By George Anderson
Wal-Mart is hoping that after two days at the company's first ever media summit that journalists will walk away more educated about the retailer and its way of doing business.
Specifically, said Wal-Mart spokesperson Gus Whitcomb, the world's largest retailer is trying to dispel the accusation that it is a bad employer.
Critics of the company contend it pays its people poverty-level wages and shifts the responsibility of health-care costs for its employees onto taxpayers who pick up the tab through state programs covering low-income residents.
About 50 of the 100 newspaper and magazine reporters invited to the media summit expect to attend the event starting today in Bentonville, Ark.
Moderator's Comment: How does Wal-Mart compare to other retailers when it comes to compensating its employees? What does Wal-Mart need to do over the next two days to "set the record straight" about its employment practices and impact on local communities? - George Anderson - Moderator