What: The grand opening of the Salvation Army Family Store in San Bernardino. The $1.5 million, 36,000-squre-foot full renovation was completed by Skanska USA and involved the renovation of an old electronics retail space into a new Salvation Army retail store and donation center. The renovations will allow the organization to better serve the local community through its rehabilitation programs.
When: Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010
Grand opening at 9:00 a.m.
Why: Proceeds from the store fund The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) program in San Bernardino, which accepts over 300 people into the six-month program each year. The center is a critical institution for the area, which provides jobs, residential housing, and group and individual therapy all in a clean and wholesome environment. The physical and spiritual care that participants receive prepares them to re-enter society and return to employment. In 2009, 28 percent of the program participants graduated from the program and a majority go on to reunite with their families and resume a healthy and independent life.
Skanska has a long history of commitment to the San Bernardino community. While Skanska USA Building completes this project, Skanska’s Civil construction unit is currently under way on the reconstruction of the 215 freeway in San Bernardino. Skanska is a supporter of many non-profit organizations in the Inland Empire and Southern California.
Visuals: Media are invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and take video/photos of the store. In addition, Salvation Army and Skanska employees will be available to answer questions and discuss the project.
Where: Salvation Army Family Store
911 South E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(Google maps <http://maps.google.com/maps?q=911+South+E+StreetSan+Bernardino,+CA+92408&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl> )
About the Salvation Army Family Store
The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation centers offer individuals in need a chance at a new life. The proceeds from the Army’s Family Stores help support its Adult Rehabilitation Programs center where individuals, who cannot afford to pay for the services they need, will receive all the help, support and tools that they need to live productive lives.
About Skanska
Skanska USA is one of the largest, most financially sound construction networks in the country consisting of four business units: Skanska USA Building, which specializes in building construction; Skanska USA Civil, which is focused on civil infrastructure; Skanska Infrastructure Development, which develops public-private partnerships; and, Skanska Commercial Development, which pursues commercial development initiatives in select U.S. markets. Headquartered in New York with 33 offices across the country, Skanska USA has approximately 7,000 employees and its 2009 revenues were $5.7 billion, representing 32 percent of Skanska’s global revenues.
Skanska is one of the world’s leading project development and construction groups with expertise in construction, development of commercial and residential projects and public-private partnerships. The Group currently has 55,000 employees in selected home markets in Europe, in the U.S. and Latin America. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, Skanska’s sales in 2009 totaled $17.9 billion.