Smith Drug Company welcomed Claire Brandewie, Legislative Assistant and Danielle Gibbs, Regional Director both aides to Senator Tim Scott on Thursday, August 18, 2016. President Jeff Foreman, R.Ph. took them on a tour of the 250,000 square foot distribution center located in Spartanburg, SC. Impressed with the technology and automation behind this operation, it was clear to the visitors that the highest of efficiencies are in place to ensure the right product(s) are delivered at the right time and to the right destination (customer).

Before going on the tour, a short question and answer session was held with Jeff Foreman and two members of the Smith Drug management team, including Brad Pine, VP, Brand/Specialty & Regulatory and Kaushik Kotecha, R.Ph., VP, Compliance and Heidi Jameson from J M Smith Corporation. Heidi started the conversation by giving a brief history lesson about Smith. Jeff followed up with its growth and the many ways the company gives back to the community through the JM Smith Foundation. Smith, as well as, all other JM Smith divisions believe strongly in being a good corporate citizen to the community.

Some of the industry topics addressed included PBMs (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) and the effects of narrow networks limiting access for pharmacy patients. This hits hardest in American rural areas, which is where the vast majority of Smith’s customers are located. The Drug Supply Chain Security Act, or better known by its acronym as DSCSA, was incorporated into the conversation citing the importance of being prepared for the track and trace of products between manufacturers and pharmacies (including the distributor) which has timely regulatory milestones that must be achieved. With Smith’s new slogan of “moving pharmacy forward”, one must include some of the facets of future pharmacy. One that President Jeff Foreman sees as critical going into the future is telemedicine and the platforms currently being used today and what will be used in the near future. And lastly, many thanks were given for Senator Tim Scott and his staff’s support of S483 Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2016.

It was a privilege and honor to be chosen as one of South Carolina’s corporations for hosting a visit to Legislative Assistant, Claire Brandewie and Regional Director, Danielle Gibbs. We appreciate the interest expressed in our industry and our company.

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Smith Drug Company is a division of the JM Smith Corporation based in Spartanburg, SC servicing independent pharmacies and Long Term Care facilities. Smith Drug Company has three distribution centers located in Spartanburg, SC; Paragould, AR; and Valdosta, GA. The company has been in business since 1944 under the leadership of pharmacists, with Jeff Foreman, RPh serving as current president of this division.