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| Two Down, One to Go |
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| Ontonagon Saturday May 30, 2008 Today in Ontonagon, Pamida opened it's fifth new store this year. While the store has been open since last Friday, today was the Grand Opening Celebration. More events will also take place tomorrow. Although the weather was not as good as it could be residents still came out for the ribbon cutting, speeches and music. |
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| The morning began with the Ontonagon High School Band
playing the National Anthem and was immediately followed
by the speeches, which were all short and to the point and
enjoyable for the audience. Betty Lewis opened up with her
welcoming everyone and introducing the guest speakers
along with her assistant manager Cheryl Mason. |
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| The first speaker following Betty Lewis was Bill
Young, Vice President of Operations. Mr. Young told the crowd that as of this morning, with the opening of the Ononagon store Pamida now has 22 stores in Michigan and 216 stores nationwide. Pamida has now opened 5 new store in 2008 and 4 more stores to be opened this year. Mr. Young stated that "Pamida's focused on three things; driving sales, wowing the customers and service to their communities." He went on to say " that these were not just words at Pamida, but a part of its culture." |
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| Scott Frazer, Ontonagon's mayor, told the audience
that "he was putting aside his prepared speech to speak
from his heart" he told the audience when the rumors of
the Pamida store first surfaced people told him that
they'll believe it when they see it. Scott told the
audience look around them and believe it. Mayor Frazer
spoke to the fact that since the White Pine Mine closed
most economic news was bad news. The opening of the new
Pamida store is thee first good economic new for the
community. The store's opening has created 24 new local
jobs. |
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| Vicky James the Chamber of Commerce President said"
that she too had a prepared speech but she was going to
let the store speak for itself." She went on to thank
everyone in attendance and all those who waited and waited
for the store to finally open. She thanked the folks at
Pamida for their tenacity in staying the course. Ms. James
said on behalf of the 93 Chamber members and the Chamber
Board welcome Pamida to our community and "thank God your
finally here. |
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| State Representative Mike Latti was on hand to thank
Pamida and to recognize that 24 new jobs was significant
to Ontonagon and the tax base for the State of Michigan .
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| After Latti's speech, Betty Lewis, on behalf of the Pamida Corporation presented checks to local organizations; Checks for $1,000 were donated to the Library, O.A.S.D and the Ontonagon Volunteer Fire Department |
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| Betty Lewis presents check in the amount of $1,000 to Erik Smith for the library |
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| a second check for $1,000 to Matt Lukshaitis for the O.A.S.D. |
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| Scott Roehm accepts another $1,000 Pamida check for the Ontonagon Volunteer Fire Department. |
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| The opening ceremonies then concluded with more music
from the "small but mighty band" from Ontonagon High
School. Depleted by graduation Band Director Ben Mayor
substituted on Trombone. Great job! |
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| Jilley, on hand for the Grand Opening. |
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