.
June 1st, 1999 Commerce Wal-Mart Celebrates Twenty Years in Commerce,Texas
~The Commerce Journal is a community newspaper holdings, inc. (cnhi) Newspaper ©1999 all rights reserved.~
June 14,2000
Mary Lou Hazal
A&M-Commerce News
Construction is under way on the new Wal-Mart Supercenter in Commerce with the new store
scheduled to open this fall.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has purchased 13 acres of land from Texas A&M
University-Commerce on which to construct the Supercenter.
A&M-Commerce President Keith D. McFarland is pleased that the negotiations for the
purchase of the land have been completed and construction of the new store is under way.
"The Wal-Mart Supercenter will bring jobs and tax revenue. I think this will be good
for the community," McFarland commented.
As part of the acquisition of the 13-acre site adjacent to State Highway 50 and near Loop
178, Wal-Mart is preparing a seven-acre tract at the corner of this intersection for
attracting a motel and restaurants.
As part of the agreement, Wal-Mart is paying the costs for demolition and removal of
Turner Hall, including asbestos and lead abatement, and relocation of the A&M-Commerce
Plant Science Education and Research Center.
Nef Garcia, director of Community Affairs for Wal-Mart Stores, said the company is
"proud to be contributing members of the Commerce community. Our partnership with
Texas A&M University-Commerce was a perfect match."
Wal-Mart Supercenters, complete with 36 general merchandise departments and a full-line
grocery department, are the newest prototype developed by the retailer, Garcia said.
Regarding the economic impact of the new Commerce Wal-Mart Supercenter, Dr. Steve Shwiff
of A&M-Commerce said that the store's $6 million annual payroll will generate
approximately 130 new jobs in Hunt County. This would be in addition to those hired by
Wal-Mart to work at the new Commerce Supercenter.
The Commerce Wal-Mart Supercenter is expected to generate approximately $8.2 million
annually in output in new goods and services purchased at all the county's businesses,
said Shwiff, director of the A&M-Commerce Center for Regional and Economic Development
Studies and a faculty member in the department of economics and finance.
Progress is being made - 5/09/00
two walls are now standing......
Texas A&M
University-Commerce found gold at the end of the rainbow this St. Patrick’s Day as
the sale of university land to Wal-Mart was finalized.
A&M-Commerce
President Keith McFarland said the Texas A&M System’s head of real estate
contacted him on Monday, March 20 with news that the sale went through late Friday, March
17.
Bulldozers began
clearing the land for construction on Tuesday, March 21.
The sale comes
nearly 17 months after McFarland first announced the possibility of leasing or selling
university land to Wal-Mart for the construction of a supercenter. Despite the long wait,
McFarland feels more relief than excitement over the sale.
“It’s
kind of like graduation for a student,” McFarland said. “You work and work and
work so long and in the end you get there and it’s kind of like it doesn’t
register. . . It almost seems anti-climatic. . . It was so long in coming and I’m so
glad it’s gone through.”
There was some
concern expressed over the sale. McFarland said that one Commerce resident asked him why
local residents were not given the option of buying the land. He explained that receiving
money from the sale of the land was not the motivating factor.
“It
wasn’t a matter of (the university) wanting the money,” McFarland said. “In
the long run, that wouldn’t make much difference. For us the difference was on jobs,
and (the current Wal-Mart) has done a really good job over the years of hiring a large
number of our students, and I think now, especially when they go to a 24-hour operation,
that’s very attractive for a lot of students.”
According to
McFarland, the lack of job opportunities in the Commerce area has kept potential students
from attending A&M-Commerce in the past, and he hopes that trend will begin to change
with the addition of the Wal-Mart Supercenter.
In addition to the
benefits to students, McFarland sees the sale as beneficial to the city of Commerce as
well. Land that had been empty for 75 years will now be generating tax money for the city.
Since the sale is
finalized, and Wal-Mart has agreed to demolish Turner Hall and the agronomy lab, the
university’s focus will now shift towards leasing the adjacent land retained by
A&M-Commerce to a national motel chain and possibly several restaurants.
