In July, associates in the Miami office and distribution center came together to celebrate the Miami Division’s 50th anniversary.

Retired Publix leaders including Pete Newsome, the division’s first vice president of warehousing, were on hand to visit with current associates and share stories of the division’s early years. Associates were treated to a special lunch of steak and chicken. Bakery Retail Improvement Specialist Claudia Camenzuli and decorators from #669, North Miami Beach, Fla., built a cake featuring a Publix truck made from Rice Krispies treats and covered in fondant.

“Fifty years after opening the division, we continue to follow principles established by Mr. George,” said Miami Division Vice President Bill Fauerbach. “Offering quality products that are strategically merchandised at competitive prices still draws customers into our stores. But, serving customers is still our No. 1 priority — they all must be treated like queens or kings.”

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