Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel apologized Thursday in a letter to employees for the company’s $150,000 contribution to MN Forward, a business group that is backing anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer.
The Associated Press reports that Steinhafel said he was “genuinely sorry” and that the company will set up a review process for future political donations:
“While I firmly believe that a business climate conducive to growth is critical to our future, I realize our decision affected many of you in a way I did not anticipate, and for that I am genuinely sorry,” Steinhafel wrote.
He added, “The diversity of our team is an important aspect of our unique culture and our success as a company, and we did not mean to disappoint you, our team or our valued guests.”
If you are among those boycotting Target over the contribution, is this enough for you to call it off?
yes……please call it off. they have the best deal on crew socks, wine, and dog supplies.
I believe that those amoung us who are willing to admit when we were wrong in public, then yes we should give them a second chance. But also show the LGBTQA community that your words are followed by actions. “We are watching you Target”
At the very least, Target should contribute an equal amount to the anti-LGBT candidate’s opponent. Better yet, Target could double its contribution to to the anti-LGBT candidate’s opponent.
Forget it. It wasn’t a slight to anyone. Quit making everything so damn personal. Everyone has a “beef” these days. Everything is a personal slight to someone. People need to grow up and quit being so sensitive. Everyone.
I think it’s ALMOST enough. I’m happy and proud that he did apologize. It takes a big person to admit they made a mistake. However, I also think he should make a similar-size donation to one or more LGBT organizations in MN (or nationally). I can understand where he might not be able to make such a donation to the opponent of the candidate that he supported, but something in support of LGBT rights in MN would be a step in the right direction, and enough to bring me back.
Not enough – Target shareholders should be very concerned that their CEO is so short sighted. Individuals with money in their pockets make Target viable, not tax cuts for companies and the executives. The quality and selection has also seriously diminished.
Business aside, from a social aspect he used his position as a bully pulpit and figuratively spoke on behalf of anyone associated with Target and based on the staff at the Addison store clearly is out of touch with personel.
Personally, I’m returning my Target Visa and will avoid shopping at Target stores.
No it is not enough. He doesn’t apologize for supporting right wing candidates, only that he’s sorry some of us were offended by that support. He also did not promise that Target would not do the same thing all over again if it helps promotes the growth of their business.
“At the very least, Target should contribute an equal amount to the anti-LGBT candidate’s opponent. Better yet, Target could double its contribution to to the anti-LGBT candidate’s opponent.”
I was going to post exactly this, but QFT is quicker and easier.