“I’m just
hoping that this will be the beginning of a series of developments that is going to really
help the town and the university,” McFarland said. “We would have a decent motel
where parents or visitors to campus could (stay).”
McFarland cited the example of how the
Wal-Mart Supercenter in Greenville attracted several restaurants to that area shortly
after its construction. He hopes for a
similar result in Commerce’s case, but doesn’t expect a large group of
restaurants to locate to the area, since this supercenter would not be located on an
interstate like the restaurants in Greenville. There would, however, be room on the land
for three restaurants, in addition to the motel.
Brian Knox
Special to the Journal
02/13/2000
The wait for Commerce's Wal-Mart Supercenter continues, but maybe not for much longer.
The Texas A&M System Board of Regents approved the sale of 13 acres to Wal-Mart last
summer. Since that time, a system real estate agent has been working with Wal-Mart on a
contract between the system and the store. The latest snag in negotiations is over the use
of the land adjacent to the proposed Wal-Mart site that would be retained by Texas A&M
University-Commerce.
"The fact that we want to control this property creates some problems, in that most
of the traffic from Wal-Mart will come right through the university property,"
A&M-Commerce President Keith McFarland said. "So when the board originally
approved this, they gave the authority to sell these 13 acres (section A on the
accompanying map). But now, as we've been talking to Wal-Mart,Wal-Mart says we need some
restrictions on this land (sections B and C). You have to agree to put certain
restrictions on them yourself so that you don't hurt our investment."
A&M-Commerce needed the approval of the Texas A&M System to discuss these
restrictions with Wal-Mart.
"It was basically a series of agreements where we would need to say, 'We understand
you are investing millions and millions of dollars here and that it's not unreasonable for
you to expect us to agree to certain restrictions on this land,'" McFarland said.
"But the board had not given us the authoritySo what the board did on Thursday (Jan.
27), was they gave us the authority to work with Wal-Mart to agree to certainrestrictions
on our land."
Since Wal-Mart has indicated that a grocery section will be included in the new store, one
restriction would be that the university would not sell the land to a grocery store.
The university would also have to agree not to let a pharmacy or a discount department
store build on the land. These types of stores would be in direct competition with
Wal-Mart.
McFarland said the location of signs would also be an issue to be worked out. Wal-Mart
didn't want a restaurant to put up a sign that would block the Wal-Mart signs at the
entrances of the driveways.
One of the main reasons McFarland wanted to bring a Wal-Mart Supercenter to Commerce is to
attract a national motel chain to locate on the university land adjacent to the store.
Wal-Mart often puts restrictions on motels that are located next to their stores, but did
not give any such restrictions in this case.
"A lot of times, what Wal-Mart would generally do is they would puta height
restriction like 'nothing over two stories' so that you don't build a great big motel here
that blocks out the view of Wal-Martbut they didn't even do that," he said.
McFarland said he is optimistic that an agreement between the university and Wal-Mart
should be worked out very soon.
"We feel that just about all of the final hurdles have been cleared and we're hoping
that within 30-60 days, that we can close on the sale of this property," McFarland
said.
If the land is sold to Wal-Mart, A&M-Commerce would receive $638,000 in the form of
cash and "in-kind services." These services include the razing of the agronomy
lab and Turner Hall, which Wal-Mart could do at a cheaper price than if the university
razed the buildings, and preparing the land retained by the university for future
development. Most of the money that is left over will be used by the university to rebuild
the agronomy lab at another location.
This story was orginally written by Brian Knox, for The East Texan, the student
publication of Texas A&M Unviersity-Commerce. Brian is Co-Editor and reporter for The
East Texan.
To benefit or not to benefit?
That is the question
By Brian Knox
Staff Writer
(Editors note: This is the first of a two part series that looks at the potential benefits and negative impacts that may accompany the arrival of a Wal-Mart Supercenter to Commerce.)
The mere mention of the Wal-Mart Supercenter being planned for Commerce usually stirs up strong opinions. Many believe the supercenter will benefit Commerce residents, students, and the surrounding communities.
