Distribution and manufacturing celebrated individual associates and entire facilities with awards that recognized achievements, community service and dedication to Publix.

Distribution

Vice President of Distribution Casey Suarez recognized 12 departments that worked safely and have gone at least six months without an incident and 16 more departments who reached multiple-year safety records. Each department received a plaque to commemorate the accomplishment.
“Safety is a core value in our distribution centers,” said Casey. “Our associates care about each other and the work they do, so they continually strive to maintain safe working environments. I’m proud to recognize them for protecting our people.”

Manufacturing

Vice President of Manufacturing Jeff Stephens also celebrated associates’ achievements.
Printing/mailing services received the Operational Excellence Award, which recognizes the facility with the best overall performance in the areas of safety, product quality, plant culture, continuous improvement and financial results. Associates at this facility will receive a special celebration and shirts to commemorate their achievement.

Manufacturing also presented the Servant Leadership Award to three associates who go above and beyond to perpetuate Publix’s culture. The Servant Leadership Award winners were

• Deerfield Fresh Foods Department Manager of Production Clarence Fuller
• Atlanta Dairy Plant General Manager Doug Harris and
• Manager of Manufacturing Automation Engineering Steve Hiestand.

“These associates lead with a servant’s heart and do a wonderful job of emulating Mr. George’s philosophies in their workplaces,” said Jeff. “It’s my honor to recognize them for perpetuating our Publix culture.”

Awards recognize safe work facilities

The Safety Award recognizes an entire team of associates who consistently strive to make their facility a safe place. Publix evaluated several KPIs, including incident frequency, cost rates, percent improvement over last year and how each location proactively manages safety.

For their contributions to safety, each associate at the winning facility receives a safety award lapel pin, and each location receives $500 to host a celebration of this recognition.

Distribution Boynton Beach Distribution Center Warehouse Operations Manager Jim Lahiff	Manufacturing Deerfield Dairy Plant General Manager Mike Melville