By By Lisa Tindell- news editor
Invited guests were able to get a pre-opening look at the new Brewton Walmart Supercenter Monday evening during a special celebration and ceremony.
Store manager Bill Willis welcomed business and community leaders to the event as he praised officials, residents and associates at the store.
Brewton Mayor Ted Jennings said there are many benefits to have Walmart come to any town.
Jennings outlined an array of benefits seen in communities where Walmart becomes a presence.
Jennings also said Walmart will provide a sense of competition which is good business in any town.
Jennings said he is proud to be an associate of Walmart and believes the new facility will be good for the area it serves.
Also during Monday's ceremony, Walmart worked at continuing a portrayal of their community-based ideals, by presenting $18,000 in grand opening grants to area organizations.
Willis said he was proud to make this contribution to the citizens of the community.
Nine area organizations benefited from Monday's presentations that included a $5,000 grant to the Pine Grove Community Outreach program. Nathaniel Nicholson accepted the grant for the program.
Other recipients in the grant award ceremony included the City of Brewton Police Department - $1,000; City of East Brewton Police Department - $1,000; Escambia County Sheriffs Department - $1,000; Sacred Heart Foundation - $2,000; W.S. Neal Middle School - $2,000; W.S. Neal Elementary - $2,000; Brewton Middle School - $2,000; Brewton Elementary School - $2,000.
The Brewton Supercenter will make contributions throughout the year, Willis said. Groups interested in learning more about funding from Walmart can contact the store for details or go to www.walmartfoundation.org.
The Walmart Supercenter hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week with initial opening at 8 a.m. today.