Commerce Mayor John Sands says one of the biggest benefits for the city will be accessibility.
"Probably the biggest positive effect that I think the city of Commerce is going to get from it is the fact that it is going to be so much easier for a lot of our outlying communities and other cities to get to (a Wal-Mart Supercenter)," said Sands. "I think it's going to be more accessible."
Sands says Commerce will also benefit financially from a supercenter.
"When you build a bigger store like that, just the volume itself means that your sales tax is going to go up, which is a big asset to cities always struggling to find the extra dollar to do what they need to do," said Sands.
According to statements on Wal-Mart's web site (www.wal-mart.com), taxes generated by the store often make "a measurable impact on local communities."
"Sales taxes which are usually shared among state and local government add significantly to the tax base. Wal-Mart's service and value are an incentive for customers to stay home and spend dollars within the community - not only at Wal-Mart, but at other local businesses as well."
Roger Huffman, former Commerce Wal-Mart employee, worked at the store for two and a half years before leaving in June 1999 and is a supporter of the supercenter project. Huffman believes the increased size of the supercenter is needed for the community.
"Commerce's (Wal-Mart) is too small for all the needs of the Commerce area and the University students," Huffman said via e-mail. "There are many things that the current store cannot carry because there is not enough floor space...There will be more of a selection - clothes, furniture, electronics (one hour photo), larger food selection with the full grocery store and much more."
Visitors to the Digital Commerce web site (www.digitcom.org) have shown their support for a Wal-Mart Supercenter, according to an on-line poll. Visitors are asked if they agree with the statement, "I think it's a good idea to build a Wal-Mart super center in Commerce." Of the 50 votes as of September 20, 74% strongly agree, 8% moderately agree, 6% are undecided, 6% moderately disagree, and 6% strongly disagree.
Neither Huffman nor Sands believe a supercenter will be a big threat to local businesses.
According to comments on Huffman's web page (www.koyote.com/users/huffman/commerce.htm), Huffman states, "If you think that a larger Wal-Mart will hurt any other existing business in Commerce you are wrong. There will be no more impact on any of them than now. And with competition (it) will spur better prices throughout the city."
Huffman used the example that food prices decrease with more competition.
Sands believes the increased competition could hurt some local
businesses, but he believes the negative impact on local businesses will be minimal.
"I think the Wal-Mart store has been here long enough that anybody that would be in
competition with Wal-Mart has already gone out anyway," said Sands.
Not everyone agrees that a Wal-Mart Supercenter will benefit Commerce.
Next week, local businesses react to the news that a Wal-Mart Supercenter is coming to
Commerce.
More News about the New Wal-Mart
Sept 29,1999 - The East Texan
(Part 2 of a 2 part Series)
Reactions mixed on Wal-Mart arrival
By Brian Knox
Staff Writer
(Editors note: This is the second of a two part series that looks at the potential benefits and negative impacts that may accompany the arrival of a Wal-Mart Supercenter to Commerce. One of the local business owners wished to remain unidentified and will be referred to as Susan.)
Despite much of the positive comments recently surrounding the news of a new Wal-Mart Supercenter coming to Commerce, the news drew mixed reactions from some local businesses.
Of the eight local businesses contacted, five had no comment on the situation. Two local businesses said that a Wal-Mart Supercenter will have little effect on local businesses.
"The new Wal-Mart won't have much more of an effect (on local businesses) than the one now," said Dennis Anderson, independent Radio Shack Dealer.
One local business owner, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, says that Wal-Mart is going to have a strong negative impact on local businesses in Commerce.
"I think it will kill (local businesses)," said Susan.
She believes that Wal-Mart is "out for blood" and will wind up hurting Commerce more than helping it.
"I think that (Wal-Mart) is going to hurt a lot of small businesses in this town because they compete on just about every level of merchandise. They're going to hurt me, I've already figured that out," said Susan.
