FREEPORT – The owners of a local pharmacy were honored for their commitment to service to their customers and the community at a ceremony celebrating family-owned businesses.
Under the ownership of Mike and Annette Nadeau, Bedard Healthcare Group was designated the 2006 Gannett Family Business of the Year in the small business category. The Nadeaus were expected to receive the award at a Tuesday evening reception the Harraseeket Inn sponsored by the University of Southern Maine Institute for Family-Owned Business, a nonprofit organization formed in 1995 to support family-owned businesses.
“The judges were really wowed by the attention they give their customers, especially those with special needs,” said Karen McGonagle, a member of the institute’s advisory board and co-chair of the reception committee. She said the extra care Bedard employees show toward customers, such as shut-ins, sealed the pharmacy’s selection for the award.
This is the seventh year the awards, which recognize family businesses that demonstrate creativity in ensuring their company’s vitality while maintaining ties with their communities, have been made. Nominees are assessed in several areas, including business success, work environment, succession planning and community involvement.
Bedard Healthcare Group started in 1898 as a small, local pharmacy. Now it consists of three divisions: Bedard Health Care Pharmacy; Bedard Medical Equipment & Supplies; and Bedard Long-Term Care Pharmacy. Bedard was selected for the honor because all three divisions share a commitment to providing quality health care solutions and serving the needs of the community. The Nadeaus have owned it since 1967.
McGonagle said the business’ success is even more remarkable given the competition in the pharmaceutical field today.
“They are really competing with multi-billion-dollar chain stores on every corner,” said McGonagle. “You can attribute that success to customer service – that’s their niche.”
Each year, USM’s institute holds a banquet to recognize the efforts needed to operate a successful family firm. The awards were founded by Maddy Corson and bear the name of her family-owned business, Guy Gannett Communications. This year there were 20 nominees in two categories. Brunswick’s Downeast Energy was the winner in the large business (50 or more employees) category.
According to the institute’s research, family-owned businesses represent approximately 90 percent of all businesses in Maine, yet fewer than 30 percent survive to the second generation and only 13 percent make it to the third generation.
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