From Ray’s Desk…..From Ray’s Desk…..From Ray’s Desk…..From Ray’s Desk….. Time is flying by it seems. We are about to end the 1st Quarter of FYE 2009. It has been an “up and down” quarter for us, something that I am quite frankly glad is soon to be over. Results for the “My Share Bonus” are still a bit up in the air until the tracker is updated. As soon as I know exactly what the numbers are I will share them with you.

I want to take a minute to talk about a few priorities and expectations for the 2nd Quarter that have been established.

Region 10 - 5 Priorities

1) Performance to Plan 2) Sales Results 3) Corporate Initiatives 4) 4 Pillars (below) 5) Shrink Control

4 Pillars of Division U

1) Improve Service 2) Develop Talent 3) GM Sales Improvements 4) Expense Control

We will be discussing more in the weeks to come. In the mean time- work on the parts that you can control and the parts that you can make a positive difference with.

Thank you for what you do for our store.

Ray Korsch Store Manager

Cinco de Mayo!!!Cinco de Mayo!!!Cinco de Mayo!!!Cinco de Mayo!!!

Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day… WRONG! Many Americans believe that, but the actual holiday stems from America, not Mexico. On May 5, 1862- Mexican forces held back, and defeated the French Army in the Battle of Puebla. The French eventually took over Mexico City a year later. The holiday of “Cinco de Mayo” started in 1863- in of all places- California. Mexican-Americans living in California at the time started holding festivals and celebrations on May 5 in response to the resistance movements towards the French Monarchy ruling Mexico. It was their way of letting the government know they were once defeated on May 5th- and will be again. The celebration slowly started moving back to Mexico, primarily in the Mexican state of Puebla. It was a day of Mexican Pride, a day to honor your Mexican heritage. Four years later- Mexico became an independent country, and the tradition of “Cinco de Mayo” continues to this day. This May 5th, remember the real meaning behind “Cinco de Mayo”- celebrate, have fun, but please stay safe.

Economic Stimulus PaymentsEconomic Stimulus PaymentsEconomic Stimulus PaymentsEconomic Stimulus Payments As you may have heard, most of us will soon be getting a little extra money from the government. Below you will find a guide as to when you will receive your money.

DIRECT DEPOSIT Last 2 SSN Digits: Payment Date: 00 - 20 May 02 21 - 75 May 09 76 - 99 May 16

PAPER CHECK Last 2 SSN Digits: Payment Date: 00 - 09 May 16 10 - 18 May 23 19 - 25 May 30 26 - 38 June 05 39 - 51 June 13 52 - 63 June 20 64 - 75 June 27 76 - 87 July 04 88 - 99 July 11 Please note that this guide was provided by www.irs.gov, and has nothing to do with Wal-Mart. Please visit the IRS website for more details.

The Squiggly NewsletterThe Squiggly NewsletterThe Squiggly NewsletterThe Squiggly Newsletter Vol. I No. II - May 01, 2008 Wal-Mart Store #1004 - Established 1987 Written by : Support Manager Gabor

SpotSpotSpotSpot----Light ManagerLight ManagerLight ManagerLight Manager

Name: Barbara S. Title: Dept. Manager - Jewelry Joined Wal-Mart: Sept 1987 Barb is one of only a very few associates remaining from the early days of #1004, when our store was located on Manatee Avenue. She’s been thru it all, and has seen many changes over the years. She believes our store only gets better as the years go by- but also reminisces about all the good times she had at the old store. Barb met Sam Walton when she worked at Store 1171. She laughs as she recites a misquote Sam told her crew, “Wal-Mart has the Highest Prices, and the Lowest Quality!” Sam then realized his mistake- and quickly said, “I mean our competitors do!” Barbara started her career at the original Store #528, when it was on Cortez Road, she then transferred to Store #1171, and finally the original #1004. Barb’s been working in the Jewelry Department since day one. Most of Barb’s Jewelry associates have been with her for several years.

When Barb first moved to the Bradenton area- she never even heard of a “Wal-Mart” before. The first Bradenton Wal-Mart didn’t open until 1983. Barb’s husband became disabled so she applied for a job at that first Wal-Mart. Now- 21 years later, Barb says Wal-Mart has gotten a lot bigger, but we are all still a big family, and Wal-Mart will never change, as long as it’s associates remain the same.

Barbara and her husband have been married for 35 years. They have 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and one great-grand child. Barb loves to read novels: Dan Brown, Stephen King, and the Harry Potter series are some of her favorites. She also loves to hang out with her grandkids and go to the beach.

Barb says she has no plans on leaving Wal-Mart anytime soon. She will continue working at our store until they kick her out the door. It’s dedicated associates like her that make our store one of the best in the area. When she finally does retire, Barb plans on writing a children’s novel.

Barb working at Wal-Mart (1992)

AnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversariesAnniversaries 04/21/08 - 05/03/08

☺ 16 Years: Maggie G. ☺ 15 Years: Robert M. ☺ 12 Years: Adelina L. ☺ 12 Years: David H. ☺ 9 Years: Lily F. ☺ 7 Years: Nhieu L. ☺ 6 Years: Bruce M. ☺ 5 Years: Deanna T. ☺ 3 Years: Nicholas G. ☺ 3 Years: Carmen A. ☺ 3 Years: Sheila H. ☺ 3 Years: Lisa F. ☺ 3 Years: Julia R. ☺ 2 Years: Deeanna M. ☺ 2 Years: Kristine S.

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CMN Donations

April 2008

$9,762.06 (as of 04/29/2008)

Thanks to all our associates!

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Comment BoxComment BoxComment BoxComment Box

As you many have noticed- there is a new comment box between the Co-Managers office. Please use this box to express any constructive concerns or comments you may have about issues in our store. This can also include customer comments, or anything related to this newsletter as well. All concerns will be addressed in a timely matter.

