November 20 will be a special day of celebration for Pharmasave in Swift Current.
Pharmasave partners Ron Heeg and Al Chilton will celebrate a milestone anniversary during a Friday afternoon celebration at their Central Ave. location. Ron Heeg opened Heeg’s Plaza Drugs on Nov. 21, 1964, so Friday’s celebration will mark his 45th year in business in Swift Current.
The business partners are also celebrating 37 years in business together, and Heeg is unaware of any other Saskatchewan pharmacy partnerships that have lasted that long.
Heeg admits that the rewarding nature of the business venture was made a success by a loyal customer base.
“The biggest thing is your customers. The people of Swift Current and Southwest Saskatchewan have been very responsive to our business. We try to give as good of service that we can, and we thank them for their support over the years, because without them we wouldn’t be here.”
Heeg recalls moving to Swift Current in 1964 and quickly making the decision to provide extended hours at his drug store.
“It really built our business in the sense that people knew we were open,” Heeg explained. “Still in those days there were house calls being made, and so it was quite a change and our business grew. It was exciting times.”
From 1968 to 1970, Heeg was the lone pharmacist handling prescriptions at his drug store. This resulted in too many long hours, and Heeg decided to seek some assistance.
Chilton joined Heeg as a pharmacist in 1970, and became a partner in 1972, with that rewarding partnership carrying over for closing in on four decades.
“It made a big difference to our business because Al is a very ambitious fellow and he also has a lot of good ideas and is a hard worker.”
Over the years, offering expanded hours of service has played a roll in the success of the operation. They have even extended shortened hours on Christmas Day to help meet the community’s demand.
“That has been a very big plus in our business is to have those extended hours. Now we’re open til midnight, that started in 1996.”
Heeg also recognized the healthcare professionals they have been associated with over the years, noting they have enjoyed a good working relationship with many physicians, dentists, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
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