USA-bound Debbie will be flying the flag for Perth

May 27 2008

A PERTH woman is preparing to fly to the United States at the weekend to represent her employer’s parent company, the giant multi-national Wal-Mart, at their annual shareholders’ meeting.

Debbie Mitchell (47), events co-ordinator for Asda at their Dunkeld Road store in Perth, will be swapping her uniform for cowboy boots and a stetson hat as she heads for Bentonville, Arkansas, in America’s deep south.

Debbie will fly out to Bentonville on Sunday and will be there for a week.

She will be joined by 17,000 other Wal-Mart employees from around the globe as they get together to swap ideas and learn more about the Wal-Mart culture.

Debbie said yesterday: “I simply couldn't believe it when I was told that I would be representing my fellow colleagues in Bentonville – it's a real honour.

“To say I'm excited about the trip would be a massive understatement. It will be a fantastic opportunity to meet other Wal-Mart colleagues from stores and depots around the World.”

The Wal-Mart shareholders’ meeting and international associate conference is an annual event held at Wal-Mart's home town in Bentonville.

Each year a representative from half of the Asda stores in the UK are chosen to attend the event.

“I think there are about 200 flying over this year, with around 23 of them from Scotland,” added Debbie.

“The Scottish delegates met up for a pre-trip meeting a couple of weeks ago and it seems like a fantastic week-long experience.

“I was chosen after giving a presentation entitled ‘Why I am the best colleague to represent the store.’

“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. Every two years, the Perth store sends an employee to the shareholders’ meeting – and it’s open to anyone to apply.

“They then have to give a presentation to our in-store Colleague Circle – and fortunately they decided to pick me.”

But it won’t be all work and no play. Some top class entertainment will be provided on one of the evenings – previously The Eagles topped the bill.