FUN FACT: The word “Cheeseburger” is a registered trademark owned by Louis Ballast. He never enforced his right to the trademark, and it soon became the name of the sandwich we know today. Cheeseburger became part of the greater lexicon, like Velcro or Kleenex. Other trademarks we use everyday include: Escalator, Dumpster, Aspirin, Popsicles, Band-Aid, Q-Tips, Linoleum, and even Zipper.

Loss Prevention CornerLoss Prevention CornerLoss Prevention CornerLoss Prevention Corner

Who is “Taylor”? Taylor is a code name for our Loss Prevention associates. If you see any suspicious activities or you need to get a hold of Loss Prevention please page “Taylor” to your area. Don’t page for “Security”. Paging for “Security” only brings unwanted attention to your area, and it might escalate to bigger problems. Paging for Taylor will get the right associates to your area to handle the situation without drawing too much attention. Here are some key points on how to handle a shoplifter if you happen to see one: never approach the shoplifter. Never accuse a shoplifter of stealing, even if you watched them doing it with your own eyes. Make a note of what the person looks like and call for Taylor. Once Management or LP arrives, discreetly tell them what’s going on. Keep yourself safe and let “Taylor” handle the situation. Management and Loss Prevention are trained on how to handle situations like this. Article written by Tracy D. (APC) and Gabor S. (Support Manager)

LP April Stats:

5 CC Cases: $5,200 8 Shoplifting Cases: $1,300

1 Internal Cases: $270

Mother’s DayMother’s DayMother’s DayMother’s Day

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother’s Day to honor the mothers who had lost their sons at war.

That is the “true” meaning of Mother’s Day- but it means so much more than that. Mother’s Day is a day to remember what your mother has done for you. She gave birth to you, she loved you, and she was always there for you. It’s a day to let your mother know how much you appreciate all she has done for you and your family.

We would like to wish our associates: all the mothers, wives, and even soon-to-be mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day!

…..and to all the guys- our Jewelry, Greeting Card, and Floral Departments have all your Mother’s Day shopping needs this Sunday, May 11th….. Don’t forget, that date was: Sunday, May 11th.

A Taste of Italy NightA Taste of Italy NightA Taste of Italy NightA Taste of Italy Night

Bob P. serving food

We would like to personally thank all the associates that took part in our Taste of Italy Night. We raised almost $250 for the Give Kids the World Charities. Thanks to all the associate that took time out of their busy lives to cook food. Thanks to all the associates that donated money, and Special Thanks to Bob P. of Hardware for coming up with the initial idea for this charity drive. Third Shift raised over $500 in the month of April for Give Kids the World… Asst Phil, I hope you have your Mr. Incredible tights ready…..

FUN FACT: The Statue of Liberty is in New Jersey, not New York. The island that the Statue of Liberty is located on, Liberty Island, is actually within New Jersey’s state lines. The State of New York governs the island, but it’s physically within New Jersey’s waters.

SpotSpotSpotSpot----Light AssociateLight AssociateLight AssociateLight Associate

Name: Anna K. Title: Cashier Joined Wal-Mart: April 1996 Anna was born in Poland, and grew up in Germany. She speaks Polish, German, Russian, English- and has a Masters Degree in Commercial Economy. She is married with two kids. Before moving to America, Anna worked for Vit Magazine, a travel agency where she had the opportunity to travel all around Europe rating 5 Star Hotels. She also worked as an Accountant in a large Wal-Mart-type store. Anna came to our Wal-Mart when we first opened. She helped set up the store before the grand opening in 1996. She came here from K-Mart because she wanted to work in a larger store where she could interact with more customers. Anna loves our customers- and it shows. She has gotten numerous customers complements, and has won several awards over the years.

Associates of the MonthAssociates of the MonthAssociates of the MonthAssociates of the Month

May 2008

Larry (Frozen) Ingo (Deli) Melvin (TLE) Suki (Jewelry) Maria (OTC) Deanna (CSM) Gabor (Support Manager) Marcia (Toys) Barbarann (Stationary Manager) Roberta (Instock 1) Debra (HBA Manager) Anthony (TLE) Tony (Meat) Donna (Bakery) Ken (Photo)

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication- Management Team.

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Women’s HWomen’s HWomen’s HWomen’s Health Dayealth Dayealth Dayealth Day

Our store will be holding a special Women’s Health Day on May 3rd, between 10 AM to 4 PM. Look for exciting events and vendors all around the store. We will also be handing out free booklets to our customers titled, “A Few of Our Favorite Things”.

**************************** Our Store has:

1 Store Manager 2 Co-Managers

11 Assistant Managers 4 Support Managers

488 Associates

Anna is our 2007 Cashier of the Year, plus she is also a five-time “4 Star Cashier” winner! When Anna is not giving exceptional customer service at our store- she loves to ride her bike, play tennis, golf, and work in her garden. She also is an avid Nintendo Wii gamer. *****************************

The 5 StepThe 5 StepThe 5 StepThe 5 Step

CheckCheckCheckCheck----Out ProcessOut ProcessOut ProcessOut Process

Do you know it?

1) Greet the Customer 2) Smile 3) Ask for Express Credit 4) Ask for a CMN Donation 5) Thank the Customer *****************************

Ginger’s Funny CornerGinger’s Funny CornerGinger’s Funny CornerGinger’s Funny Corner

Did you hear the sad news? The California Raisins are dead! The police suspect it was a cereal murder.

FUN FACT: The Giant Panda and the Red Panda are not Bears. They look like bears, but are actually in the Raccoon Family. Some scientists do place them in the bear family, but genetically they are more related to raccoons. On a side note - Koala Bears aren’t bears either- they are marsupials, like kangaroos.