Al Norman, author of "Slam Dunking Wal-Mart," will play point guard at a rally Saturday, Oct. 15, protesting the world's largest retailer setting up shop in the Bavarian-themed tourist town.
"For Frankenmuth, it's plan or be planned upon," said Norman, who runs the sprawl-busters.com Web site in Greenfield, Mass.
More than 2,500 people have signed anti-Wal-Mart petitions since the superchain in June proposed a more than 100,000-square-foot store on M-83 in Frankenmuth Township.
Organizer Laurajeanne S. Kehn said the demonstration -- which starts at 10 a.m. at Bavarian Plaza on M-83 -- will send a clear message to the Bentonville, Ark.-based corporation.
"We don't want you here," she said.
So what's so bad about Wal-Mart?
Posting $288 billion in profits for 2004, the superchain topped Fortune magazine's tally of the world's richest companies for the fourth consecutive year. Wal-Mart has reported that it employs about 28,000 Michiganians and paid $34 million in Michigan state and local taxes last year.
"All our company wants is a fair shake," Wal-Mart spokesman Roderick Scott said. "I think you will be pleasantly surprised what we will do for (Frankenmuth.)"
That's only half the story, Norman says. Dubbed the "guru of the anti-Wal-Mart movement," he argues the discount giant has committed a series of fouls -- paying low wages, using sweatshop labor and destroying a communities' character.
"They said they'll do a Bavarian theme in Frankenmuth. I've watched them do this around the country," Norman said. "It's like putting a tuxedo on Frankenstein -- it's still a monster."
Norman will give an assist to anti-Wal-Mart activists by detailing what other cities have done to battle the big-box behemoth -- such as adopting new zoning ordinances. Frankenmuth's City Council has already adopted a 120-day moratorium on large developments, as well as new landscaping and traffic study requirements.
"We need as many obstacles in front of them as possible," Kehn agreed. "I hope we can shame them (into leaving)."
Norman plays to win, crusading against the retail giant in 43 states and five countries, including Ireland and Barbados.
More than 280 communities nationwide have shut out Wal-Mart, from Bangor, Maine, to Santa Rosa, Calif., and many in between -- including the Michigan burgs of Fenton, Jackson and Charlevoix.
So far, Citizens for Frankenmuth First has raised more than $10,000 for its fight and hired attorney Robert Labelle of Bloomfield Hills.
The rally will serve as a warm-up for the group's town meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at Frankenmuth High School's Bronner Performing Arts Center.
Kehn said the demonstration is aimed at the entire Saginaw Valley -- not just at the 7,000 citizens living in the Frankenmuth area. She hopes to draw 1,000 recruits to play defense against Wal-Mart.
"Someday it could affect your community," she said.
