Each year Publix Super Markets presents a district manager from each of its retail divisions and one support manager with a President’s Award, denoting success in meeting equal opportunity goals, displayed dedication to the dignity, value and employment security of Publix associates, and maintained a work environment that values diversity and is free from discrimination.
The 2011 President’s Award winners are: John Gehring, Atlanta Division; Dwayne Bryant, Jacksonville Division; Jeffrey Stilwell, Lakeland Division; Modesto Blanco, Miami Division; and Ken Stanger, senior manager of business analysis and reporting.
According to a statement from the Atlanta Division, Gehring began his Publix career in 1988 as a grocery clerk in Lauderhill, Fla. He worked his way through various positions before being promoted to store manager in 1996. A district manager since 2007, Gehring oversees nine Georgia stores located in Alpharetta, Buford, Cumming and Suwanee.
Publix President Todd Jones presented the award at the Atlanta Division meeting.
“John is passionate about actively recruiting the right associates who will help meet Publix’s needs and train them to succeed,” said Jones. “He is driven to continually improve himself and learn more about our business.”
Also during the 2012 Atlanta Division meeting in February, Publix honored an entire store team for providing its customers with premier service.
The team at Chastain Square in Atlanta received the 2011 Customer Service Excellence Award for the company’s Atlanta Division. Store Manager Kourosh Noorbehesht accepted the award, which was presented by Atlanta Division VP Joe DiBenedetto.
The Customer Service Excellence Award is based on results from associate and customer surveys, mystery shopping scores and financial indicators. In addition to the award, the team will be recognized in an advertisement in their town’s local newspaper. Each associate will receive a lapel pin in honor of their contributions.
Publix is privately owned and operated by its 151,000 employees, with 2010 sales of $25.1 billion. Publix has 1,049 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.
