Walmart of Escanaba Store Director Christine Bauer, together with store employees, holds the Great Lakes Business of the Year Award presented at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner Oct. 9. (Contributed photo)

At the Delta County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on Oct. 9, the Great Lakes Business of the Year Award was presented to Walmart of Escanaba by Upper Peninsula Michigan Works.

Like the waters of Lake Michigan that shape our shores, Walmart continues to shape our community — flowing with innovation, service, and generosity that enriches the lives of those around them.

This past year, Walmart completed a major remodel of its Escanaba location, reimagining the shopping experience from the ground up. They’ve introduced expanded departments, dynamic new displays and modernized their pharmacy with wider aisles and private consultation areas. They’ve also enhanced online pickup and delivery services — always keeping customers at the heart of everything they do.

But this investment is about more than fresh paint and new features — it’s about new energy, sustaining local jobs and opening the channels opportunities right here in Delta County. Walmart’s commitment to reinvesting in this store is a win for economic development, keeping dollars local, attracting more shoppers to our woods and water community, and strengthening the foundation for other businesses to rise with the tide of growth and success.

Walmart’s impact goes far beyond retail. In 2024, they donated $29.4 million to Michigan communities, provided more than 13 million meals through local food banks, and spent $3.1 billion with Michigan suppliers, supporting nearly 40,000 jobs statewide. These are not just numbers — they’re families supported, opportunities created and communities strengthened.

We also want to recognize the Walmart employees — their steady crew remains at the helm of the store. Their hard work, dedication, and welcoming spirit keep operations sailing smoothly and make shopping a positive experience.

Walmart’s investment in their employees and their store flow through our local economy like the tides of the Great Lakes — constant, powerful and renewing. Their commitment to both people and progress reflects the enduring strength of the waters that define us.

Walmart was honored not only for their success as a business but for their vision as a partner — one that continues to make Delta County a better place to live, work and grow.