Susan said that she was upset to learn that Texas A&M University-Commerce was selling the land to Wal-Mart. She said the company can buy large amounts of products at wholesale prices and sell the products at a lower price than local businesses can, which means that local businesses can't compete.
"I was upset about (the University) leasing or selling the land because (Wal-Mart) is a major monopolizing conglomerate at this point in time," said Susan. "They're legally getting away with monopolizing because they are just crushing the small businesses around them."
Susan disagrees with the claim that a Wal-Mart Supercenter will increase sales tax for Commerce.
"When Wal-Mart moves in, their sales volume is going to increase, which is going to take it off the small businesses," she said. "Yes, they're going to increase sales tax because they're going to put all of us little guys out of business...but they're going to lose our sales tax revenue because we're not here anymore, so really they're not increasing anything - they're just keeping it the same."
David Zvanut, a local visual artist and part-time farmer/carpenter, has been opposed to the new Supercenter since the news first broke. Zvanut's biggest concern is that a Wal-Mart Supercenter will keep students away from the downtown area, which will also separate students from Commerce townspeople. Zvanut believes it is important for the University and the city of Commerce to cooperate for the success of both.
"It's going to isolate the University from the town," Zvanut said. "...Students used to go downtown, but now they'll just go across the street."
In a letter to the editor published in the Nov. 11, 1998 issue of The East Texan, Zvanut jokingly suggested that A&M-Commerce should "amend the school motto to 'Ceaseless Industry, Fearless Investigation, Unfettered Thought, and Twenty-Four Hour One-Stop Shopping!'"
He also said he is concerned about whether businesses located near the current Wal-Mart in the University Shopping Center will be able to survive without the store.
Zvanut said that he tried to organize a group that opposed the new Wal-Mart, but he didn't get much local response. He believes that some of the local businesses were afraid to oppose the University.
Both Susan and Zvanut base much of their argument against Wal-Mart from information contained on the web site "www.sprawl-busters.com," a group that claims to help citizens fight to keep "megastores" out of their communities.
The web site contains stories from across the country in which a large retailer (such as Wal-Mart) is threatening to move into, or has already hurt, communities that have small businesses.
Zvanut posted information on the October 31, 1998 "Sprawl-Busters NewsFlash!" page in which he explains Commerce's situation.
"I'm afraid the same thing will happen to Commerce as happened to
Greenville, TX," said Zvanut. "They allowed a mall anchored by Wal-Mart to
locate far from downtown, which killed their downtown. Then they allowed a Super Wal-Mart
to locate near the mall, and killed the mall. Drive around Greenville. Do you want this to
happen to Commerce?"
News Events
FLASH!!!!! June 4,1999
University News Service
COMMERCE - The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has given the go-ahead to sell 13 acres of land owned by Texas A&M University-Commerce to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Negotiations are under way for the selling of the land on which a Wal-Mart Supercenter would be built, according to A&M-Commerce President Keith McFarland. The site is located near the southwest corner of State Highway 50 and Loop 178.
Heading the negotiations for A&M-Commerce and The Texas A&M System is Dan K. Buchly, director of the System's Real Estate Office.
The proposal for the A&M-Commerce land was approved by A&M System regents at their meeting on May 28.
The Wal-Mart Supercenter would be twice as large as the current Commerce Wal-Mart and would bring a significant number of additional jobs to the community as well as increased tax revenue for the City of Commerce, McFarland said. "A Wal-Mart Supercenter will bring jobs and tax revenue. I think this will be good for the community," he commented.
As part of the proposal approved by regents, Wal-Mart is being asked to prepare for the university a seven-acre tract at this corner for the attracting of a motel and restaurant. The proposal calls for Wal-Mart to undertake the demolition and removal of Turner Hall, including asbestos and lead abatement of the outdated campus apartment building, and the disassembly of the Plant Science Education and Research Center.
Turner Hall will be closed this fall with current residents moved to other campus housing and activities at the agricultural center will be moved to other university facilities pending relocation of the center, McFarland said.
The Turner Hall and the Plant Science Education and Research Center projects would both be costs incurred by Wal-Mart as part of the purchase price for the land, the A&M-Commerce president said.
