Should Wal-Mart be allowed in Cedar Mill?

The following debate about Wal-Mart will occur at the Washington County Public Affairs Forum on November 7, 2005.

Should Wal-Mart be allowed in Cedar Mill?

Speaker #1: Pro: Eric Berger, Director of Community Affairs, Wal-Mart.

Speaker #2: Con: Steve Kaufman, Save Cedar Mill.

In the 1980s, Wal-Mart became one of the most successful retailers in America. Sales grew to $26 billion by 1989, compared to $1 billion in 1980. Employment increased tenfold. At the end of the decade there were nearly 1,400 stores. The first Supercenter, featuring a complete grocery department along with the 36 departments of general merchandise, opened in 1988. Wal-Mart sees itself as a textbook example of managing rapid growth without losing sight of the company's basic values. In Wal-Mart's case, they state their basic value is customer service. Learn more at the Wal-Mart Web Site

Steve Kaufman, Chairman of "Save Cedar Mill", will speak against having a Wal-Mart in Cedar Mill. "Save Cedar Mill" was formed in March, 2005 shortly after concerned citizens of Cedar Mill learned of the proposed Cedar Mill Wal-Mart store. What began as a loose confederation of concerned neighbors quickly became a non-profit corporation led by volunteers and supported by more than 1,000 members. Learn more at the Save Cedar Mill Web Site

This promises to be a lively debate.

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The forum meets over lunch every Monday at the Beaverton Elks Club.

Lunch costs $10.50 and covers the cost for the room. There is no charge for attending, but people are strongly encouraged to buy lunch.

People tend to start gathering for lunch around 11:30 and the speakers start at noon. The speakers talk until around one O'Clock, which includes the question and answer period.

Only paid up members are allowed to ask questions of the speakers but it only costs $30.00 per year to become a member. You can become a member on the spot by handing the treasurer $30.00.

All programs are video taped and broadcast over Tualatin Valley Television.

The Forum address is:

Beaverton Elks Club
3500 SW 104th Avenue
Beaverton, Oregon 97005-1941
Phone: 503-646-6116

Visit our web site to learn more about the Washington County Public Affairs Forum. It is at http://www.washingtoncountyforum.org