Fionn Oblatt blog

AP Interview: Wal-Mart CEO talks leadership, life

NEW YORK – Wal-Mart CEO Mike Duke leads the world's biggest retailer, which has 2.1 million employees and serves 200 million customers each week. He crisscrosses the globe every month, yet still finds time to spend with his family.

Here are excerpts from a recent interview Duke did with The Associated Press in New York:

Q. When does the day start for you?

A. I usually get up between 5:30 and 6. The good news in Bentonville, Arkansas, is I can be in the office seven minutes later. I like to get in, work on e-mails and catch up. I like to have no e-mails (in my inbox).

Q. How does a CEO keep his inbox empty?

A. If you looked at my garage, you'd probably see there's a relationship between my garage and my e-mail. I just don't like things undone. I'd rather work five minutes longer and have it (done) today than to carry five minutes over (to) tomorrow and start tomorrow five minutes in the hole.

Q. How do you balance the nitty-gritty of the business with looking at the big picture?

A. If I spend all of my day in the details as a CEO of a company like Wal-Mart, I think it would be trouble, because I wouldn't really be prepared to speak to the big issues that the country or the world should face. But at the same time, if you spend all of the time at 50,000 feet, (you) really are not out talking to customers and know real people. ... I think it's often the interaction directly with customers in the details of their family and their issues is what inspires me to want to help solve the big issues.

Q. Consumers retrenched during the Great Recession. Which habits are sticking?

A. Customers are shopping smarter, and I think customers are proud of that. It can be the customer that has to shop smarter because of maybe limited income, but also the middle-income and higher-income customer wants to shop smarter today. They want to feel proud of the way that they use their financial resources.

Q. Wal-Mart has struggled more than competitors to grow its revenue post-recession. Part of that was veering away from everyday low prices and part was weeding out too many products and brands. How do you react when Wal-Mart makes a mistake?

A. I don't know that there's a business model that says, 'You're going to empower the organization. You're going to experiment. You're going to change and try new things all the time, but you're not going to make any mistakes.' I'm probably not willing to commit that we're positioned to do that.

Q. How often do you check Wal-Mart's stock price?

A. Maybe every other day ... I look at sales every day, and customer traffic, and (the) average (shopping) basket. I look to see how we're doing in Brazil and the UK and China every day. I don't necessarily check the stock price every day. I think if I were a shareholder and the CEO spent all of his time focused on the share price, then I would probably be concerned, because the share price follows the results of the company.

Q. Wal-Mart's reputation seems to have improved markedly. Is that a function of the recession?

A. It's interesting the letters I get from mayors that want Wal-Mart to look and invest in their community. I like to start with looking in the mirror, and I think we have improved and changed who we are in many ways. I think we are more desirable to come to a community. ... I think we've done a better job of communicating about the jobs that we create and the opportunity that we create in the area of jobs.

Q. What ideals from Sam Walton do you embrace?

A. (Leadership is) about showing respect to every individual, about humility over arrogance, about listening and getting feedback from a broad array of constituents. It's about a passion for customers and knowing customers firsthand, not theoretical, not through some data only, but by having personal, passionate communication with customers. And leadership is about striving for excellence. It's about setting aggressive goals and not being afraid to go after very aggressive goals and targets. I think it's even better for a leader to set an aggressive goal and come up a little short than it would be to set a soft goal and to exceed it.

Q. What should a leader value most?

A. Integrity and trust. If a leader doesn't have the trust of associates, of customers, of shareholders, then all the other things, the ability to speak eloquently and to sing and dance and entertain, (don't) mean a thing if a leader's not trusted.

Q: Outside of the results of the company and the stock price, how do you know how you are doing at Wal-Mart? How are you evaluated?

A: Hard feedback is in some environments viewed in a very threatening way, and people don't want to hear feedback. In our environment, I think there is a desire to hear candid feedback. When we leave a meeting, before we'll even drive away, I'll ask, 'Well, give me feedback.' I think a leader asking for feedback sets a good tone.

