Target: March 2000 WOW!!! IT'S BIG MAKE THAT HUGE IMMENSE...VAST HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE THE 1.2 MILLION SQ. FT. OF THE TARGET DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN WILTON

Main Growth in Wilton     Target       Target:04/98       Target:12/98       Target:07/99       Target:09/00		If 1.2 million square feet sounds like a huge number, it is. And if 201 loading and shipping docks sound like there will be a tremendous number of tractor-trailers traveling through Wilton. Well, not really.     The Target Distribution Center has been built for now and for the future.     Eventually, Target will be using most of the docks - but not at the same time and with the Target location only a few hundred yards from Exit 16 of the Northway traffic will move on and off the Northway with virtually no impact on Wilton residents.     The impact for Wilton and every community surrounding the Target Center will be economic and positive. Target has committed millions of dollars to build the most modern distribution center in the world.     Whenever possible, Target used local firms as major sub-contractors in the construction. And the funds paid those contractors stays and nourishes our local economy.     Presently, Target is interviewing applicants to join the Target Team at the Center. Initially, about 500 local applicants will be asked to join the Team at the Center. And the Team members will earn competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. And that is good for the Team members, their families and our whole Northeast economy.     The Center is truly huge. Upon entering I passed row after row of giant battery cells - about 500 cells which will power the fork-lifts and carts for the Center. Overhead are aerial transfer systems that use magnetic fields - same as what powers the super-fast trains of Europe of Japan - and air cushioning to move merchandise.     The Center has already received 20,000 cartons of real merchandise in every size and shape (and the 20,000 cartons are almost lost in the immensity of the Center) to test the functioning of the transfer system.     During this testing stage applicants who have been asked to join the Team and who have accepted will have training classes in procedures and methods. By mid-April the Team will be fully engaged in actual merchandise loading and shipment to the Target stores in the Northeast.     Amazingly enough, there are 100 shipping docks targeted for particular Target stores. At present only 41 docks are planned to be used. Other docks will await future Target stores.     When I say amazing, this is a huge distribution center and its purpose is to supply the needs of 41 to 100 stores. When you travel past the junction of Loudon and Weibel Avenue, you will see the Target store under construction to serve our area.     It is a massive structure and it reflects the commitment by Target to offer merchandise in depth and variety. And as shoppers elsewhere in America can testify, fashions at attractive prices.     And shoppers can be sure they will find those fashions in stock and at a price they will appreciate in the Target stores here in the Northeast. That is the job of the Target Distribution Center in Wilton - keeping Target stores fully supplied.     The Wilton Distribution Center will supply Target stores in New England, New York, New Jersey and northern Pennsylvania.     The Center will be dedicated in early September and members of the community will be invited to tour the facility.     The Target Distribution Center is on North Road just off Ballard Road in Wilton. For information call 226-6504.                With 500 positions to be filled it has been a busy month for human resource professionals at Target. As Cary Parno, General Manager of the Target facility, says: "We are asking people to become part of our Team."     And for Cary and his group leaders that is a tremendous responsibility. Target has earned a reputation in its stores and organization for motivated and dedicated people who believe in service for their customers.      That is why Cary and his group leaders make the final decision on who to invite to join the Target Team. Cary would thank the New York State Department of Labor which has given advice and has been present at the Job Fairs for their help. But Team members are selected by Target.     About twenty members of the leadership group have come from outside this area but they have purchased homes and will be taking an active role in our local communities. The remainder of the Target Team will come from our area.     Target still has positions on the Team available. The Target Job Line number is 226-6504. You may also apply in person at the Center on North Road in Wilton. North Road is off Ballard at Northway Exit 16.