By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

INDIAN SPRINGS VILLAGE—During a ceremony with all the excitement of a pep rally, the ribbon was cut officially opening Indian Springs Village’s new Walmart Neighborhood Market at 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 28.

Indian Springs Village Mayor Brenda Bell-Guercio, State Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Birmingham, and numerous Walmart officials attended the ceremony. Members of the Oak Mountain High School Band and Choir were on hand to perform the National Anthem.

“Indian Springs is so excited to have Walmart marketplace to come to our city,” Bell-Guercio said. “You have already endeared yourselves to our community… we look forward to a long, prosperous relationship.”

The 48,000 square-foot store, located near the intersection of Valleydale Road and Caldwell Mill Road in Indian Springs Village, employs nearly 95 people. Store Manager Jeremy Crook noted Walmart’s commitment to the community.

“I am so excited,” Crook said. “It’s a way we’re going to be able to serve the community.”

Before cutting the ribbon to open the Walmart Neighborhood Market store No. 3424, Crook gave away $8,000 in community grants to local schools and organizations, including $1,500 to the North Shelby Fire District, $1,000 to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, $1,500 to Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama, $250 to the Indian Springs Village Children’s Fund, $500 to the Arc of Shelby County, $500 to the Shelby County Historical Society, $500 to Spain Park High School and $2,250 combined to each Oak Mountain school.

Walmart Neighborhood Market store No. 3424 employees led the crowd in an enthusiastic rendition of the Walmart Cheer.

“Service to our customers is our top priority,” Market Manager Judd Guice said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what our associates can do.”

The management team for Walmart Neighborhood Market store No. 3424 includes Crook, Victoria Payne, Miriam Travis, Josh Aldridge and Jason Cooper. The store’s pharmacy manager is Zac Martin.