Q. Does work ever stop for you?

A. I do spend really focused time with my wife, my kids, grandkids, and so when I'm doing something or on a golf course, work has stopped. I'm not always thinking and working. ... I think a leader has to really be a balanced, whole and healthy person personally in order to be the best leader on the job.

H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. Makes Donations To Charities Across The Country

H.J. Baker Continues Its Tradition of Employee Driven Charitable Contributions

Westport, CT (PRWEB) February 2, 2011

H. J. Baker & Bro., Inc. announced it made donations to more than 70 non-profit organizations across the country at the request of its employees totaling $200,000.

H. J. Baker employees at their headquarters in Westport, Connecticut, and plant and operation locations throughout the country were asked to suggest local charities in their area that the company might make contributions to this year.As a result the following charities have received a contribution.

In Connecticut:American Heart Association -- CT Affiliate -- Wallingford, CTAmerican Red Cross -- mid-Fairfield County -- Bridgeport, CTAmeriCares Foundation -- Stamford, CTAspetuck Land Trust, Inc. -- Westport, CTDenison Pequot Sepos Nature Center -- Mystic, CTFood Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Inc. -- Stamford, CTHabitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County    -- Bridgeport, CTNorwalk Hospital -- Norwalk, CTOpen Door Shelter -- Norwalk, CTOperation Hope -- Fairfield, CTSalvation Army -- Bridgeport, CTStonington Harbor Yacht Club Sailing Foundation -- Stonington, CTSusan G. Komen for Breast Cancer Foundation -- Hartford, CTThe Center for Women & Families of Eastern Fairfield Co. -- Bridgeport, CTThe Connecticut Audubon Society -- Fairfield, CT

Across the country:    

ALABAMA, ATMORE             American Legion Auxiliary – Unit 90        American Red Cross (AL Gulf Coast)Friends of Education of Escambia County    United Fund of the Atmore Area

ALABAMA, HUNTSVILLECare and Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound

ALBERTA (CANADA), CALGARY Calgary Humane Society            Calgary Inter Faith Food Bank            Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter        MustardSeedThe Alberta Children’s Hospital

ARKANSAS, LONOKE Literacy Council of Lonoke County

ARKANSAS, BENTON Churches Joint Council on Human Need

ARKANSAS. FORT SMITH Crisis Center for Battered WomenFort Smith Boys and Girls Club        Gregory Kistler Treatment Center

ARKANSAS, LITTLE ROCK Heifer Project InternationalLittle Rock Compassion CenterThe First Tee of Central Arkansas

ARKANSAS, JACKSONVILLE Fishnet Missions                

ARKANSAS, MAUMELLEHope Ministry Alliance

CALIFORNIA, FRESNOCommunity Food BankFresno Rescue Mission                Marjaree Mason Center, Inc.        Poverello House

CALIFORNIA, LADERA RANCHLaura’s House

CALIFORNIA, LAGUNA BEACHThe Laguna PlayhouseThe Laguna Beach Historical Society

CALIFORNIA, LOS ALAMITOSCASA Youth Shelter

CALIFORNIA, MANTECA Second Harvest Food Bank

CALIFORNIA, SACRAMENTO Make a Wish Foundation of Sacramento

CALIFORNIA, SAN PEDROBoys & Girls Club of Los Angeles Harbor

CALIFORNIA, SANTA ANAPacific Symphony

CALIFORNIA, SILVERADOSt. Michael’s Abbey

CALIFORNIA, STOCKTON Gospel Center Rescue Mission    United Way of San Joaquin

CALIFORNIA, WILMINGTON Friends of Banning Landing            Friends of Banning Museum            Friends of the Wilmington Branch LibraryGang Alternative ProgramSociety for the Preservation of Drum Barracks            

FLORIDA, SARASOTA Children Charity Fund, Inc.            

