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News/Noticias Americans say Wal-Mart is #1 as "Good Corporate Citizen" Cone/Roper Report Cites Company's Community Involvement Bentonville, AR (May 17, 1999) — Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is proud to announce it has been named the nation's #1 "Good Corporate Citizen" in The 1999 Cone/Roper Cause Related Trends Report. According to the five-year benchmark study on companies, consumers and causes, one in four Americans were able to spontaneously name the retailer as a "Good Corporate Citizen," bumping McDonald's from the top spot it held since 1993. Two thousand Americans were questioned in-person for the study that explains why Americans are finding everywhere they turn, companies seem to be promoting or contributing to various causes. The report indicates that over the past five years, hundreds of companies have launched new cause programs. However, without prompting, Americans recognize and remember only a few specific companies who break through the clutter. Emerging at the top of consumer consciousness this year is Wal-Mart. "This high recognition represents the effectiveness of several best practices," says Carol Cone, Chief Executive Officer of Cone Inc. "Wal-Mart contributed more than $100 million in 1997 to support children and families via strategic cause programs, corporate contributions, in-kind gifts and employee volunteerism. Almost all of its funding initiatives are managed by local stores and benefit their local communities." "We're particularly proud to have Americans recognize Wal-Mart as a Good Corporate Citizen," says Wal-Mart Chief Executive Officer and President David Glass. "While we are honored to learn there are people who are cognizant of our community involvement, it is even more heartening to know that Americans care that we share their concern for, and commitment to, the people and issues they face in each of our communities." The 1999 Cone/Roper Cause Related Trends Report will be available in its entirety mid May. Cone Inc. is a strategic marketing firm that develops and implements cause programs. Roper Starch Worldwide, Inc. is a full-service research firm that conducts marketing and opinion research in the United States and abroad. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates more than 2,450 stores and some 450 SAM'S Clubs in the United States. Wal-Mart employs more than 780,000 associates in the United States and 115,000 internationally. In 1998, the company raised and donated more than $127 million for charitable organizations. Wal-Mart (WMT) is listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges.
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