"I've always wanted to say, 'Welcome to Walmart,'" Alcombright said to a small group of Walmart employees, project organizers and others. "It's a great opportunity."

 

Similar messages of "growth, jobs, opportunity, [and] employment" were echoed throughout the brief ceremony.

 

"This is truly a great project, not just for North Adams, but Berkshire County," said Michael Supranowicz, the president and CEO of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce.

 

"A Super Walmart, in my mind, becomes a regional destination," Alcombright said, noting that the 160,000 square-foot store could draw customers from New York, southern Vermont and throughout Berkshire County. With the additional customers, heavier traffic will follow and officials were optimistic that some of that traffic will spillover to the rest of the community's businesses.

 

"I think this area is perfect for this type of store," State Rep. Gailanne M. Cariddi said. "I see it as an anchor for the rest of the road."

 

Cariddi also applauded everyone for sticking with the lengthy process. After facing residents' questions and opposition, planning, and receiving approval from the Planning Board, the state's Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and City Hall, the construction finally began. The project's completion follows a timetable of nine to 13 months, according to Alcombright. Alcombright said he expects the project to finish around June 2013.