It’s that time of year again when Walmart Stores, Inc. associates from across the globe descend on northwest Arkansas for the annual shareholder’s meeting.
They come from four continents, including all corners of the U.S., and places such as Brazil, the United Kingdom, China and India to tour the home of Walmart and see some big names perform before the early morning shareholder’s meeting on Friday.
The meeting means more to the U. Arkansas than just traffic jams and tourists — helping orchestrate the event means big money for the university, said Steve Voorhies, UA media relations manager.
During last year’s meeting, the UA brought in about $1.15 million during the week of the meeting for housing and feeding associates ($800,000), working security ($170,000 to UAPD), providing parking and transit ($165,000) and helping set up ($8,100). This year, parking will be making more money, because Lot 56 is being added to the available parking space.
For students, the meeting is an opportunity to make some quick cash during the slow summer months. The UA hired 28 students to work the residence halls where the associates are staying.
For senior Anthony Farler, the ability to interact with a variety of people is one of the best parts of the job, aside from the money, of course.
“It’s a really big deal for these international people to come over here all expenses paid. They absolutely love it,” he said.
Farler said he plans to have worked about 70 hours during the week, and is excited about how much money he will make.
In addition to being a cash cow for the UA and its students, the meeting brings about a heightened global awareness about the institution.
“Quite apart from the money, this is just excellent exposure of the UA to the world,” Voorhies said. “People come from all over the country, and this year from Russia, India and China as well as places like the United Kingdom and South America. This is the first time most of these people will ever have seen northwest Arkansas or the UA.”
Tuesday night the Zac Brown Band opened a packed Bud Walton Arena for country singer Tim McGraw. Tonight will feature the Barenaked Ladies and REO Speedwagon.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Door open at 6 p.m. with priority given to Walmart employees and their guests.