The Wal-Mart Supercenter would be located immediately south of the seven-acre proposed motel and restaurant site. For this seven-acre site, plans call for Wal-Mart to be responsible for development improvements, such as earth work, flood plain reclamation, extension of utilities and storm drainage, and construction of access roads.
"The Supercenter will add to the attractiveness of the area for a motel and restaurant," McFarland said. Other businesses usually locate in the area where Supercenters are built, he said, citing Greenville and Paris as examples.
The Supercenter proposed for Commerce will sell general merchandise and groceries.
Real estate brokers representing Wal-Mart have said the current Commerce Wal-Mart, located in the University Shopping Center, is one of the smaller stores operated by the company.
Talks between A&M-Commerce, the A&M System, and Wal-Mart representatives have been going on since last fall and will continue with the hope that an agreement can be reached, McFarland said.
Coach Steve Lineweaver named 1999
Walmart
Teacher of the Year
Click on Picture for larger view
Coach Lineweaver has been a great influence to students throughout the years he has been in Commerce. He is the head football coach and athletic director for Commerce High School. Coach Lineweaver has taken the Commerce Tigers to District Championships and State Playoffs on numerous occassions since he has been here. Commerce High School will receive a $500. Grant in Coach Lineweaver's name for being The Teacher of the Year..
Congratulations Coach Lineweaver!!!
Congratulations to
Justin Huie of Cooper High School - 1999 Walmart Scholarship winner!!
Order and "Check Out" From Wal-Mart "On-line"
Check out this Wal-Mart Comment Site
Friendly People Make the Difference
Contact Wal-Mart President - Letters to the President
Stock Split - Monday April 19th!!!!
Even After Christmas Furby's are still hard to come by.....
Check out the new Talkin Bubba - Bubba On Board!!! Made for adults!!!!!
Now Available!!!!!
Furby Frinzee Hits Commerce Wal-Mart
With only a few days till Christmas, everyone is still wanting the hottest item of the year, The Furby. There was a shipment on December 18th of only 18. There were over 20 people wanting them. It's such a disappointment when everyone can't get something. The doors opened at 7:00am. The line outside was long. The rush came when the doors opened. The Furby's were hidden throughout the store, creating a Furby Hunt and the excitement was on!! Within five minutes, every Furby had been found. Now the wait is on again to see when the next shipment will arrive. The retail on these little critters is $29.96. There are ads in the paper for $250. or more. What is it about these little creatures that makes them so hot and why isn't there more of them? Like Cabbage Patch, Elmo and other hot items in the past, Furby's will probably be plentiful, After Christmas!!!
"ON HOLD"
January 27,1999 Issue of the East Texan
Raising awareness, raising hope, razing buildings
McFarland provides state-of-the-university at faculty meeting
By Don Taylor
Staff Writer
Dr. Keith McFarland, took to the podium at the start-of-semester faculty meeting on Jan.
14. "I'm excited," were the first two words he uttered. "This university's
condition is looking very good." McFarland pointed out Texas A&M
University-Commerce is on the cutting edge of interactive, distance education.
He also noted that former students seldom, if ever, mention the president of the school, "but always mention faculty who impacted their lives." He went on to stress the importance of the one-on-one relationship they establish with students.
He reminded teachers that an insignificant remark can often make a major impact in a student's future direction. The out-of-class interaction opportunities, McFarland stated, were not only a joy, they were also an "awesome responsibility."
The Wal-Mart project has been placed "on hold" for at least a year. The initiative to bring a quality hotel/motel chain to Commerce did not attract the hoped-for responses. Only one interested chain has indicated an interest-so far.However, the main focus of the university president's remarks centered around four topics: 1) the core-curriculum, 2) building renovation plans, 3) the athletic program, and 4) the state legislative session.
Core Curriculum
After input from the University Studies Council, the Faculty Senate, individual faculty members, and others, McFarland decided to submit a 46-hour core-curriculum for TAMU-C to the Texas A&M System's Board of Regents.
