Family Pharmacy earns chamber’s small-business honor

Family Pharmacy’s effort to help senior citizens is one reason why the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Council Wednesday named the Plainview location as its 2007 Small Business of the Year. The pharmacy was honored at a lunch reception.

Family Pharmacy was one of three finalists; the others were Buxton-Kubik-Dodd Inc. and Smillie’s IGA. An independent panel of judges chose the pharmacy based on several criteria: staying power, response to adversity, innovative products or services, business philosophy and contributions to the community.

“I’m surprised,” said Lynn Morris, Family Pharmacy owner and president, noting that he was sure the award would go to Smillie’s IGA for its longevity and employee count. “We are extremely honored (considering) how many great businesses there are in Springfield.”

The business specializes in pharmaceuticals, home and hospital equipment, and it also provides free local delivery and mail services.

The Springfield pharmacy created a 20-page handbook for the prescription program for customers to use instead of a Medicare-issued 200-page handbook. It also created an online, six-page handbook to help customers decide between the 52 insurance plans for Part D. Those initiatives led to the creation of the pharmacy’s Senior Care Program, which also offers home visits to educate customers about medication regimes and answer questions.

The Small Business of the Year Award has been given since 1992. The The Small Business of the Year Award has been given since 1992. The 2006 honoree was Amberg Entertainment.