GEORGIA, ATLANTAAmerican Cancer SocietyThe Salvation Army Residences, Inc.

ILLINOIS, CHICAGOAmerican Red Cross of Greater ChicagoGreater Chicago Food DepositoryPAWS – ChicagoSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

ILLINOIS, GENEVAMarklund

MISSISSIPPI, FOREST Crisis Pregnancy Services of Central Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI, LAKESunbelt Christian Youth Ranch

NEW YORK, NEW YORKResearch to Prevent BlindnessUNICEF USA

NEW YORK, PORT WASHINGTONFarms for City Kids Foundation

NEW YORK, UNIONDALE Feel Better Kids, Inc                

NORTH CAROLINA, SANFORD Helping Hand Clinic, Inc.Stevens Foundation for Development and Enrichment Services    

OKLAHOMA, WESTVILLEHope Center Inc.Westville EMSWestville Police Department Shop with a Cop    

SOUTH DAKOTA, SIOUX FALLS National Multiple Sclerosis Society

TENNESSEE, MEMPHISSt. Jude’s Children Research Hospital

TEXAS, NACOGDOCHES The Empty Stocking Fund

VIRGINIA, TRIANGLE Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

Christopher V. B. Smith, President & CEO of H.J. Baker said: “H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. has long supported the communities where our employees live and work.It is with profound gratitude that this holiday season H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. was able to continue that tradition.Based on employee input we donated to charities surrounding our 22 locations across the country and sponsoring children in need around the world.These charities are on the front lines providing relief and support to those who need it most on a daily basis; including healthcare, food, clothing, clean water, and shelter as well as hope and knowledge.We are honored to help support their efforts.”

For 2010, H.J. Baker contributed over $200,000 to more than 75 non-profit organizations throughout the country.

H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. is a leader in the feed, fertilizer and sulphur industries, with more than 20 locations throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.For more than 150 years, H.J. Baker has been mobilizing resources and providing outstanding products and service to the agriculture industry throughout the world.The company's strategically located processing plants, offices and warehouses create a super-efficient pipeline for the vital commodities and products that it sources, manufactures and markets.H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. is headquartered in Westport, Connecticut USA.

For more information on H.J. Baker & Bro., Inc. visit their website at .

Media Inquiries:     Peter Barhydtw 203-618-1709 c 203-252-4768Peter(dot)Barhydt(at)AberdeenAssociates(dot)com

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PETER BARHYDTAberdeen Associates, Inc.203-618-1709Email Information

Alaska lawmakers propose ditching pipeline plan

JUNEAU, Alaska – Alaska lawmakers introduced legislation Friday to abandon a centerpiece of former Gov. Sarah Palin's administration: a state-sanctioned effort to advance a major natural gas pipeline.

The measure sponsored by at least five Republican representatives underscored the impatience and skepticism that many lawmakers have expressed about the current process and a belief the state is no closer than it was several years ago to realizing the long-hoped-for line.

It sets up a potential political battle with House Democrats and Palin's successor, Republican Gov. Sean Parnell. Both have expressed support for seeing the process now under way through.

If the legislation succeeds, it was not clear how Alaska would commercialize its prodigious North Slope gas. The pipeline had been seen as a way to help shore up revenue amid declining oil production, create jobs and provide more reliable, affordable energy to Alaskans.

The measure Friday was the first such introduced by the Legislature. It was not immediately clear how lawmakers would vote.

Under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, championed by the Republican Palin, the state promised Canada-based TransCanada Corp. up to $500 million to advance a line. TransCanada won the exclusive license in 2008.

Alaska has reported that reimbursements to TransCanada so far have topped $36 million. More than $100 million remains set aside, and Parnell has requested $160 million more for next fiscal year.

TransCanada, which is working with Exxon Mobil Corp. on the project, has estimated the cost at $20 billion to $41 billion, depending on the route and the size of the line.

The company missed a self-imposed target for reaching precedent agreements with shippers at the end of last year but has cautioned against reading too much into that, noting that negotiations are complex but continuing.

