IPC awards MVP award to Blende Drug of Pueblo, Colo.

Pictured above are IPC president and CEO Don Anderson, IPC board vice chair Vicki Einhellig, MVP John Cernac with his wife Charlotte and son John Jr., and IPC GPO regional account director Jim Sajbel



SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Independent Pharmacy Cooperative on Monday named Blende Drug of Pueblo, Colo. and its owner John Cernac as the group's Most Valuable Pharmacy for 2017.



“John Cernac truly embodies the spirit of the cooperative and it is an honor to be able to recognize him for his leadership and dedication to impressive service and care," stated Don  Anderson, IPC president and CEO. “Blende Drug is at the heart of their community and a strong voice for independent pharmacy.”



“IPC has exceptional personnel involved in political action, educational opportunities and excellent buying strategies which accounts for our exceptional rebates,” Cernac said. “The MVP Award was a total surprise and a tremendous honor for myself, Charlotte and our staff," he said. "It means a lot to me to know that IPC selected Blende Drug from over 5,000 IPC stores, this accomplishment has made my 58 years as a pharmacist filled with exuberant joy.”



Cernac, his wife Charlotte and son, John Jr. accepted IPC’s MVP Award at the IPC Annual Business Meeting July 14 during McKesson ideaShare 2017 in New Orleans. Cernac first learned of the award during a surprise ceremony held at the pharmacy shortly before McKesson ideaShare.



A pharmacist since 1959,  Cernac is active in the National Community Pharmacists Association, the Colorado Pharmacy Association and RxPlus Colorado. He also supports several scholarship programs for the future of independent pharmacists.



He received the Colorado Board of Regents Medal in 1992. Cernac is a past board member for the Blende Sanitation District and the Parish Council.



Cernac purchased Blende Drug in 1972 with partners Ron Yoxey and Nick Giordano. After 11 years, Cernac and his wife Charlotte became the sole owners. They raised two sons and have three grandchildren.



Dating back to 1983, IPC is a group purchasing organization owned by independent pharmacy and represents nearly 6,000 members.