Walgreens Brings 600 Jobs To City
by Thelma Sardin
Mega drugstore chain, Walgreens is bringing 600 new jobs to Chicago during the next two years.
Through the Chicago Hometown Investment Initiative, the drugstore chain will bring jobs to Chicago and quadruple the number of its stores located in food deserts from 11 to nearly 50.
An additional 300 jobs will be created from the remodeling of 142 Chicago Walgreens drugstores and new store openings.
Approximately half of the jobs will result from the expansion of Walgreens downtown office space for E-commerce and information technology.
Last week, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Walgreens expansion plans during a press conference at a recently renovated Walgreens in Chicagos Chatham neighborhood.
The Chatham store is the first store to be renovated under the new initiative; it includes a fresh food section.
This dual investment by Walgreens will have a profound effect on the city of Chicago, said Mayor Emanuel. The 600 new jobs will have a strong impact on our economy, and the nearly 40 new stores will allow many of our residents to get fresh, healthy food for their families. This is an example of a corporation that is committed to both the City of Chicago and its mission.
Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson shared his enthusiasm about the new business venture in a released statement.
Walgreens is proud of our historic roots in Chicago and pleased to take our presence in the city to a new level by bringing more jobs and contributing to the prosperity and quality of life here, said Wasson. We already employ more than 4,500 people in the city, and the additional jobs we plan to bring here will position us to serve community needs in new and better ways.
Several city officials and Walgreens executives were present for Mayor Emanuels announcement.
Ald. Michelle Harris, 8th Ward, expressed her joy regarding Walgreens expansion.
Our community is in dire need of jobs, jobs, jobs. Anytime theres a potential for growth in terms of economic development its a plus for our community. Im grateful that Walgreens is moving forward to [provide] more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Darren Benton, Walgreens Chicago West district manager said more stores in the Chicago area will be remodeled to add fresh food sections.
Hopefully by next year [there] should be more stores throughout the Chicagoland area, he said.
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