Lakeland Division
This team loves to give back to the community
Supporting Publix’s mission to be involved as responsible citizens in their community rings loudly for associates at #1013, Port Charlotte, Florida.
That’s why they’ve already participated in three walks and fundraisers so far this year. Together, they raised a total of $2,500 walking for Relay for Life, March of Dimes and American Heart Association. Different associates at the store volunteer to lead the walks and fundraisers and lead the charge to get their teams involved.
“Our associates enjoy giving back to the community in any way they can,”said Store Manager Sonya Lawman.
“It’s also a way for our store to foster teamwork and get to know each other outside of the regular work environment.”
Up next for this team: a Muscular Dystrophy Association Bowl-a-thon fundraiser scheduled for this month.
Lakeland Division
Store carnival kicked off summer vacation
It may seem like summer flew by, but associates at #15, Clermont, Florida, made sure it got off to a good start.
Under the lead of Customer Service Staff Jessie Follmar, the team organized a free community carnival complete with games, prizes, face painting and treats.
The Clermont Fire Department conducted tours of its special operations fire truck. Everyone from the store encouraged youngsters to play the games, which included a ring toss, bowling and a water balloon toss with the store manager.
“We love our young future customers, and we wanted to create an exciting, fun event,” said Store Manager Don Lucas. “There was an exceptional turnout. Everyone on our store team loved it. Many of our customers complimented us on how well it was organized, how much they love their Publix and appreciated us celebrating the kickoff to summer vacation.”
Jacksonville Division
Associates double customers’ shopping experiences
For many associates, working at Publix is a family business, and it’s not unusual to find siblings working alongside each other.
But Front Service Clerks Judy and Jill Tariske, #301, Altamonte Springs, Florida, aren’t just sisters — they’re twins, and they recently celebrated 20 years at Publix.
Judy and Jill are sports nuts and royal family enthusiasts, but even more than that, they exemplify the company’s mission. Store Manager Greg Leonard has received compliments on the sisters’ bagging technique, and Assistant Customer Service Manager Debbie Hallsays they love their Publix family. The pair came to Publix from a toy store and are great with younger customers.
“One customer wrote to corporate how the twins had made her little boy’s day when they gave him a toy truck. She said he smiled all the way home,” Greg said.
Jacksonville Division
Community shows appreciation for military
Cashiers Travis Shoyer and Kristina Carranza, #1450, Port Orange, Florida, go above and beyond to promote monthly kids’ night events at their store.
They wanted to do something special for Memorial Day, so they contacted the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter for suggestions. For the May 24 event, the duo had participants sign a poster they created. In addition, youngsters wrote thank-you cards to be sent overseas.
“We had such great success with this event! We ended up with 54 thank-you cards written by children from the community,” said Customer Service Manager Katie Keener. “Both Travis and Kristina have shown great commitment to these events and to our store’s support of military personnel.”
Support
Dairy plant associate wins car
Quality Control Technician Carlos Agurcia [pictured center] drove away with a new set of wheels at a United Way fundraiser.
The May 20 drawing for a 2016 Mini Countryman was open to anyone in Broward County, Florida, who contributed $5 or more a week to United Way through their employer. More than 200 companies in Broward County participated in the United Way workplace campaign, with 5,984 employees eligible for the drawing. Of those, 2,630 were Publix associates.
“This award could not have gone to a better person,” said Associate Relations Specialist Sue Betsill. “It was a big surprise — the entire Deerfield facility came out to witness him being awarded the car.”
