10.11.2002 ET

(CSRwire) BENTONVILLE, Arkansas - In recognition of its consistent support and best practices in the area of diversity, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., will be recognized with the "2002 Corporate Partner of the Year" award by the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) at the group's annual convention in Atlanta, October 16-19.

"As evidenced by the company's continued support of our programs, we need to communicate that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is a leader in community involvement and diversity initiatives … we are pleased to recognize Wal-Mart with this deserving Corporate Partner of the Year award," said Angel Gómez, HNBA national president.

"At Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB we recognize the importance of diversity and its direct impact on our business," said Thomas Hyde, Wal-Mart's executive vice president, legal and corporate affairs. "On behalf of all of our associates we greatly appreciate this recognition."

As a repeat sponsor Wal-Mart continues to support the HNBA's mission of advancing the interests of Hispanics within the legal profession and ensuring their full and equal access to the nation's legal system. Wal-Mart's contribution will support the organization's professional and education programs.

The HNBA is a national non-profit association of more than 25,000 Hispanic-American attorneys, judges, law professors, legal professionals and law students in the United States. The organization's primary objectives are to increase the number of Hispanics in the legal profession and to address issues of concern to the Hispanic community. Since 1975 the HNBA has hosted programs offering professional and educational development and access to professional advancement opportunities.

Last year Wal-Mart and SAM'S CLUB associates raised and contributed more than $196 million to support local communities and non-profit organizations. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the proud recipient of the 2002 Ron Brown Presidential Award, the highest award in the nation recognizing employee and community corporate leadership. FORTUNE magazine has named Wal-Mart the third "most admired" company in America and one of the 100 best companies to work for in the United States. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the nation's largest private employer of Hispanics. More information about Wal-Mart can be located on-line at www.walmartstores.com and www.walmart.com. The SAM'S CLUB Web site can be accessed at www.samsclub.com. And more information about Wal-Mart's Good Works community involvement programs is available online at www.walmartfoundation.org.

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