Isn’t it fun to look back and recognize everything we’ve accomplished over the year?

The Publix News team has pulled some key stories from 2014, but I’d like to highlight a few I’m thankful we were able to achieve.

• We opened our first North Carolina store in February in Ballantyne. We’ve since opened several more Charlotte Division stores and stores in many other markets.
• We’ve provided new opportunities in our growing company with more than 10,000 associates receiving promotions to full time or another position.
• Outside companies have acknowledged Publix people make a difference by recognizing us on lists like the 100 best companies to work for and the most admired companies. We can never take these recognitions for granted.
• We opened a new distribution facility that serves stores in Florida and will employ more than 500 associates.

I’m proud of this and more. We’re able to continue saying we’ve never had a layoff. We’re still growing. We’re even developing programs for our future leaders so Publix can continue to be ready for tomorrow.

I am thankful to have the opportunity to lead the more than 172,500 people who understand what it takes to be successful. I enjoy looking to the future and the possibilities it holds for us, as long as we continue to act like company owners and serve our customers and each other with dignity and respect. In 2015, let’s not rest on our laurels — let’s stay focused on the future.

Ed Crenshaw
CEO