By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Over the past year, many Walmart stores across the state and the country have undergone major multimillion-dollar construction projects, and San Benito’s superstore was no exception.
Once the work was completed, Walmart held a grand reopening last week to mark the occasion. Several Walmart vendors set up tents and booths in the parking lot to enhance the celebratory atmosphere for customers who continued to shop inside.
Collegiate, high school, and middle school cheer and dance teams lined up in a long line, giving customers a loud welcome they wouldn’t soon forget.
Store director Victor Bravo told a raucous crowd of more than 200 people gathered outside the local Walmart that the store has served the community since 1989. He added that reconstructing the store cost $11 million.
“This was endless hard work to get this done, and it happened not only for us, associates of this magnificent store, but also for you, our community,” Bravo said. “You deserve it, and we so appreciate you. Now you have your Walmart, which is so very beautiful, and it’s for you.”
It gave store directors and managers the opportunity to recognize their associates, some of whom have been with the company for up to 30 years.
Walmart Manager Jose Villarreal said, “It is a great day for San Benito.”
“This is all a journey, one from what we are learning,” Villarreal.
He said Walmart has a strong presence in the Rio Grande Valley, with stores in Donna, Port Isabel, and Brownsville undergoing similar remodeling projects.
Law enforcement was present at the event for all the right reasons.
San Benito Police Chief Mario Perea and Cameron County Sheriff Manuel “Manny” Treviño attended, along with some of their staff.
“I do want to recognize what Mr. Bravo and Mr. Villarreal, namely that they immediately recognize their team, which is so important,” said Sheriff Treviño, who received applause for his remarks. “I know it for a fact because if it weren’t for my team, I wouldn’t be able to do anything.”
In addition to Police Chief Perea, the City of San Benito was represented by City Manager Carlos Perea and Commissioner Ricardo Perez.
The newly elected leader addressed the Walmart hierarchy: “You all do an awesome job here. Why do I say that? Because I love hearing that people from Harlingen come and shop here,” Commissioner Perez said.
He gave them positive reasons why San Benito’s Walmart beats Harlingen, including “cleanliness and customer service.”
Locals laughed at the comment, then applauded and cheered.
The noise level was similar to what dozens of San Benito and Rio Hondo high school cheerleaders and dancers made to customers in their lines, which began at the entrance and extended past the registers.
San Benito Chamber of Commerce Director Alma Flores emceed the grand reopening and said the event was more than a celebration, it was an example of what happens when a community thrives.
“Today is a wonderful example of what happens when a business invests in the community; Walmart has been an important part of San Benito, providing jobs, serving local families, and continuing to invest right here in our city and in surrounding communities as well,” Flores said.
In keeping with Flores’ statement, the celebration was also an opportunity for Walmart to give back to the community. Walmart checks were awarded to the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District ($5,000), San Benito Boys and Girls Club ($1,300), Communities in School of Cameron County ($1,000), and Rio Grande Valley Humane Society ($1,000).
“This is one of the best parts of what we do here today, and that is giving back to the community,” said 32-year Walmart associate Norma Escobedo regarding the community engagement and donation presentations.
Escobedo also recognized fellow associates who have reached the 30-year mark, including Victor Lopez, Patsy Gaither, Griselda Cuellar, and Guadalupe Rodriguez, as well as 35-year associates, Jesus Rodriguez and Rosalva Limon.
Other associates who received “coaching” promotions and will be relocating to other locations are Samantha Hernandez, Esmeralda Mancillas, and Damian Garcia.
Mariachi Del Sol also performed at the event.