Suffolk News-Herald

The Target Import Distribution Center, open for business since June 1, will be having its official grand opening ceremony next week.

Approximately 350 people – including city officials, community leaders and 250 employees – are expected to attend the invitation-only festivities from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 30. Events include a tour, luncheon and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the $65 million 1.5 million-square-foot warehouse on Manning Bridge Road.

The company will also be awarding grants to Hampton Roads organizations selected for funding through Target’s community-giving program, said Tracy Edwards, the company’s regional transportation manager. No information was available on what groups will be funded.

The grants typically range from $500 to $3,000 and go to organizations that promote the arts, education and family violence prevention.

Target is fully staffed, with 250 full-time employees on its payroll, said Tiffany Scalzitti, a company spokeswoman. The company, which will eventually hire up to 500 people, will be adding another 15-25 permanent full-time warehouse workers this fall.