IPC at McKesson ideaShare 2023

The spirit of ideaShare is to foster deeper connections and find new ways to grow independent pharmacy. IPC is proud to have played an active role in that last week.

Whether it was at our booth, annual meeting and reception, the Mandalay Bay Casino, or on the Las Vegas Strip, it was our sincere pleasure to connect with you, listen to you, and learn from you. Your goals are our goals, and the bonds we forged last week will help us future-proof community pharmacy, together.

Odds of Winning in Vegas? 100 Percent!

At the IPC Trade Show booth, that is. Every IPC member who played our Spin to Win game walked away victorious, winning anything from a water bottle to $500 in IPC Warehouse credit. All warehouse winnings are automatically applied your Warehouse Edge progress, allowing you to unlock big savings on Brand even faster. Don’t miss out on your chance to spin n’ win next year in the Big Easy!

Becoming the Key to Unlocking Healthcare

30% of Americans don’t have a primary care provider. IPC’s Digital Health virtual healthcare solution helps solve that problem. IPC Digital Health President, Ashton Maaraba, met with interested IPC stores to discuss how they can increase their revenue, improve patient outcomes, increase patient loyalty, and improve efficiency with IPC’s latest offering. IPC Digital Health and the iCare+ mobile app allows your store to become the link for the uninsured in your community to the healthcare that they require. Click here to learn more about this fantastic new opportunity.

IPC Digital Health - Future-Proofing Independent Pharmacy
iCare Plus - Future-Proofing Independent Pharmacy

Sharing Stories and Strategies

IPC members from across the country entered the CO-OP Corner Apothecary in the IPC booth to share their stories, best practices, and industry insights. Thank you all for your wonderful contributions. Make sure to keep an eye out for their unique stories!

IPC Hosts Beloved Independent Pharmacy Podcaster

Those who spent time with IPC at Booth 700 also had the opportunity to meet Bruce Kneeland, the renowned host of the popular Pharmacy Crossroads Podcast. In between connecting with old friends and colleagues, Bruce took time out to record two on-site podcasts, the first on optimizing your primary vendor agreement with Scott Wittnebel, IPC Senior Member Advisor, and Scott Patterson, IPC member. We’re internally calling it the Scottcast! Bruce’s second podcast features several IPC members and their main takeaways from ideaShare 2023.

We can’t thank Bruce enough for calling IPC “home” last week in Las Vegas. Both podcasts will be available soon within IPC’s Cooperative Connection. We’ll let you know when you can listen!

Thank You Valued IPC Vendors

IPC would like to extend a thank you to the valued vendor partners that participated in the IPC booth this year. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and discuss these amazing opportunities and learn how they could implement them in their stores. Did you miss chatting with a vendor? Click the links below to check them out today.

Aventi Health
BIOLYTE
Drugstore2door
Owen Mumford
RxHearing
RxSafe
Transaction Data Systems
Rx Assassins

Opportunity to Save $30,000 Per Year

IPC members who visited our booth were introduced to a game-changing drug purchasing service, risk-free. Dozens of your peers enrolled in a 4-month free trial, exclusive to ideaShare attendees, to receive the Daily GCR Report + Guidance powered by our partners at Rx Assassins. In addition to saving up to $30,000 a year on drug purchases, the daily GCR positional analysis saves you time while keeping you compliant with your primary wholesaler.

Learn more about how Rx Assassins can save you time and money.

IPC Chairperson of the Board Chris Darling talks to IPC member about Rx Assassins

Advocating for You

As always, IPC’s Government Relations team was eager to talk with attendees to discuss their aches and pains to learn where we can focus our advocacy efforts. Did you miss talking to the team at the show? Visit the Government Relations page on the IPC website to see what we’re working on right now!

IPC’s Past, Present, and Future

The IPC Annual Meeting kicked off with a rousing speech from new IPC Presdient and CEO, Marc Essensa. Marc discussed some of the changes he’s been making this year and why it’s important for IPC to grow and evolve in order to help you future-proof your pharmacy and IPC.

Following Marc’s speech, IPC Digital Health President, Asthton Maaraba, took the stage to discuss IPC’s new Digital Health offering and why it’s a game changer for not only IPC members but the industy as a whole.

IPC Chairperson of the Board, Chris Darling, was next to the stage where he announced the IPC Board of Directors Election Results. Congratulations to Shahida, John, Beshoy, and Kari on their win!

Cain’s Drug Health Mart Pharmacy Named IPC 2023 Most Valuable Pharmacy

Cain's Drug Health Mart Pharmacy Named IPC 2023 Most Valuable Pharmacy

IPC was thrilled to announce Cain’s Drug Health Mart Pharmacy of Vandalia, IL, as the recipient of the Dan Moudry Most Valuable Pharmacy (MVP) for 2023. Owners Scott Borntreger and Darryl Tjaden and were honored to accept the award presented by Marc and Chris.

Tjaden has been with Cain’s Drug for 52 years while Borntreger became a co-owner with Tjaden in 2011. The pharmacy is heavily involved in the community, regularly giving to and sponsoring local school districts and recreational programs. Student mentoring is also a major mission of Cain’s Drug and three of Borntreger’s other retail locations; Harry’s Pharmacy, Bond Community Pharmacy, and Byrd-Watson Drug. All four stores serve as Preceptors for the area’s two local pharmacy schools, hosting up to eight students per year.

“It is an honor to be able to recognize Scott Borntreger and Darryl Tjaden for their exemplary leadership and dedication to independent pharmacy and their community,” said IPC President and CEO, Marc Essensa. “Cain’s Drug is a shining example of not just a voice for independent pharmacy, but a community leader.”

We Gave Away a Car

Yes, a car! To round out the night, Hany Monsour of Visalia Pharmacy in Visalia, CA had his name drawn to win a car! Hany will receive a $50,000 credit to be used at a Ford dealership or he can choose a $40,000 cash option in place of dealership credit. Congratulations, Hany!

Hany Monsour of Visalia Pharmacy in Visalia, CA won a new car at IPC Annual Meeting

Friday Night Fun

Thank you to everyone who stayed for the IPC Annual Reception inside the South Pacific Ballroom after the annual meeting. Not only were IPC members treated to an open bar but also exceptional food including unlimited shrimp, tacos, and French Dip sliders (this writer had three).

The cherry on top was the incredible performance by Phat Strad, America’s original female rock electric string quartet, effortlessly fusing classical and rock music while adding a touch of Vegas flair.

Motownphilly’s Back Again…

Doin’ a little West show thing.

Boyz II Men brought us all back to the 90s during a nostalgic final night show inside Mandalay Bay’s South Pacific Ballroom. Many in attendance were on bended knee pleading for roses from the R&B group as they performed classics like “I’ll Make Love To You,” “End of the Road,” and “One Sweet Day.”

Whoever performs next year in New Orleans has a tough act to follow!