March 18, 2005 -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has selected Laramie County, WY as the site for a new distribution center.

The new facility, to be located in Laramie County adjacent to Interstate 80 on Round Top Road, will begin construction in late 2005 with planned service to stores expected in Spring 2007.

Initial hiring of approximately 500 area residents is expected to begin in Fall 2006. Full-time Wal-Mart associates are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, profit sharing, 401K, paid vacations, stock purchase plan, scholarships and store discounts.

“The Laramie County distribution center will provide Wal-Mart the opportunity to better serve our stores in the surrounding area,” said Rollin Ford, Executive Vice President of Logistics for Wal-Mart. “It is a significant project that represents our continued commitment to Wyoming as a partner in both economic development and community.”

“Additionally,” Ford noted, “while it took a collective effort by many different people and parties to help site the proposed project in Wyoming, special recognition should be given to Governor Dave Fruedenthal and the state’s economic development team. Their leadership throughout this process has been instrumental in ensuring that these good paying jobs came to Wyoming. We would also like to express our appreciation to Randy Bruns CEO of Cheyenne LEADS, Laramie County Commissioner Diane Humphrey, Laramie County Commissioner Jeff Ketcham, Laramie County Commissioner Jack Knudson, the LEADS Board of Directors, Mayor Jack Spiker, the Cheyenne City Council, and the Wyoming Business Council.”

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.