Fortune recently released their 2009 Best Companies list. This year Publix finished with an overall rank of 88th. First published in 1998, the Fortune list has included Publix every year – one of only 13 companies to accomplish that feat.
In an article released yesterday, Fortune magazine includes Lakeland-based Publix as one of the nine of their “Best Companies” never to experience a layoff.
According to Fortune, Publix has never had a layoff in 79 years, is 100% employee-owned, and nearly 6000 associates have worked for the company 20-years or more.
The company has seen sales increase during the downturn while competitors have endured layoffs and store closures. Publix, which enjoys a strong balance sheet with no long-term debt, has focused on operational efficiency, managing costs, employee development, and store growth and expansion. Last year, Publix acquired 49 stores closed by Albertson’s and hired more than 1,250 people in those locations. — Fortune
The magazine also featured Publix as one of their top companies that is hiring. Miami, Jacksonville, and Lakeland are the prime sports for the approximate 900 open positions.
What they’re looking for: People for retail grocery stores, information systems, manufacturing, distribution and other support offices. — Fortune
Publix will open their 1000th store on February 5th in St. Augustine, Florida. The Southgate store renovations are scheduled for completion during the fourth quarter of 2009.
photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Lakeland Local
Bio: The short line? Father, husband, writer. My online presence is primarily through as the editor, writer, and occasional photographer for the news sites, Lakeland Local, a sampling of the news, concerns, and events for Lakeland, Florida, and Metro i4 News, which covers the Interstate 4 corridor in Central Florida. Both sites feature the work of myself and other contributors. As a hobby, I manage a forum and some web sites that feature a pulp fiction series written by Lester Dent -- Doc Savage Organized, Doc Savage Info, and Flearun.
Denis Baldwin
1 year ago
While they may be hiring, I’ve seen that their hiring practices are often less than favorable. Even when the economy was decent (4 years ago), I knew many people with good work ethics, good work history, drug free and willing to work who couldn’t get hired either in their factories or their retail stores. This wasn’t one or two people, but dozens who were rejected or never called back.
Seems like if this company is so employee centric and focused on growth, they would find something for everyone who wanted a job to do, especially if they were willing to prove their worth.
John
7 months ago
Denis, they are not just going to hire EVERYONE that applys.Also you don’t know if does people failed the drug test or even made it to the interview.
Not everyone is responsible enough to wake up or be on time, there could be many reasons why some people did not get the job.