Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis joined Governor John P. deJongh at the eagerly awaited opening of the Home Depot Store on St. Croix on September 14, 2011.  The store, which is located on the Melvin Evans Highway near Sunny Isles, held a brief ceremony before opening its doors to the public for the first time.

Francis was among the dignitaries and invited guests who participated in a VIP tour and reception at the store.  Representatives from the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor, the Legislature and business and community leaders were also in attendance.   Store Manager Melissa Ward and District  Manager Chuck Kettel greeted the crowd assembled for the store opening.  Ward said the store looks forward to being a part of the St. Croix community.  “Home Depot is proud to bring its legacy of excellence to the St. Croix community,” Kettel told the eager crowd of early shoppers.  He thanked Governor deJongh for his efforts in making the opening possible.

Lt. Governor Francis welcomed Home Depot to St. Croix and chided the naysayers who did not believe the store would open. He also praised the benefits of the public-private partnership that brought the store to St. Croix.  “I had a chance to walk around inside and meet many of the people who are working here.  There are local people for local jobs,” he said, to resounding applause from the audience.

Prior to the ceremonial cutting of a board signed by Home Depot management and associates, Governor deJongh stated that the store opening is a testament to St. Croix.

The St. Croix Home Depot store broke ground in March 2010.  It is the only Home Depot Store opened on the U.S. mainland or territories for the past 12 months..