BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE AUTAUGA NEWS
Photos by Sarah Stephens and Monica Harrison
If anyone thought scheduling a ribbon cutting for 7 a.m. for the new Publix in Millbrook would draw a small crowd, they were proven wrong this morning.
The new store celebrated a ribbon cutting with Manager Daniel Sims, Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley and Publix associates before a full parking lot of vehicles and people. Soon after the crowd swarmed through the doors to check out the newest Publix in our area and take advantage of some store specials.
“I began my career 15 years ago in Helena, Alabama as a grocery replenishment specialist,” Manager Daniel Sims told the crowd. “George Jenkins created Publix 93 years ago in Winter Haven, Florida with the idea of running a better supermarket than our competitors. We continue his work today by providing premiere service along with high quality products in a well-stocked store. Each day, more than 250,000 associates throughout our more than 1,375 stores in eight states work tirelessly to make Publix where shopping is always a pleasure.”
Sims said in addition to customer service, Publix believes in giving back to their communities.
“While helping to alleviate hunger is at the core of Publix’ effort, we also support nonprofit organizations focused on youth education and homelessness.” Publix also has a program that will support local schools.
Sims said his staff is excited to now be a part of the community and open the doors with excitement.
“We know that you are going to love your new store here in Millbrook,” Sims said. “As you learn your new store, please let us know if you need any assistance or have any questions. We are here to make your shopping experience a pleasure.”
Sims thanked the City of Millbrook, Millbrook Area Chamber of Commerce and area business leaders for such a warm welcome.
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley then addressed the enormous crowd, wearing a green sports jacket in honor of the Publix opening.
“For those of you wondering where I bought this coat, I bought this about 30 years ago in the hopes of one day being able to wear it to a Publix grand opening in Millbrook, Alabama,” he said, getting a laugh from the crowd. “Today I had my dream come true. Thank you, Publix.”
Mayor Kelley thanked Publix management and the corporate team for having faith in the Millbrook community to put a store in locally.
“We promise not to let you down.”
Kelley thanked the Realty Link group for their work from day one.
“These things don’t come overnight. It has been about a four-year process getting this store open. Thank you to Realty Link and all the things they have done.”
Kelley thanked the City Council, the Economic Development Team and especially the city staff.
“The city staff had to work so closely with the Realty Link team and the contractors,” Kelley said, adding whenever a problem arose, everyone worked together to find the solution.
“Our city staff – there is not another one around anywhere like it,” he continued.
Mayor Kelley said that he pulled some strings but is proud to say he made the very first purchase at Millbrook Publix.
City Council President Michael Gay spoke of the importance of today’s ribbon cutting.
“Over 20 years ago my wife Jennifer and I moved to Millbrook to raise our family. When we arrived, we were the third house in our neighborhood. There was Food World and Winn Dixie. Marvin’s shopping center was in disrepair. No Walmart. No Publix. Highway 14 was a lot emptier unless you count the old junk yard. How much has changed! The city has grown.”
Gay continued, “We have a lot of neighbors and now a Publix and more, a lot more. The city is in a time of growth and renaissance. Publix was a project that took several years. All economic projects take a lot of time to bring to fruition. Accolades must go out to Mayor Kelley and his hours and hours of work. There were many meetings, many more phone calls to all parties keeping them at the table working out the details and personalities. Trust and patience were built with investment of time.”
Gay recognized Economic Development Director Ann Harper and Millbrook Project Manager Stuart Peters with the city plus other numerous city employees for their work on the details. He thanked the city council for their commitment to the city’s quality of life. “Last but not least, our partners with 17 Springs. Yes, 17 Springs. This project was key in getting Publix and a developer to buy in. Economic investment is about rooftops in your community and traffic counts. 17 Springs gives Millbrook these checkmarks. Thank you to Elmore County Commission, Elmore County School Board, Elmore County Economic Development Authority, and Grandview Family YMCA/Montgomery YMCA for your investment and vision in Millbrook and Elmore County. All boats rise with the tide of economic growth and prosperity.”
Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson has served the city for almost 30 years, 20 of those as chief. He said he has seen a tremendous amount of growth and change in that time.
“As the Police Chief, I appreciate what the addition of this new business means, as a revenue producer for our growing city. As a citizen, I appreciate the fact that we have additional options with regards to our grocery and pharmacy needs, right here in Millbrook. As I watched our new store manager, Daniel Sims, and Mayor Kelley cut the ribbon, I couldn’t help but think back to 1996, when I started with the police department on 3rd Shift patrol,” Johnson said.
He spoke of driving up to Highway 14 on Main Street, saying you could turn east or west and it “got dark real quick, as there weren’t man When I drove up to Highway 14, on Main Street, it didn’t matter if I turned east or west, it got dark real quick, as there weren’t many businesses on Highway 14.”
Johnson said as he has moved through his career, “I witnessed our city become, at one time and for several years, one of the fastest growing cities in the entire State of Alabama. I remember when we built Mill Creek Park and later the Millbrook Civic Center and years later, Legacy Park, which also has a nice facility for meetings and events. As I left Publix this morning, I drove through our beautiful 17 Springs Sports Complex, which will forever change the complexion of our city, bringing new opportunities, both for our children and citizens to enjoy.
“It will attract new businesses and people to our city, who will spend their money at our local businesses, producing revenue for our city. This will in turn help our city improve on the services provided to our citizens. Having said all of that, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as our city leaders and economic development staff are hard at work, recruiting new businesses to come into our city every day. This is a testament to the leadership of Mayor Al Kelley, our City Council and economic development staff, who have worked together.
“They have formed partnerships with our Elmore County Commission, YMCA, Elmore County Board of Education and others to make projects like 17 Springs and Publix a reality. Today and every day, I am proud to be Millbrook’s Police Chief and a citizen of Millbrook. I may very well be just a little prejudiced, but I can’t think of a better place to live and raise a family than right here in Millbrook Alabama! Congratulations Mayor Kelley and thank you for your leadership.”
The new store features 47,000 square feet and the official name is Publix at Camp Grandview Plaza.
The store was first announced in 2022, and the groundbreaking was held in August.
The store will provide 165 new jobs to the area.
Publix already has a store in Prattville and will soon open a facility in Wetumpka as well.