The University Studies Council and the Faculty Senate had agreed on a 42-hour core as originally mandated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. However, after the Hardin Amendment was approved, state universities could request up to six additional hours.
McFarland's request preserves one more Phys-Ed hour and one three-hour capstone-over the US and FS recommendations.
In a brief announcement placed under the core-curriculum category. McFarland announced he was moving the honors program from the Dean of Arts and Sciences to the office of the Provost.
Building Renovations
Noting that TAMU-C is the most overbuilt of the 39 senior institutions in the state, McFarland announced plans for demolishing, building anew, and restorations of buildings around campus. He said administrators will soon begin work with the facilities staff on renovation plans for the Zeppa Recreation Center and the Wathena Temple Building.
Renovation plans for the Zeppa have been on hold for a while but will soon be implemented. The remote Creative Arts Village (commonly known as "the CAVE") will be razed. Formerly used by the Dept. of Home Economics, the now vacant, Temple Building will become the new home for the Dept. of Art after the renovation is completed, McFarland said.
Noting that student housing is a vital issue in recruiting and retention of students, McFarland announced the university has decided against privatization. The first phase of an aggressive program to upgrade residence halls will include construction of apartment-style living facilities for between 200 to 250 single students. Renovation work is also planned for single and/or married housing as well as possible use of Mayo Hall for an apartment-style residence hall. Some of the residence halls that have not been used in recent years will be razed.
McFarland noted the A&M System is looking at the safety throughout the system's student housing facilities-including the fire-safety issue regarding Whitley Hall.
Athletics
McFarland announced the appointment of Eddie Brister as TAMU-C's new head football coach. Dr. Fred Blohm will become head of the department of health and physical education starting with the beginning of Summer II. Lions' Head Basketball Coach Paul Peak will become athletic director at the same time. Both positions have been held since 1988 by Dr. Margot Harbison, who is retiring in July.
Legislative Session
McFarland announced TAMU-C will join other higher
education institutions in the state in supporting a 5 percent increase for faculty and
staff salaries for both years of the next biennium.
November 11,1998, Issue of "The East Texan"
Mayor tells all concerning Wal-Mart Supercenter
By Donna Morris
and Amy Strong
The East Texan
Major commercial changes are in the works for Commerce and Texas A&M University-Commerce.
In the Oct. 21 issue of The East Texan, it was reported that President Keith McFarland announced the possibility of expansion of Wal-Mart on university land.
During a recent interview with Commerce Mayor John Sands, he said he was aware of the expansion of Wal-Mart before the public announcement made by McFarland. Sands said McFarland keeps the city informed because of the large impact the decision will have on the city if it is approved.
"I'm kind of in favor of it because if they don't locate here, they can go right outside the city limits, locate, and then we don't gain anything," Sands said. "It's not as if closing this store and not letting them build is going to make any difference. They (Wal-Mart) have stores in Greenville, Paris, and Sulphur Springs, but they don't share sales tax with Commerce nor do they share their property tax."
Sands commented that he is aware of the local impact this development will have on the 'mom and pop' stores. The last thing the city is trying to do, according to Sands, is run out these businesses. But, "When you look at it overall, what's best for the City of Commerce is more jobs and maintain a bigger tax base," he said. "We have to look out for our own interests."
The mayor's viewpoint is from the perspective that the new Wal-Mart will create 200 new jobs and bring in additional customers to the already existing establishments, which would increase their revenue.
"If they (Wal-Mart) increase by 200 employees, they (Wal-Mart employees) have to but their hamburgers somewhere," he said. "And a lot (of people) will move here and that's what we need."
The mayor said he understands the association came through the Realtors at College Station, who were approached by Wal-Mart who wanted a good location. He also said, ". . . one of the developers that was looking into the motel have worked with Wal-Mart on other projects and that's how it sort-of got together."
The city nor the university initiated the proposal with Wal-Mart and interested developers. A reason for the university possibly leasing land to developers is due to it owning most of the better commercial land in the city.
