RICHMOND, VA, 2016-Apr-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — In advance of Wegmans opening stores in Midlothian and Short Pump, the Richmond region already sees benefits from the grocery chain’s new jobs, commitment to community improvement and their local United Way partnership.
On April 7, James L.M. Taylor, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg and United Way Board Chair-Elect Anthony Conte, Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo met with Wegmans Midlothian Store Manager Jerry Shelly and Short Pump Store Manager Todd Strassner in front of the 115,000-square-foot Midlothian store, set to open May 22.
The $12,883 donation combines a $2,000 corporate gift with $10,883 given by Wegmans’ Midlothian and Short Pump employees. Each store will employ approximately 550 employees, 500 of whom will be new to the company and hired locally.
”We’re committed to making a difference in every community we serve,” said Shelly. “Giving to the United Way provides an opportunity for us to begin serving the Richmond community even before our stores open for business.” Wegmans focuses on five key giving areas: Feeding the hungry, helping young people succeed, encouraging healthy eating and activity, enriching store neighborhoods, and supporting United Way initiatives.
“We’re excited to welcome Wegmans to our region. We thank them for their commitment to community and United Way initiatives. This gift represents a combined first step towards improving lives of the individuals we both serve,” said Taylor.
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an 88-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 19 consecutive years, ranking #4 in 2016.
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg – United Way serves 11 localities: the cities of Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Richmond, and the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan. By focusing on the building blocks of a good life – education, income, and health – United Way works in partnership with others to create opportunities for those most in need and improve the quality of life for all.
Contact Information: Wegmans Foods Markets: Jo Natale, vice president of media relations, 585-429-3627
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg: Jason Bethke, director of donor retention, 703-203-5402