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April 11, 2005

Guest Blogger: Clayton Hollis

In our continuing 'Guest Blogger' series, EMERGE Lakeland is fortunate to have Clayton Hollis from Publix provide a message for our members.

What an exciting time in the Lakeland community! Having EMERGE begin to mature (in time, not attitude!) has been a joy to see. I think the possibilities for involvement are endless. I just wish I was young enough to be included in this great group!

When one mentions Lakeland, many things come to mind: Florida Southern College, Florida Citrus Mutual, Orange Cup Regatta, Mayfaire, Sun 'n Fun, Detroit Tigers and, oh yes, Publix Super Markets! While most people know about us, and probably have some sort of relationship with us, I thought I'd take a minute to update the group on where we are as a company.

Having started this great company with one little store in downtown Winter Haven in September of 1930, we set up shop in downtown Lakeland in 1945 after purchasing 19 small stores called All American. There was a warehouse across from Munn Park, so Lakeland became our home. In the past 75 years, we've grown to 851 stores (as of March 31), in five southern states (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee), with over 128,000 associates and 2004 sales of $18.6 billion. While this might seem like a very big company, we still see ourselves as this small, family-owned business based in Lakeland. We continue to follow the mantra set by our founder, George W. Jenkins, to operate a better store, make shopping a pleasure and be involved in our communities.

You'll find the Publix name on a thousands of donation lists, but more importantly is that you'll find thousands of Publix associates actively involved in their communities. From serving on boards of non-profit organizations to serving meals at homeless shelters, our associates are most satisfied when "doing". They feel a great deal of satisfaction by helping others. And isn't that what it's all about? I think we've shown that you can be a great, even superior, operator and still keep that personal touch of involvement in your community.

I challenge each of you to find that passion, both in your work world, and your community involvement. Get involved and make a difference!

About Clayton Hollis
Born and raised in Lakeland. Graduated from Santa Fe High School and Florida Southern College. Worked at Publix since the day he turned 16, 32 years ago! Began his career by bagging groceries at Grove Park. Worked in a variety of areas of the company, including construction, but spent most of his time in the store, including managing a store in New Port Richey. As Vice President of Public Affairs, he manages the Government Relations, Corporate Communications, Consumer Relations, as well as Media and Community Relations areas.

Spent a year in a Rotary vocational exchange program with a Swiss supermarket. He has been active on federal industry boards, both the state and Lakeland Chamber boards, as well as various community boards including Florida Southern College. He is a past Chairman of the Florida Retail Federation. Clayton has been honored with various awards for his service both in the industry and the community, including the Glen Woodward Award and the Jere Annis Award.

Married to Beverly, they have two children: Clay and Jill. Active, involved member at First United Methodist Church, he enjoys snow skiing, boating, playing golf, traveling and reading. But mostly, he enjoys spending time with his family!

Posted by Josh Hallett at April 11, 2005 09:55 AM

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