Last December, Assistant Deli Manager Meleny Lake, #1789, Orlando, Florida, was honored with the Innovators Driving Excellence & Achievement (IDEA) Award. This recognition is given to associates who share ideas through Idea Spot that are put into action and create significant savings for Publix.
Paying close attention to her everyday work led to an Idea Spot submission centered around reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Her big idea
Meleny’s award-winning idea came directly from hands-on experience. While working with platters in a store with a high-volume catering department, she became aware of an ongoing challenge.
“We always had to grab guacamole off the shelf for platters,” said Meleny. “That meant we were using product that could’ve been sold to customers. When guacamole wasn’t available, we had to use avocados from produce, which had the same effect, but it cost more money.”
The solution was simple and practical — send prepackaged guacamole to stores specifically for platter production. This would help Publix save money and ensure product availability was maintained while enhancing the customer experience.
“When you’re working in a certain area so often, you naturally start thinking about how things could be better,” said Meleny. “That’s why I love Idea Spot. I can suggest improvements that directly impact my job and our company.”
On receiving the award
For Meleny, the recognition came as both a surprise and a deeply meaningful moment. She was presented the award by President John Goff.
Beyond the personal significance, the recognition affirmed something equally important — that ideas from associates truly matter.
“It lets me know that I have a voice and that leadership is listening,” said Meleny. “It feels really good.”
President John Goff presented Assistant Deli Manager Meleny Lake with the IDEA Award.
The impact of Idea Spot
Submitting an idea is super easy, too. Share your suggestions on Idea Spot today.
Idea Spot is more than just a suggestion platform to Meleny — it’s a direct line to leadership and a way for associates to help shape Publix’s future.
