News

Target CEO apologizes for political donation

August 5, 2010

According to the Associated Press, Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel has written to his employees to express regret over a recent contribution to a political candidate.

The company had given $150,000 to an organization called MN Forward, which supports a conservative gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, where the retailer is headquartered. The candidate, Tom Emmer, has a record of voting against gay rights initiatives.

"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."