Veterans Looking for Jobs - Wal-Mart Will Hire You

Jan 15, 2013

America’s Largest Retailer will Hire Veterans Starting on Memorial Day

A planned announcement is set to take place today in New York today by Wal-Mart U.S President and Chief Executive William S. Simon, which will include news about the giant retailer vowing to hire any American veteran who has left the service in the previous year without receiving a dishonorable discharge.

The hiring program is set to begin on Memorial Day (May 27, 2013) and could potentially see more than 100,000 veterans hired on over the next five years. “Let’s be clear: Hiring a veteran can be one of the best decisions any of us can make,” Mr. Simon will say in his keynote speech to the National Retail Federation, according to prepared text. “These are leaders with discipline, training and a passion for service.”

Currently, Wal-Mart employs about 100,000 veterans among its work force of 1.4 million people in the United States. Wal-Mart is also a generous contributor to veteran’s charities and has pledged to donate $20 million towards veteran’s causes by 2015.

Some critics view this as a publicity stunt by the company - arguing that the company offers very little to its employees in terms of compensation, health benefits and advancement opportunities.

Critics aside, the value of any job in tough times could be seen as a blessing; and for our troops who put their lives on the line to protect the rights and freedoms of the country, a job is the least any company could offer them back home.

If you are a veteran looking for a job, there are several programs in place to help transition back to the civilian work force, including jobs in agriculture for veterans.

Video: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.