From Good to the Best and Blessed

One of the first stores - Publix has been around since the 30's, to now....


LAKELAND, Fla., June 9, 2008 — Today Publix Super Markets, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase 49 Florida stores from Albertson’s LLC. The transaction is expected to close in September and includes store locations throughout the state with 15 locations in North Florida, 30 locations in Central Florida and four locations in South Florida.

This started a situation that prompted me to say to "H," "We are NOT going to worry, God has something better for you." "H" had been given notice that in September he would no longer have a job with Albertsons. Publix had bought the Northwest Florida stores.

To make a long story short, he is now with Publix. Last night we went to the store opening and it was awesome - after shopping mostly at the Walmart only 4 minutes from our house and griping about having the choices of a 3rd world country along with empty shelves and stressed out employees, I found a dazzling array of perfect, beautifully aligned foods and products at Publix. They have an extensive organic line.

LOL, my dream is to get locked in a Publix overnight or maybe a couple of weeks and be able to eat anything I want, and paint the beautiful produce displays. Well, I guess I can make a goal and do this through the years, that is, not get locked in, but to try everything that strikes my fancy.

We've heard wonderful stories about this employee owned company. And they involve people; employees and customers. Part of their philosphy is excellent product, service, and treating customers and employees right. In this day and age, this is a rare philosophy. Every employee we've talked to is so happy and they love their company.

They also are involved in serving the communities they are in by participating in projects to better the community and to help people.

"H" had struggled through with Albertson's for years, they constantly cut his hours even though he had been hired for a full time position. They have been cutting benefits for years as well. (This area has always been known for its terrible employment opportunities - in fact the county is the poorest county in Florida) - and Albertsons really never had a good reputation as being a good place to work. But we remained grateful that he had a job at all. But, Publix said they don't do this. Wow - a full time job income? An array of great benefits? Being treated nice and with respect? Marvelous! Also they were so willing to accomodate him coming and going with my surgery and they were truly interested in how I was doing. Awesome.

There are a lot of articles in the local paper with people moaning the loss of Albertson's over here in our town. Little do they know what is coming for them - better jobs, excellent products, tons more choice, visual aesthetics that won't quit, and I found the prices competitive. Yes, there are high end items, (what fun for a treat now and then!) but their brands were really reasonable. With this comes respect for employees and customers.

We went to the opening party for employees, family and friends last night. They had a great spread of food, all the managers were introduced - then employees and then families of employees were recognized. I wished I had invited my friends too.

"H" is working the beach store - so what a gorgeous ride to go get groceries and to go to work!

Looks like Ike is going around us - yay! But I pray for Texas. The TV said this was the all time high day for hurricanes hitting the U.S. Well, maybe that means better, less stressful days are coming.