Investing in Future-Proofing Community Pharmacy
IPC 2023 Year in Review: Investments in future-proofing community pharmacies
As we bid farewell to a remarkable year, the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) is proud to reflect on the many accomplishments that have shaped our journey in 2023. Based on your feedback, IPC has taken several steps toward future-proofing independent pharmacy. From innovative website enhancements to transformative warehouse optimizations and groundbreaking digital health initiatives, this year has been a testament to our commitment to empowering independent pharmacies.
Celebrating 40 Years of Independent Pharmacy Cooperative:
IPC proudly commemorates four decades of unwavering dedication and excellence to independent pharmacy. Over the past 40 years, IPC has been at the forefront of championing the unique needs and aspirations of community pharmacies, fostering a legacy that resonates with resilience, innovation, and unparalleled commitment. Over these four decades, IPC has transformed into a full-service cooperative, passionately advocating to level the playing field for independent pharmacies within the industry. From navigating challenges to championing comprehensive solutions, IPC has remained dedicated to empowering community pharmacies. With gratitude for the trust of independent pharmacy owners, we commemorate our legacy of success, blending resilience, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to fostering the growth of you, our members.
Investing in Digital Innovation:
In embracing the essence of future-proofing independent pharmacy, a pivotal focus for IPC has been on amplifying Digital Health as a cornerstone of our commitment. Through IPC Digital Health, we are reshaping the landscape of healthcare accessibility, particularly for non-insured or underserved communities in need of everyday care non-emergency services. Our mission is clear: to set up a contemporary healthcare model rooted in availability, affordability, and convenience, while simultaneously future-proofing the community pharmacy.
By integrating Digital Health into independent pharmacy, you can provide patients with access to physicians and ensure the long-term viability and success of your pharmacy. This pioneering initiative underscores our dedication to creating a resilient and forward-looking healthcare ecosystem that aligns seamlessly with the evolving needs of both patients and community pharmacies.
Investing in People
In 2023, IPC showed a profound commitment to investing in its people, notably through our board elections which took place this past June. With the reelection of board members Paul Grisnik, John Coler, Beshoy Gerges, and Kari VanderHouwen, IPC has garnered staunch support and leadership ensuring continuity and dedication to advancing independent pharmacies. We are delighted to welcome Shahida Choudry, the owner of Palms Pharmacy in Tampa, FL, as a valuable addition to the IPC board. Her wealth of experience and insights will undoubtedly contribute to the board’s collective vision for the future. With a strengthened and dynamic board, IPC is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape, championing the interests of independent pharmacies and fostering a resilient future for the entire community.
In a dedicated effort to nurture and grow talent, IPC reaffirms its steadfast commitment to its employees, recognizing that their development is integral to the growth and future-proofing of independent pharmacies. Through initiatives like the Leadership Training program, IPC empowers its leaders with the skills and insights needed to navigate the challenges of the future. Complementing this, the Program fosters continuous skills development among our dedicated team, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to the sustained success of independent pharmacies. The introduction of the Shark Tank initiative stands as a testament to IPC’s commitment to future-proofing, encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving that not only cultivate a culture of creativity, and plays a pivotal role in steering IPC toward future growth and diversification.
IPC has been awarded prestigious recognitions, including Top Workplaces in Distribution, Compensation & Benefits, and Work-Life Flexibility, IPC takes immense pride in its legacy of being a top place to work. These efforts collectively underscore IPC’s comprehensive approach to employee development, reflecting a vision for a thriving future for both its workforce and the independent pharmacy community.
Investing in Operations
In the pursuit of future-proofing independent pharmacies, 2023 saw a strategic focus on enhancing warehouse operations at IPC. The closure of our Arizona facility in March marked a pivotal move consolidating and strengthening operations, allowing our Sun Prairie warehouse to enhance efficiency. Introducing new order minimums and deadlines provides you with improved flexibility and accessibility, along with enhanced precision in order processing. Embracing innovative technology, the updated conveyor system revolutionizes logistics, facilitating efficient material handling, increased throughput of packaged goods, and faster order picking and sorting.
The shift to net pricing simplifies structures for transparency, enabling you to better understand the actual cost of your packaged goods for streamlined accounting practices. Further fortifying our commitment to your compliance, IPC introduced SecureLink, a reliable and unique solution designed to help you adhere to the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). These collective updates highlight IPC’s dedication to enhancing warehouse operations for the seamless benefit of our members, positioning you for sustained success in the evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry.
Enhancements to Pharmacy Select mark an exciting chapter in the enduring partnership between IPC and PPSC, heralding a fresh new identity for a vibrant future. This initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts to bring competitive pricing and portfolio depth to you, our members. Aligned with IPC’s overarching vision of future-proofing independent pharmacies, Pharmacy Select exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustained success within the dynamic and evolving healthcare landscape. As we usher in this revitalized brand, we reinforce our dedication to empowering independent pharmacies and positioning you for prosperity in the competitive market ahead.
IPC continued its digital evolution in 2023, with the launch of our enhanced website with a dedicated effort to redefine the ordering experience for independent pharmacies. Rooted in valuable customer feedback, our user-centric approach streamlined the ordering process, fostering efficiency and ease for you, the independent pharmacy owner. The introduction of the New Dashboard features elevate transparency, offering real-time insights and analytics to inform your decisions strategically.
Our commitment to your continuous learning is manifested in the creation of the Cooperative Connection, a collection of blogs, webinars, and podcasts, forming a knowledge-sharing hub. These investments underscore IPC’s firm commitment to supplying tools, insights, and resources that empower your success, reinforcing our role as a devoted ally in the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical industry.
As we celebrate these milestones, we extend our gratitude to you, our members, partners, and the entire IPC community for your staunch support. The journey of 2023 has been transformative, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come. Together, we continue to build a future where independent pharmacies thrive, supported by the innovation, dedication, and community spirit that define the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative. Cheers to a year of excellence and to many more successes on the horizon!
