Publix profits up 15.1 percent in first quarter
Publix stores reported sales for the first quarter of 2013 were $7.5 billion, a 6.1 percent increase from last year’s $7.1 billion. Comparable-store sales for the first quarter of 2013 increased 3.9 percent.
Net earnings for the first quarter of 2013 were $471.3 million, compared to $409.4 million in 2012, an increase of 15.1 percent. Earnings per share for the first quarter increased to $0.61 for 2013, up from $0.52 per share in 2012. Net earnings and earnings per share benefited from the early Easter holiday in the first quarter of 2013.
Effective Wednesday, Publix’s stock price increased from $23.20 per share to $26.90 per share. Publix stock is made available only to Publix employees and board members.
Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix has 1,069 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee, and had 2012 sales of $27.5 billion.
Dessert specialist wins ‘best of’
Sweet Nothings Desserts in Pooler was the top vote getter for best overall food presentation at the April 18 Taste of Pooler and the Westside.
By category, the top vote getters were: Best overall food presentation, first place, Sweet Nothings Desserts; Second place, 145 Mulberry-Embassy Suites; best decorated table, first place, Sweet Nothings Desserts; second place, Longhorn.
Best appetizer, first place, Miss Sophie’s/Savannah Bell Catered Affairs; second place, Longhorn; best entrée, first place, 145 Mulberrry-Embassy Suites; tied at second place, Fatz and Sticky Fingers Catering.
Best baked goods, first place, Sweet Nothings Desserts; second place, Pie Society; best side dish, first place, Sticky Fingers Catering; best dessert, first place, Sweet Nothings Desserts; second place, Longhorn.
For more information, email office@poolerchamber.com, cal 912-748-0110 or go to www.visipooler.com.
Meet the congressional candidates
BEAUFORT, S.C. — The Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate meet and greet with both candidates running in the 1st Congressional District election next month. The events today and Friday are open to the public and will be held at noon at at the chamber office, 701 Craven St.
Former Gov. Mark Sanford will appear today and Elizabeth Colbert Busch will appear Friday.
Pooler Marketplace Expo coming in July
Businesses and organizations wanting to reach out to the community are invited to participate in the 2013 Pooler Marketplace Expo from 5 to 7 p.m. July 18 at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, 175 Bourne Ave., near Interstate 95 exit 102 in Pooler.
Exhibition booth spaces and sponsorships are available. For more information, email office@poolerchamber.com, call 912-748-0110 or go to www.poolerchamber.com.