Wal-Mart shareholders gather for annual meeting

(Fayetteville-AP) -- Wal-Mart executives this morning praised the unseen workforce that keeps the products on the shelves of the world's largest retailer.<br><br>The company kicked off its annual shareholders

Friday, June 6th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Fayetteville-AP) -- Wal-Mart executives this morning praised the unseen workforce that keeps the products on the shelves of the world's largest retailer.

The company kicked off its annual shareholders meeting in Fayettville this morning at the Bud Walton Arena with the usual festive atmosphere. A rock band played and led the crowd in cheers.

The early part of the meeting was devoted to honoring the back shop workers. Executives praised the work of Wal-Mart's extensive trucking and warehouse network, the skeletal system of the company.

Tom Coughlin, who heads domestic Wal-Mart stores, noted that the company' real estate and store planning offices are playing a key role as the company continues to grow. He says they contribute by picking the right locations for stores and getting them started.