The mayor feels the growth of the city is towards the south and to the west, which the university owns. "Over the years they have just gobbled it up because nobody else could buy it and they could. But they've got more land and I think that's what Dr. McFarland's saying , 'we've got good property, let's get it in use now,'" he said.
At this point, since the deal is not finalized, the set back could be because an agreement could not be made between Wal-Mart and A&M University on the lease of the land, the way it is going to be taxed or what the cost of maintaining the property would be since Wal-Mart cannot purchase the land.
"That's going to be the determining factor because if they purchase land like they do in other places, they can control everything around it," Sands said. "In this case they won't be purchasing the land so that gives the university and the city some say so as to what goes on around it."
Sands explained that traffic at the intersections of Highway 50 with Culver Street versus traffic at Highway 50 with Live Oak Street is the basis for replacing the smallest Wal-Mart in the state.
"Wal-Mart knows how to market. They know how to figure out whether or not they really want something," he said.
The development of new highways in the next five to six years, according to the mayor, may be what Wal-Mart foresees as bringing in more traffic along with the Cooper Lake expansion.
With other developments forthcoming in the Commerce area, the city
growth will support several changes in the future according to Sands. The mayor hinted at
the idea of a hotel chain, restaurants, and the relocation of large businesses into the
area as being some of those future changes.
We Need The New Wal-Mart
Since the news of Commerce getting a new Wal-Mart has hit the news there has been some negatives surfacing in the newspaper. Well, I don't think that these people are seeing the whole story.
Commerce Wal-Mart has been here for many years, since June 1,1979, in the same building. Soon to be 20 yrs. According to the an article in the local paper it sounded like our store was fairly new. We have outgrown the size of this building. And let me make this comment, from what we have heard, the new Wal-Mart will not be as big as Greenville's or Sulphur Springs, but will be bigger than the one we have now. Yes our store is 45,000 sq ft now. With a larger store we will be able to stock MORE items that we don't have now. We will have a better selection and yes we will have wider isles to manuver around in without literally bumping into each other in the store. For those of you have come to our store and didn't find what you wanted, but had to go to Greenville and did find it at there store, you won't have to do that anymore. We will also have food, possibly a vision center, one hour photo, and a snack bar (maybe even more).. We can't do that now because we don't have room.. If you get a chance go to Bonham and look at their store. It's a new size Wal-Mart for smaller cities.. Not a Mega-Store but nice.
Other positives, the new Wal-Mart will have more employees, thus, creating more jobs for Commerce. We have about 100 associates now, that number would increase to between 200-300.. Yes many are parttime jobs, but college students do have to work to support their school finances.. Yes, a larger store will help the cities tax base.. Thus, helping keep your taxes down. Yes, a larger store could help attract other new businesses, industry and yes more students to Texas A & M University-Commerce.
If you think that a larger Wal-Mart will hurt any other existing business in Commerce you are wrong. There will be no more impact on any of them than now. And with competition will spur better prices throughout the city.. To wit: FOOD PRICES... as you can see how prices have increased since Winn Dixie left Commerce. Prices have risen in the food industry because of NO COMPETITON..
In addressing some of the statements made by the article in the local paper (Nov 8th), our new store will not be as large as the one in Greenville. This year our store is making a profit, first time since 1981. We are proud of what we have been able to do for the store and the community. WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE BUILDING OF THE FUTURE OF COMMERCE,TX. One of the last statement in the article says, "there are more than 3000 Wal-marts, but only one Commerce, Texas"... yes that's right, if we don't have a Wal-Mart in Commerce in the future, I hope that you enjoy your ride to Greenville to buy your products that you can't get or can't afford here.
These a few examples for why we need a new store here in Commerce. Can you imagine what it would be like if we DIDN'T HAVE A WAL-MART here at all.. You might have to drive to Greenville and Sulphur Springs even more to get those things you need..
THINK ABOUT IT!!!
The ideas expressed here are my own and not those of Wal-Mart or anyone else. Roger Huffman
October 21,1998
University News Service - Taken from the Greenville Herald Banner....
