Personnel Updates:
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association announced that it had hired Melissa Schulman as Senior VP government affairs, describing her as “one of the best known advocates” in Washington, noting her ranking as an influential lobbyist in publications such as Roll Call, The Hill and National Journal. Schulman previously worked as a Democratic lobbyist for the Bockorny Group.
Financial Focus:
Rite Aid Corporation reported fiscal 2012 sales of $25.292 billion.
Industry Insight:
MinuteClinic, the retail health care division of CVS Caremark and Sharp HealthCare – one of Southern California’s largest integrated health systems – has entered into a clinical affiliation to enhance access to high-quality, affordable health care services throughout San Diego County, the second most populous county in California.
Walgreen Co. and Alliance Boots GmbH, a leading international pharmacy-led health and beauty group, announced that they have entered into an innovative long-term partnership with AmerisourceBergen, one of North America’s largest pharmaceutical services companies.
Real Estate:
Walgreens opened its latest New York City-based flagship store located in the world renowned Empire State Building. The store, which opens to the public at 10 a.m., features an extensive collection of innovative offerings, products and services unexpected from a drugstore.
Green Initiatives:
Walgreens has announced plans to expand its renewable energy initiative to Colorado. SolarCity, a provider of clean energy solutions, will install solar systems at 22 Walgreens stores across 14 different cities in Colorado in the coming months. The first Walgreens to receive the upgrade is on Smoky Hill Road in Aurora. Additionally, stores in Arvada, Boulder, Centennial, Dillion, Englewood, Erie, Grand Junction, Lakewood, Littleton, Sterling and Thornton are scheduled to get the solar panels throughout the remainder of the year. According to Solar Energy Industries Association, Walgreens ranked as the second leading retailer in the United States in utilization of renewable energy at its stores. The new solar systems cumulatively will reduce more than 47.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 20 years, which is comparable to planting 25,711 trees
Safeway will install SoloHealth Station kiosks in almost 700 stores as part of a multiyear agreement. The kiosks will be installed beginning in April and will expand to more than 4,000 by 2014,
