In just moments, about 1,400 people will fill this room to celebrate Publix and tonight’s award winners.
Winning a company award is a highlight of every manager’s career. Accepting their award on stage in front of their peers is described as a feeling like no other. For our 2014 President’s and George W. Jenkins Award winners, it’s a night they’ll never forget, and neither will I.
This year, I had the privilege of attending the awards night at the 2015 Retail Operations Conference, where our leaders present the 2014 President’s and George W. Jenkins Awards. For those who weren’t in attendance, let me share with you my experience.
Inside the ballroom, tables are classically decorated from wall to wall. Straight ahead is the stage: a 60-foot-wide screen on each side, and a shimmering green 85th anniversary diamond takes center stage. All around are leaders of this great company, dressed in their very best, mingling, joking and just plain having a good time.
This picture sums up the feeling in this room. Vice President of Distribution Casey Suarez congratulates Jacksonville Manager of Warehousing Operations Hal Gordon on receiving the President’s Award.
The conference’s emcee welcomes everyone to their seats. After Senior Vice President John Attaway’s invocation, the presentation of colors and District Manager Patrick Helm’s beautiful rendition of the national anthem, President Todd Jones takes the stage to kick off the night.
The lights slowly dim for the opening President’s Award video. Todd then announces the winners from each division, plus a manager from support. With big smiles, winners proudly take the stage, and standing ovations lift the room as they accept their awards.After dinner, house lights lower to shift the focus to the big screens where the introductory George W. Jenkins Award video plays. Board member — and George Jenkins’ son — Howard Jenkins, makes his way to the stage to introduce the 2014 George W. Jenkins Award winners and their commemorative videos that Howard’s sister, Carol, narrates. Each video highlights how the winners carry on the legacy of Mr. George.
Seeing our finest managers — previous George W. Jenkins Award winners — all on stage at once in their green jackets makes me proud to be Publix.
Wow, what a memorable night! As a first-time attendee, it was incredible to see Publix’s exceptional leaders accept their awards that celebrate their dedication and hard work to build better tomorrows.
Just as special was seeing the love and support from the Publix family standing, cheering and applauding the award recipients as they took the stage to accept their award. Overjoyed, proud and grateful is how I can describe the feelings in this room. We work for the best company in the world, and with these extraordinary award winners leading our company, our future is bright.
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2014 President’s award winners
2014 George W. Jenkins award winners
We all had a little fun celebrating our leaders
2014 President’s award winners
This great group of managers is committed to workplace diversity. Congratulations to our 2014 President’s Award winners.
| Atlanta Division District Manager Roger Hinckley  |
Charlotte Division District Manager Rich DiRocco  |
| Jacksonville Division District Manager Keith Gilbert  |
Lakeland Division District Manager Jim Bushee (two-time winner)  |
| Miami Division District Manager Danny Barber  |
Support Jacksonville Manager of Warehousing Operations Hal Gordon  |
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2014 George W. Jenkins award winners
On behalf of our readers, I’d like to applaud this year’s George W. Jenkins Award winners who follow in Mr. George’s footsteps of being an extraordinary leader.
| Atlanta Division Store Manager Bryant McClenaghan #474, Columbus, Georgia  |
Charlotte Division Store Manager Tiki Vietri #483, Summerville, South Carolina  |
| Jacksonville Division Store Manager Brian Duncan #1051, Tallahassee, Florida  |
Lakeland Division Store Manager Edd Dean (now District Manager) #356, Lakeland, Florida  |
| Miami Division Store Manager Nick Berardino #669, North Miami Beach, Florida  |
Support Senior Manager of IT Steve Brooks  |
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Just when we thought the night was over … We all had a little fun celebrating our leaders
Just when we thought the night was over, there’s one more surprise. The house lights lower, and the evening’s entertainer and comedian, Frank Caliendo, pops back on stage after his routine to honor CEO Ed Crenshaw for 40 years of service and Vice Chairman Barney Barnett for 45 years of service. What better way to celebrate their commitment and dedication to Publix than participating in Frank’s act on stage in front of the great leaders of our company!
Known for his impressions, Frank interviews Ed and Barney as many different characters from George W. Bush to Charles Barkley. It was hilarious! Ed and Barney are good sports and even share in the laughs. It was a great way to end the night and pay special tribute to Ed and Barney.
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2014 Retail Operations Conference Awards
Celebrate good times! See the ballroom and join the applause as the Publix family celebrates leaders who received the 2014 George W. Jenkins and President’s Awards at the 2015 Retail Operations Conference. It was an incredible night to commend those who are dedicated to carrying on the legacy of Mr. George and making Publix a little better every day. Hear from the winners themselves by watching Publix News Live.