COMMERCE - Discussions are under way for the proposed construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter on Texas A&M University-Commerce property.
According to A&M-Commerce officials, the talks involve the possible leasing of university property for the new store which would be an expansion and relocation of the existing Commerce Wal-Mart.
The proposed site is on university property at the southwest corner of Highway 50 and Loop 178. Also being discussed are the acquisition of a national chain hotel or motel and a national chain restaurant to be built on adjacent pieces of property at the site.
Real estate brokers representing Wal-Mart, A&M System officials, and A&M-Commerce administrators are participating in the talks.
The proposed ground lease and development of the property would have to be approved by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. If A&M-Commerce, the A&M-System, and Wal-Mart representatives decide to move forward with the proposal, the board could consider the matter at its Jan. 28-29 meeting.
Commenting on the negotiations, A&M-Commerce President Keith McFarland said, "This is an opportunity to expand the tax base of the City of Commerce, create jobs for Texas A&M University-Commerce students and area residents, and enhances our ability to attract a national chain hotel or motel.
"It further demonstrates our commitment to being good citizens in our community and stewards of taxpayer resources," McFarland said.
Terms of the proposed lease being discussed include the provision that A&M-Commerce would retain control as to the businesses which would be built at the site.
Real estate brokers representing Wal-Mart have said that the current Commerce Wal-Mart, located in the University Shopping Center, is one of the smallest stores operated by the company. Plans are for the new Wal-Mart to include groceries.
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By Marscha Boone
The East Texan - Taken from the East Texan - The Texas A & M Univerversity News Paper.
"This is a town headed in the right direction," said Texas A&M University-Commerce President Keith McFarland, "and these are exciting times to be living in Commerce."
Forty distinguished city and university leaders, gathered at a sit down dinner at Commerce City Hall Monday night, given by the city in honor of McFarland, were able to hear McFarland share the news of the current discussions for construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Commerce.
"About two months ago the A&M System was approached by Wal-Mart with the request to build a Supercenter [in Commerce, on Texas A&M University-Commerce land]," said McFarland.
"We would want to lease the land and not sell it. That way the university retains title. If we lease it, the university calls the shots, not an independent developer. Put all of that together and we'll be able to attract money to this community," he said.
The proposed site is the southwest corner of campus, where Highway 50 and Loop 178 (Culver) cross.
McFarland also said his hopes are for attracting a national hotel chain or motel, and national chain restaurants.
"I've been committed to getting a major hotel, with conference rooms, to come to Commerce for a long time," said McFarland. "The A&M System ultimately would have the final say. This is not a done deal, but this will be good for Commerce."
The existing Commerce Wal-Mart is one of the few remaining small stores, and Wal-Mart wants a change.
The proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter would be open 24 hours, and have a grocery section.
Realizing that many local merchants would not be pleased with another large store in town, McFarland said, "One thing worse than a new Wal-Mart Supercenter would be to lose this Wal-Mart and not get anything in its place. Wal-Mart is going to expand or pull out."
The new Wal-Mart would employ about 300 people, whereas the existing store employs 100. The 200 new jobs created by the Supercenter would benefit the university and the city.
"It demonstrates our commitment to being good citizens in our community. I see a circle-as the community gets better, we'll attract more students," said McFarland.
Looking ahead 30-40 years and where the university will be at that time, such concerns as distance education, the problems of Live Oak, and the need for good housing developments in Commerce were mentioned by McFarland.
"The university may have to make a decision, in order to attract [and keep] students," McFarland said.
The matter will be considered by the A&M System at its board meeting Jan. 28-29, 1999. If passed TAMU-C, the A&M System and Wal-Mart representatives will take measures toward progress.
McFarland concluded his comments by saying, "This city and institution has a good future. I'm very optimistic about this."
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I finally got a picture scanned from my trip to the Wal-Mart Share holders meeting in 1997... Here it is...
That's me in the middle in the cap. This was a wild bunch. We had fun.
In the News
Inventory - July 21st!!!!
Updated 10/14/00
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