We continue to grow when so many companies have merged with others or even closed altogether. I attribute that to how we keep alive the principles on which our company was founded.

Mr. George always said if you treat your associates right, they’ll treat their customers right. And that will result in sales and profits.

It’s no secret our industry is tough. The hours can be long. The work can be back breaking. So what keeps you staying at Publix year after year? I believe it’s in part because we are treated with dignity and respect.

I’ve often been asked what makes us different. Part of it is our secret sauce — company ownership. We talk about what it means to be a company owner. We talk about the rewards and what responsibilities come with it.

It’s human nature to want to be part of something bigger — to make a meaningful contribution. How you think about the business, how you treat each other, how you interact with your customers — it makes all the difference in the world.

I know I can count on you to wake up every day and make it the best day it can be. You are our future and with your commitment, we can continue to be successful. I hope you will look at the principles that got us where we are today and help us work toward a better tomorrow.

Ed Crenshaw
CEO