Managers gathered in Orlando, Florida, to hear leaders celebrate our recent successes and set our sights on 2023 at our annual Retail Operations Conference (ROC).

CEO Todd Jones discussed the things we can do to ensure we remain the premier quality food retailer in the world. To remain a great place to work, we must:

• Continue to invest in our associates and our company. “At a time when you read headlines about companies closing stores, cutting back and even laying people off, I am proud to say our associates can find job security working here. In fact, we have not had a layoff in our 92-year history.”
• Find new ways to perpetuate our culture. “We need to introduce our culture to new associates and new markets. And we should have some fun.”
• Share ideas. “All of these years later, Publix is still a company that values the importance of being heard and fosters an environment where innovation is encouraged. Those are some of the reasons why Mr. George wanted to open his own grocery store in the very first place.”

To remain a great place to shop, we must:

• Connect with our customers. “Get to know your customers — and their families — so you can help them find just the right products to meet their needs.”
• Listen to our customers. “We have to make sure our customers feel valued in every interaction.”
• Surprise and delight our customers. “Make them the hero at home and amongst their friends. You can make a difference through the connections you make.”
• Continue to impact our communities. “Find opportunities to talk about what we’re doing to lessen our impact on the environment and expand the ways we can help alleviate hunger. Our efforts may have a personal connection with them.”

Todd shared, “It’s up to each of us to continue to keep Publix — our company — successful.”

Last year was a year of impressive growth for Publix. From opening new stores, breaking ground on our first store in Kentucky, and opening a new distribution center in Greensboro, North Carolina, we are growing, while continuing to hire new associates and promote from within.

What separates us from our competitors is our people. “Our associates are the key to Publix’s future success and growth,” President Kevin Murphy shared. “When there’s growth, there’s opportunity. I can tell you firsthand we have associates who are committed to Publix and want to grow their careers with us.”

If you’re interested in building your career at Publix, ask your manager about cross-training opportunities. By exploring other departments, you can get hands-on experience in a new part of the store and potentially discover career opportunities that help set your future goals, he said.

Kevin talked about finishing the year strong and standing behind our brand promise that Publix is “where shopping is a pleasure.”

“I hope you realize you’re part of something bigger, something very special,” said Kevin. “It truly makes me proud to work alongside each and every one of you.”