NCPA unveils Jumpstart seminar to boost independents’ business skills

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Expanding its business education offerings for independent pharmacy owners, the National Community Pharmacists Association will offer a new, two-day seminar here in mid-July to give owner-operators new tools for building and maintaining a successful and profitable practice.

The program, offered through NCPA’s Ownership Academy, is entitled “Jumpstart Your Pharmacy Business: A Seminar for Owners.” Slated for July 17-18, it will feature courses from faculty including Richard Jackson, PhD, professor and director of Mercer University's Center for Community Pharmacy Practice and Research; and Gabe Trahan, director of retail services for Burlington Drug Company and an independent consultant. The program provides 11.25 continuing pharmacy education credits and is limited to the first 50 paid registrants.

Among the topics to be covered: improving owners’ ability to analyze their finances; gaining access to important tax and accounting information; understanding the benefits of investing in technology; utilizing merchandising tools and better marketing skills; developing new niche service strategies and handling third-party audits.

“While getting your business up and running is a challenge many independent community pharmacy owners overcome, the frustration of taking their business to the next level is considerable,” said NCPA president Joseph Harmison, a pharmacy owner in Arlington, Texas. “This program provides the tools to help pharmacy owners tighten up operations, improve profitability, and capitalize on new opportunities.”

More information on the Jumpstart program and on the Ownership Academy is available by calling 800-544-7477, or by visiting NCPA’s web site, www.ncpanet.org.