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Wal-Mart hires lobbyist to lead DC office Wednesday, Jun 8, 2005 By Alison Vekshin Stephens Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- Looking to expand its federal presence, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., has hired the chief lobbyist for the National Restaurant Association to lead its growing lobbying team in the nation's capital. The Bentonville-based retail giant has tapped Lee Culpepper, a 12-year veteran of promoting restaurant industry interests among Washington leaders. "He'll be the face of Wal-Mart in Washington, D.C., and will help us define our strategy and implement it in Washington," said Ray Bracy, Wal-Mart vice president of federal, state and international public affairs. "He will help us to build relationships with government officials and work on our reputation inside the Beltway," said Bracy, who interviewed candidates for the job. Culpepper will become corporate vice president for federal government relations next month and will oversee an eight-person office that is expected to grow to 14 by the end of the year, Bracy said. "We had a small team," Bracy said. "When you are smaller you have to pick and choose what you work on." The firm had four people in Washington in January, under the guidance of Erik Winborn who left in March. "For me, it's the opportunity of a lifetime and I'm thrilled to be joining their team," Culpepper said. "I thought it was a good fit for me professionally having worked in a related industry and feeling comfortable with Wal-Mart's values and their people and what they want to do in Washington," he said. The Georgia native, 42, has spent 21 years in Washington. He was a legislative correspondent for former Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga., and a legislative director for former Rep. Richard Ray, D-Ga. He has been with the National Restaurant Association since 1993, where he oversees a staff of 17 and works on a host of issues including health care, taxes and labor. "In particular, I focus on building relationships with the White House and House and Senate leaders," Culpepper said. Culpepper's hiring is part of a strategy shift in Wal-Mart's approach to Washington, including a more focused effort on promoting its business interests while disspelling negative images, Bracy said. "We're the largest employer," Bracy added. "Nobody is getting attacked like we are. We need to be seen and to be heard." Wal-Mart is a frequent target of criticism from congressional lawmakers and labor groups. A range of issues debated on Capitol Hill affect the retailer's bottomline, from energy and trade to taxes and health care, Bracy said. "We are big enough and our business crosses so many aspects of our society that it's important that we participate," Bracy said. "We really have an obligation to be involved." -- 30 -- |
