Publix is currently in line to get a federal nod from authorities in Washington D.C. Following an order from Governor Rick Scott, the current statue representing Florida at the Capitol will soon be replaced with another bust, which may be Publix’s Founder George Washington Jenkins.
"It's an honor that Mr. George is being considered," a Publix spokesman said Wednesday, according to bizjournals.com. "He left a lasting legacy of caring for our associates and our customers. He gave back to the communities we serve, and instilled a culture of giving throughout our organization; a culture that makes us proud to work for the company he founded — Publix Super Markets."
Three historical and influential Forlida figures are being considered for as a replacement for the current statue, including Jenkins. The current figure in the Capitol is Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith.
Originally, the public submitted 130 possible applicants, which Legislature whittled down to three choices, according to Fox13 News.
Jenkins was selected for his contributions to Florida, and impact on the state. Publix was first founded by Jenkins in 1930 in Winter Haven, FL. Over 80 years later, Publix is now reportedly one of the largest private employers in the Tampa Bay region with over 35,000 employees.
As Publix continues to expand throughout other southeastern states, DeliMarket News will keep you up-to-the-minute with the possibilities of this national honor, and what it could mean for the chain as a whole.
