Governor Scott
Recognizes Publix

Governor Rick Scott

During the Florida Cabinet meeting today, Governor Rick Scott presented Publix with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for the company’s longstanding commitment to hiring people with disabilities throughout the state. Publix’s Associate Diversity Development Specialist Greta Dupuy, Store Manager Chip Seale, and Store Manager Mark Grant accepted the award during the meeting. Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet also declared the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Governor Scott said, “I am happy to recognize Publix with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for their work to ensure every Floridian has an opportunity to get a great job. Over the past two years, we have taken steps to make sure Florida businesses can grow and it’s working. I thank Publix for their commitment to creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families.”

Publix Media & Community Relations Manager – Jacksonville Division, Dwaine Stevens, said, “Our legacy of community engagement has spanned for 84 years. Our founder, George Jenkins, gave us the greatest examples for striving to be reflective of communities in which we serve and operate; including diversity in the workplace. We are deeply honored to be recognized for such a prestigious designation and recognition for our support of the total community.”

Last month, the Governor announced his Florida Families First budget, which provides $36 million in much needed funding to people on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiver waiting list. More than 22,000 people are on the APD waiting list and the $36 million increase will allow individuals on the waiting list to enroll in the APD Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver so they will receive services in their local communities. Those with the most critical needs will benefit from this new funding. This new funding is part of the $1.1 billion budget being proposed for APD in the coming year.