Some lawmakers, though, are losing patience — and faith — that this process will succeed in getting a line built this decade as planned, if ever. The legislation Friday was sponsored by Republican Reps. Mike Chenault, Mike Hawker, Craig Johnson, Eric Feige, and Kurt Olson.

The bill would presume the project is uneconomic — for purposes of triggering an abandonment clause in the law — if TransCanada cannot show proof to Parnell's administration before July 15 that it has received firm shipping commitments.

That clause allows for the project to be abandoned if both parties agree it is not economical. If there's disagreement between the administration and TransCanada on the economic viability, the issue would go to arbitration.

The bill puts the onus on the administration to refute the presumption the project has failed. It sets an Aug. 15 deadline for a report doing that.

Absent proof that the project is economical, the administration would not to expect additional funding for the project. Parnell's office said it was reviewing the bill.

In a joint statement, Chenault, Johnson, Olson and Hawker said the bill adds something missing from the initial legislation: "a deadline. That's something Alaskans have a right to expect. Let's get this project started or get on with something else."

They said the public and the Legislature "have a right to know if we're simply throwing good money after bad."

A news conference was expected Monday. Feige said he signed on to the bill because he believes the issue needs to be discussed.

Rep. Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks, said he is impatient, but a deal is a deal.

"If Alaska really wants to be known as a place to do business, we really should stick to the deals we've made," he said.

The world has changed since the passage of the law: The nation has undergone an economic slump, gas prices haven't been high — particularly relative to oil — and companies have to weigh the competitiveness of Alaska's gas against, say, the rise of North American shale.

A spokesman for the competing Denali pipeline project — a collaboration of BP PLC and ConocoPhillips — has stressed that proposal is market-driven.

Larry Persily, federal coordinator for Alaska gas pipeline projects, has urged lawmakers to be patient. While he doesn't consider a line "probable," he said it's "still possible and plausible" — reason enough for his office to continuing working with "anyone who wants to build a pipeline that serves Alaskans and the Lower 48."

Sen. Bert Stedman, the Republican co-chair of the powerful state Senate Finance Committee, said he looks forward to debate on the issue. He said that if the process isn't working, "the quicker we close it down, the better, not only for the cost to the treasury but so we can move on."

The bill was referred to just one committee on the House side, the Finance legislative panel. Kawasaki said he would seek to have it heard by another committee, to allow for a more thorough vetting.

Tony Palmer, vice president of major projects development for TransCanada, declined immediate comment on the bill. But he told The Associated Press that TransCanada has met its obligations under the act and is moving ahead with the project.

"The Legislature will do what it thinks is appropriate," he said.

Martin's 22 lift Rockets past short-handed Jazz

SALT LAKE CITY – Kevin Martin scored on a three-point play with 6.9 seconds left and finished with 22 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a come-from-behind 97-96 victory over the short-handed Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

C.J. Miles missed a last-second 3-pointer that would have won it for the Jazz, who were without starters Deron Williams and Andrei Kirilenko.

Utah (29-21) outscored Houston 19-7 over the final six minutes of the third quarter to take an 82-79 lead into the fourth.

But the Jazz couldn't match the Rockets from beyond the arc.

Houston made 11 of 22 on the night, while the Jazz were just 1 of 11 on 3-pointers.

Earl Watson, making his fourth straight start in place of Williams, came within a rebound and two assists of a triple double. But he couldn't make the big shot down the stretch, especially with the Jazz clinging to a 96-94 lead. He was 0 for 4 on 3-pointers.

Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap scored 20 points apiece to lead the Jazz, while Watson finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

Kyle Lowry added 16 points for the Rockets and made 4 of 5 from beyond the arc.

The Rockets had six players in double figures, with Chuck Hayes adding 13 points and 12 rebounds.

Houston, which had dropped three straight going into Wednesday's game, trailed 88-79 with 11:46 remaining after an alley oop dunk by reserve Jeremy Evans on a pass from Watson.

