Third Annual Sam's Club® & SIFE Environmental Sustainability Challenge Names Eight Finalist Teams

BENTONVILLE, Ark., April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Sam's Club & SIFE Environmental Sustainability Challenge announced the eight final teams who will compete on Earth Day, April 22, at the Sam's Club home office in Bentonville, Ark. for the grand prize. Chosen from hundreds of teams, the top eight SIFE teams include Anderson University, Central Texas College, Kirkwood Community College, Mountain State University, Rock Valley College, Southwest Baptist University, University of Arkansas and the University of Northern Iowa.

"Sustainability is a top priority for Sam's Club and for our members, too, which has been evident by the program's tremendous growth this year," said Jami Lamontange, director of sustainability and communications. "We are excited about the significant, sustainable differences our Associates and the SIFE teams are making in businesses of our members across the country."

In its third year, the Sam's Club & SIFE Environmental Sustainability Challenge event provides an opportunity for SIFE teams and Sam's Club associates to work together while improving the environmental sustainability of small business owners.

SIFE teams from across the country worked with local Sam's Club locations to develop a sustainability business plan and received $1,000 to implement it with a Sam's Club small business member. The SIFE team was able to purchase most of the sustainable products from Sam's Club and provide the businesses with tips for more sustainable business practices. On Earth Day, the teams will compete for the grand prize of $5,000, chosen by Sam's Club executives.

Sam's Club is working to improve the quality of life now and for generations to come. Some of the steps taken include: finding ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions of its trucking fleet; building new clubs that use renewable energy; and operating existing clubs in more energy efficient ways. Sam's Club has also increased the number of more sustainable products it sells such as energy-saving CFL light bulbs, recycled computer paper, skincare items and organic fresh produce.

About Sam's Club

Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation's eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple(SM), visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam's Club on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE Sam's Club