New Overland location opened last week
American staff
The new Home Depot store in Overland will bring more than 130 jobs to the diverse North St. Louis County community, and the firms says it is committed to a workforce that reflects that diversity.
The firm calls diversity “the catalyst for innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and new ways of building communities. The greater the diversity of our people, the greater our ability to serve our customers.”
Bob Nardelli, chairman, president and CEO says, “The Home Depot truly believes in the ability of all of our people and celebrates our diversity. We all wear the orange apron, but we represent many backgrounds and interests in the genuine spirit of an inclusive culture.”
Home Depot diversity initiatives include:
Diversity Through Culture – An initiative designed to educate, enlighten and encourage associates to share cultural experiences in store support centers. It provides a series of cultural events throughout the year, supports the company’s overall diversity and inclusion initiatives and helps to create a more positive work environment.
Inclusion Councils – The council helps shape policy, determine key initiatives and examines current company practices and processes.
Supplier Diversity Program – Its mission is to form mutually beneficial partnerships with diverse businesses that allow the company to deliver superior products and services and superb customer service, which ultimately increases shareholder value.
Home Depot is also a major advertiser with the Black Press and supports diverse organizations including INROADS (national and local), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Black Arts Festival, Congressional Black Caucus, National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), National Urban League, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
“We realize that as we continue to grow locally and globally, we will increasingly need all of our associates to continue contributing their best efforts. At The Home Depot, we are committed to creating a diverse work environment where all associates are included, respected and supported to do their best work,” according to Nardelli.
Store hours for the Home Depot in Overland, which is at 8901 Page, are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The store’s telephone number is (314) 733-1534.
With 31 stores and 1 Expo Design Center in Missouri, The Home Depot currently employs more than 3,900 people in the state. Last year, associates of the Home Depot nationwide volunteered millions of hours to community service and plan to continue this locally in the Overland community.
“Giving back is a fundamental value of the Home Depot and a passion of its associates,” says Overland store manager Tom Grunwald.
At its grand opening celebration last wek, Home Depot presented a donation to the Overland Fire Department and welcomed city officials to help dedicate the store.
Founded in 1978, The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer and the second-largest retailer in the United States, with fiscal 2004 sales of $73.1 billion. The company employs approximately 325,000 associates and has 1,925 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico.