But the Rockets came back with 3-pointers by Aaron Brooks and Lowry to take a 91-88 lead.

Utah would tie it at 92 on a layup by Millsap, and again at 94 after a steal by Miles. Millsap put Utah ahead 96-94 with 1:25 left after a key rebound by Jefferson.

But the Jazz couldn't seal it.

Watson's long-distance miss with 15.9 seconds left gave the Rockets a final chance and Shane Battier got the ball inside to Martin, who scored and was fouled by Jefferson. Martin sank the free throw for the final margin.

Williams missed his fourth straight game with a strained tendon in his right wrist. Kirilenko suffered a sprained left ankle in Monday's win over Charlotte. Reserve center Mehmet Okur continues to battle a lower-back strain.

Combined the three averaged 39.1 points and 11.9 rebounds.

Watson started in place of Williams, and once again had a solid game. He had eight points, three rebounds and three assists in the first quarter.

Gordon Hayward started at forward in place of Kirilenko and was 4 of 4 for 10 points.

The Rockets led 30-26 after the first quarter thanks to 61.1 percent (11 of 16) shooting. The Jazz stayed close with six second-chance points.

Houston led by eight points in the second quarter before Utah's bench came to life. Evans hit a jumper as the shot clock expired, Miles completed a three-point play and Francisco Elson had his own three-point play after a strong move to the basket to put back an offensive rebound. His free throw tied the game at 41 with 7:50 left in the first half.

The Jazz led 55-54 at halftime behind a strong rebounding effort, 11 second-chance points and Miles, who had 15 points in 15 minutes off the bench.

Notes: Jazz G Williams saw hand specialist Dr. Steve Huish on Wednesday. An examination of an MRI confirmed a strained tendon and he remains day to day. ... Utah had only four turnovers in the first half. ... The Rockets were without Jordan Hill because of a sprained ankle.

Ice, snow wreaks havoc from Texas to New England

ST. LOUIS – Layers of dangerous ice and blowing snow closed roads and airports from Texas to Rhode Island on Tuesday as a monster storm began bearing down on the nation and those in its frigid path started to believe it would live up to its hype.

The storm's more than 2,000-mile reach threatened to leave about a third of the nation covered in a hodge-podge of harsh weather. Ice fell first and was expected to be followed by up to two feet of snow in some places. Storm-battered New England towns feared they wouldn't have anywhere to put it.

Making matters worse was the expectation of brutal cold and winds gusting to near 60 mph.

As truck driver David Peck waited outside to deliver food to a Missouri restaurant whose owners were nowhere to be seen, he implored his boss on the other end of the phone to shut down the route.

"By the time I go to Columbia, all hell broke loose," said Peck, 51.

"I've already fell once, right on my back," he said, standing atop an ice- and snow-covered ramp propped on the back of his truck. "There was black ice underneath the snow."

Snow and ice fell to varying degrees from Colorado to Maine, tornadoes were possible in the South, and the weather disrupted the lives of millions. Multiple airports were at least temporarily shut down due to ice, including in Dallas — the destination for thousands trying to get to Sunday's Super Bowl.

Flight tracking service FlightAware had logged almost 6,000 cancellations by midday Tuesday. More were expected Wednesday.

White-outs paralyzed Oklahoma City and the Tulsa area, where snowpack caused the partial collapse of a roof at the Hard Rock Casino but no injuries were reported. Blowing snow created drifts up to 4 feet high and trucks, city buses, snowplows and at least one ambulance had trouble navigating the treacherous roadways.

Tulsa coffee shop owner Brian Franklin said he spent most of the morning watching people on the roads, even laughing at those trying to turn into the store's parking lot. He made it to work in his four-wheel drive Land Rover, but it was a slippery commute.

"After I got out in it, I saw a fire truck with snow chains get stuck, and I wondered if it was a good idea to be driving in this," he said.

