Wal-Mart Vendor Sues Former Salesperson
Last updated Friday, September 5, 2008 9:48 PM CDT in Business
By THE MORNING NEWS
A vendor that sells pet and garden products to Wal-Mart sued a former vice president of sales on Friday, alleging she took confidential information and business relationships to a new employer.
The lawsuit was filed in Benton County Circuit Court on behalf of Central Garden and Pet Company, against Stephanie Spear, formerly Stephanie Laffoon, of Rogers.
The breach of contract suit alleges Spear was vice president of sales for Central from June 2006 until February 2008. Her sales territory included Northwest Arkansas.
Spear signed several agreements, agreeing to 18 months of restrictive covenants, the suit claims.
She voluntarily left employment with Central in February 2008, going to work for the Brinkmann Corporation as vice president of sales. She is competing with Central for the Wal-Mart account, and provided Brinkmann with confidential information from Central that includes pricing and profit margins, the suit states.
Legal counsel for Central wrote to Spear in June, reminding her of contractual obligations, but she has refused to comply, according to the suit.
The suit seeks injunctive relief and was assigned to Benton County Circuit Judge John Scott. It was filed by Fayetteville attorney Scott Summers.
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