Publix celebrates 85 years
LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix last week celebrated 85 years of serving customers and their local communities. Founded in 1930 by the late George Jenkins in Winter Haven, Fla., Publix has grown from a single store into the largest employee-owned supermarket in the United States with more than 1,100 stores across six states, the company stated.
“As we celebrate our 85th anniversary and look to the future, I want to thank our associates, past and present, for their contributions in building a company that is much more than just a supermarket,” Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw said. “And to our loyal customers, it’s been our pleasure to serve you and your families for more than eight decades. We thank you for allowing us into your homes to be a part of all the memorable occasions in your lives.”
Jenkins dreamt of opening a store that was different — a store that operated on a set of values that everyone could feel when they walked through the door. Publix refers to these founding values as the Lessons of Mr. George.
In recognition of the company’s 85th anniversary, Publix included associates, customers and suppliers in celebrations focusing on a different lesson each month. The following is a month-by-month breakdown of some of Publix' 85th anniversary celebrations:
March: Invest in others — As a token of appreciation for the supply chain, Publix associates across the company took the time to personally thank their supplier partners.
April: Give back — As part of “Publix Serves Day”, more than 4,000 Publix associates across six states volunteered their time and supported over 125 nonprofit organizations within their local communities, the company said Projects included beautification efforts, food pantries, backpack feeding programs, tutoring & reading resources, painting and building;
May: Prepare for opportunity — Publix provided training and development opportunities to help associates grow. The promotion prize patrol was out in full force capturing associate promotions at every level and sharing in the excitement of what lies ahead for these up and coming leaders;
June: Be there — During “Be There Day,” company leaders engaged with associates working side by side, learning roles and responsibilities, sharing stories and connecting with each other;
July: Respect the dignity of the individual — Publix president Todd Jones challenged associates to get to know each other. Associates answered a series of questions designed to get associates talking, learning and exchanging ideas. Upon completion of the challenge, associates received coupons redeemable for two free gourmet cupcakes — one for them and one for their new friend; and
August: Treat customers like royalty — Publix customers were randomly selected and treated like royalty, including providing a Publix gift card, flowers, crowns and tiaras, green carpet and all. In the community, the customer prize patrol surprised customers with random acts of kindness, including visiting a local hospital and showering new moms with baby baskets; attending sporting events and upgrading seats; and randomly handing out thank you notes with Publix gift cards enclosed, the company said.