Dear CEO Todd Jones,
I am a second generation Floridian. I am 60 years old. I’ve been shopping at Publix my entire life. Publix is by far the closest grocery store to my house, but I won’t go there again as long as Publix is supporting Adam Putnam as a candidate. He has stated that he is a proud NRA sellout. He should be representing his constituents not lobbyists like the NRA, Marion Hammer etc. I just saw that there was another mass shooting at a school in Texas. The NRA has obstructed any effort towards justice regarding gun control. I am an Army Veteran. I like shooting guns, but just because I like it doesn’t mean that I disapprove of sensible controls. Publix is a great store. Supporting Putnam is something that I would hope Publix would reconsider. This is a very irresponsible move on Publix’s part. Please show us that you are the responsible business that we have come to love.
Sincerely,
Patrick Greene
*****
Dear Patrick Greene,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your concerns about political contributions. We are a company that cares about our associates, our customers and the communities we serve. It is our mission to do our very best to please all Publix customers, but unfortunately in today’s complex world this is not always an easy task.
We support bi-partisan, business-friendly candidates, regardless of political affiliation, and we remain neutral on issues outside of our core business. As one of the largest employers in the state of Florida, and with the majority of our stores and our corporate headquarters located here as well, we have a significant interest in our home state. As the hometown candidate, Publix has supported Commissioner Putnam since he ran for the state House of Representatives.
We apologize for your disappointment in this decision. We appreciate the trust you place in allowing us to be your grocer of choice and your community partner. Please know that your feedback has been shared with the appropriate departments for future consideration.
If we may be of further assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Care department at 1-800-242-1227. You may also contact us via email at www.publix.com/contact or write us at Publix Super Markets, Inc., P.O. Box 407, Lakeland, FL 33802, ATTN: Customer Care. Please be sure to reference your case identification number. We look forward to serving and meeting all your future needs.
Sincerely,
Patrick
Executive Office Specialist
*****
Dear Customer Correspondence,
While I didn’t expect anything that sounds personal or sincere from a corporation that probably gets lots of emails, especially regarding this subject, I find it interesting that I received such an unsatisfying, stilted PR response, yet the action you are taking seems like a PR disaster. The NRA has lost traction since the Parkland kids have risen up. You may find yourself on the wrong side of history in the not so distant future. It also seems pathetic to support the local guy. I am reasonably sure there are plenty of locals that you wouldn’t support. It is also interesting that you respond in such an impersonal way while presenting yourselves as the supporter of the community. I was actually teetering on a boycott. Thanks for convincing me.
Sincerely,
Patrick Greene
