The Walmart at 7010 Auburn Blvd. marked its grand reopening Dec. 5 with a morning of ceremonies, community presentations and ribbon cutting hosted in partnership with the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Walmart at 7010 Auburn Blvd. marked its grand reopening Dec. 5 with a morning of ceremonies, community presentations and ribbon cutting hosted in partnership with the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce.

City officials, residents, vendors, customers and local organizations filled the entrance area of Store No. 3712, where refreshments were served and a series of presentations highlighted the retail site’s renewed role in the community.

The event opened with a flag-raising led by the Citrus Heights Veterans Community Center. The store’s previous flag was retired before a new flag was raised, followed by a performance of the National Anthem.

Field representatives from area, state and federal offices presented certificates of recognition to store managers. From left are, Market Manager Christine Remington, emcee Alma Valdez, Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff, Forrest Johnson, Natalya Sachuk, Kosim Latipov and Josh Gumacall.

Major Peter Pamberton of the Salvation Army offered an invocation, telling the crowd, “We pray that this place will be more than a center of commerce. Let it be a place of community connection, a place where people are treated with kindness, where needs are met, where relationships are strengthened and where the culture reflects dignity, fairness and respect for every person who enters.”

Store and market leadership shared details about the months-long renovation, which began in July and included updates to the layout, expanded grocery selections, bathrooms and a new break room for associates. A solar installation project is underway and expected to continue through mid-March.

“Thank you all for joining us as we celebrate the reopening of the store,” said Roseville Walmart store manager Vitaliy Stpanov. “Our team has put in tremendous effort to transform this store. It represents our renewed commitment to convenience, quality and value for our customers.”

Market manager Christine Remington said the remodel posed challenges during the busy fourth quarter but resulted in significant improvements.

Several Walmart employees were recognized at the grand reopening on Dec 5. highlighting their contributions to the project.

“When you go inside, you’ll see a lot of enhancements, including refreshed groceries, updated fashion, reimagined infants’ departments, improved pets and elevated home lines,” said Remington, noting that the project allowed Walmart to hire 45 new associates. “We want this to be the best place to shop and work.”

During the event, leadership announced the promotion of associate Greg Goodrich. Katrina, a management team member, spoke about his contributions.

“Moments like these are some of the best parts of leadership, when we get to pause and reflect and recognize the people whose contributions make this tam stronger every single day,” Katrina said. “What sets this individual apart isn’t just skill; its character.”

City officials offered remarks congratulating the store on its reopening. Citrus Heights Vice Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff thanked Walmart for its local presence.

The Walmart grand reopening event on Dec. 5 opened with a new flag raised by the Citrus Heights Veterans Community Center.

“We appreciate the partnership that a big retail store like Walmart provides to our community. You not only provide goods and groceries but you provide jobs. You provide support to families in the community and that is so important to the city of Citrus Heights,” Lopez-Taff said.

Field representatives from area, state and federal offices presented certificates of recognition, including Josh Gumacall with Congressman Ami Bera, Kosim Latipov with Sen. Roger Niello, Natalya Sachuk with Assemblyman Josh Hoover and Forrest Johnson with Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez.

A check presentation ceremony followed, with Walmart distributing donations to several local organizations that make an impact on the community.

Citrus Heights Police Activities League received $3,000, which was accepted by Citrus Heights Police Department Commander Kris Frey.

The Citrus Heights Police Activities League received a $3,000 donation accepted by Citrus Heights Police Department Commander Kris Frey.

“Our mission is to breach the gap between law enforcement and the youth in our community,” Frey said. “Our entire police department focus on prioritizing youth and we couldn’t do it without the support from our local partners.”

Frey also invited the community to the annual Shop with a Cop event, scheduled for Dec. 16 at the store.

The Sacramento Food Bank received a $2,000 donation, accepted by David Tolbert and Christina Cleveland. Tolbert said that Walmart plays a key role in feeding families throughout the region, explaining that the organization delivered 1.4-million meals last year, with 70,000 meals coming directly from the Citrus Heights Walmart. Cleveland, director of development, added that the food bank now serves more than 370,000 people each month.

“It takes a village to take care of our community,” Cleveland said. “Walmart is such an important part of that village.”

About Kids, a Fair Oaks nonprofit, serving low-income families, received $1,000 donation from Walmart. From left are Market Manager Christine Remington, Executive Director Matt Casper and emcee Alma Valdez.

About Kids, a Fair Oaks nonprofit organization serving low-income families, received $1,000. The store is a long-term partner, About Kids Executive Director Matt Casper said, adding that annual school-supply drives at the Citrus Heights location bring in about $25,000 worth of supplies each year. The donations help fill backpacks that have reached more than 5,000 students over the past 15 years. Casper also noted the success of a recent toy drive that resulted in 10 truckloads of toys donated by Walmart customers.

Single Mom Strong also received $1,000, accepted by founder Tara Taylor. She said the organization, which supports about 1,500 single-mother families in the region, relies on partnerships such as Walmart’s to keep program costs affordable.

The final check of the morning, $3,000 for The Salvation Army, was accepted by Major Peter Pamberton (middle).

The final check of the morning, $3,000 for The Salvation Army, was accepted by Major Peter Pamberton.

“As the Salvation Army bring hope into the darkest lives, we just want you to know that we are so grateful for your continued support,” said Pamberton. “The Salvation Army recognizes that we can’t do the work we do alone. We are truly dependent on strong community leadership partners and at the top of our list is Walmart.”

The celebration concluded with a ribbon cutting marking the official reopening of the store following months of construction and preparation.