Two more Publix IDEA recipients have been named for 2025! This award is given to associates whose ideas, submitted through Idea Spot, are implemented, and significantly improve gross profit or save Publix materials, products or labor. IDEA stands for Innovators Driving Excellence and Achievement.

Eliminate paper towels in register crumb trays

Store Manager Kelly York Kourajian, #92, Stockbridge, Georgia, submitted the idea to eliminate the use of paper towels to show that register crumb trays were cleaned during the closing process. The reference and procedures guide previously had associates clean the crumb tray nightly and line it with a paper towel to indicate that it had been cleaned.

Kelly’s idea to change the procedure went into effect in November 2024. This small change will

• save Publix an average of $153,000 annually
• contribute to more sustainable practices and
• streamline closing procedures.

Limit orders for toner cartridges

Store Manager Jarrett Malanowski, #512, Lexington, South Carolina, proposed limiting the number of toner cartridges that stores can order at a time in the low-velocity ordering system. Toner is listed directly above boxes of vinyl gloves in the system. Associates would accidentally request cartridges when trying to order vinyl gloves. This mix-up caused stores to have expensive, unnecessary toner inventory on hand.

An average of $120,000 worth of toner was accidentally ordered every year. In late 2024, Manufacturing Supply Purchasing implemented Jarrett’s idea to limit the number of toner cartridges a store could order.

Recognition for their ideas

Kelly and Jarrett each received a crystal Publix IDEA Award trophy and a cash award for their innovative suggestions.

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