The Bedford County Development Association recognized the local DC's record of excellence this week with a special presentation of the 2006 Certificate of Acheivement. 

The Bedford Wal-Mart Grocery Distribution Center was named the best in its category within the retail giant's system. The award is testament ot the excellent workforce available in Bedford County and the surrounding region.

"We currently service 219 Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs throughout a five state area," said Tom Burchfield, general manager of the center.  "And we are the only distribution center to service Sam's Clubs in Canada." 

The Center ships 125 truckloads of dry and perishable groceries every day, shipping and receiving an average of 450,000 to 500,000 cases a day.  The Center employs 655 people and looks to reach 700 in 2007. 

Tom Burchfield said that managers from Wal-Mart Grocery Distribution Centers from around the country have traveled to the Bedford center to learn more about its operations. "They've found they can't replicate our productivity," Burchfield said. "This workforce is unique. Lots of other distribution centers are doing the same things we are, but they don't have the workforce we have here. As long as our people continue to do a great job day in and day out, who knows how many awards we can win? This could go on for a long time - we are that unique, and it's because we have such a flexible, dedicated workforce."

Want to learn more about Bedford County's great workforce? Go to the Bedford County Opportunities Electronic Edition to read about careers and workers in the county, and visit our workforce information page.