Ice-covered roads were all but deserted in Dallas, where the few motorists who braved the unfamiliar terrain slowed to a crawl as they passed jack-knifed tractor-trailers on slick highways. But the NFL stuck to its Super Bowl schedule, holding media activities at Cowboys Stadium in suburban Arlington as planned.

Still, pedestrians struggled as they shuffled along sidewalks — a common problem even hundreds of miles away.

"I think it's crazy the people not putting salt on the sidewalks," said Hagerstown, Md., call center worker Kelly Rataiczak, who slipped several times — but didn't fall — as she made her way from her overnight shift to a bus stop.

Massive amounts of ice were predicted south of St. Louis, followed by strong winds, could cause a repeat of 2006 when ice then brought down trees and transmission lines and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people in Missouri.

St. Louis-based utility company AmerenUE said lessons were learned. Chip Webb, superintendent of reliability support services, said the company has significantly increased efforts to trim trees near power lines, put more power lines underground and inspect and replace more aging poles.

On Tuesday Ameren had nearly 500 of its own linemen ready to go and was bringing in another 800 from as far away as Michigan.

The storm brought the potential for some strange happenings — thundersnow, lightning, even tornadoes. Forecasters said some regions could get up to 2 inches of snow per hour through parts of Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Blizzard warnings were in effect in much of the Midwest. Even Chicago, where snow is common, could be in for its third-worst blizzard since record-keeping began, with up to 20 inches forecast.

After burying the Midwest, the storm was expected to sweep into the Northeast, parts of which already are on track for record snowfall this winter. A winter storm warning was in effect for New York City, with forecasters predicting a mix of snow, sleet and ice. Federal workers in Washington were given the option of working from home because roads already were slippery Tuesday.

When the snow finally ends, bitter cold will set in. Temperatures in some parts of the Midwest will dip well below zero. Gusty winds will blow all of that snow. Visibility will be virtually zero at times.

In Chicago, the National Weather Service warned high winds could produce waves on Lake Michigan of up to 25 feet, leading to considerable coastal flooding and freezing spray, particularly along Lake Shore Drive. If forecasters are right, Chicago could see its third-biggest snowstorm, overshadowed only by the 21.6 inches in 1999 and the 23 inches of snow that fell in 1967.

Further west, the Iowa Department of Transportation said most roadways in the state were partially or completely covered with a combination of ice and snow. Deadly wrecks were reported in Minnesota and Kansas.

"If you don't have to travel, don't do it. If you can stay home, do it," Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback said before heading to the state's emergency operations center. "You might get in. You won't get back."

Plows and salt trucks were out in full force, just in case. The worst of the weather was still a full day away in Michigan, but 85 percent of Oakland County's fleet was already out salting roads in preparation for the "death storm," county Road Commission spokesman Craig Bryson said.

"We're trying to get hard pack off the roads before the big stuff comes," he said. Cots were set up in the commission's garages so drivers could nap between making their runs.

School districts, universities and legislatures closed. Governors in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois declared emergencies, others activated the National Guard to help stranded motorists and others affected by the storm.

It wasn't just people getting ready for the weather. The Humane Society of Missouri urged people to bring pets inside. Farmers and ranchers prepared livestock.

Kevin Hafner, who works for Express Ranches' operation in El Reno, Okla., said workers prepared enough feed to last their animals for 48 hours. Workers were preparing to chop ice on ponds so the cattle will have adequate water.

"They are tough enough to handle it," Hafner said of the cattle. "They've got a good hair coat this year, but we have to have enough feed to give them energy to keep going."

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Associated Press writers Justin Juozapavicius in Tulsa, Okla.; Schuyler Dixon in Fort Worth, Texas; Mike Householder in Detroit, Margaret Stafford and Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Mo.; Rick Callahan in Indianapolis'; Dinesh Ramde in Green Bay, Wis.; Corey Williams in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and Barbara Rodriguez and Carla K. Johnson in Chicago contributed to this report.