Bringing new life to business district
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by Molly Murphy
A group of local citizens banded together to help ensure the community has the mainstay resources needed to shop local and support our rural economy. This taskforce – Ringgold Holdings – is pleased to announce progress on a new pharmacy option in the county, with grocery and retail offerings to follow.
The pharmacy, grocery and retail offerings will serve as an anchor to revitalizing the Mount Ayr business district. The new pharmacy will deliver a full range of products, including but not limited to general health and beauty items, over-the-counter medicines, and one-time and recurring prescriptions. There is also potential for more pharmacy-related services not currently available in the area.
This addition to our business landscape will deliver tax revenue and job creation in Ringgold County.
“My wife and I moved our family to Mount Ayr to be part of the community. The addition of a locally-owned pharmacy helps Ringgold County attract other future residents, which in turn drives patronage of our local schools, businesses and services,” said Shane Bishop, a taskforce volunteer. “I’m confident this helps as we pursue other businesses to consider our town as their future home.”
The taskforce examined different business models and tailored an approach to provide a sustainable option. They met with healthcare agencies, long-term care providers and representatives from area hospitals to explore local pharmacy needs. After careful consideration, Ringgold Holdings is pleased to partner with Pharma Group, LLC to bring a community-owned pharmacy to Ringgold County. Pharma Group will provide the infrastructure and bring a substantial financial investment into our town to make it a reality.
Pharma Group, LLC brings more than 30 years of experience serving towns throughout the Midwest. With 20 pharmacies in communities comparable to ours, they understand the importance of quality customer service and local ownership in a hometown business.
Ringgold Holdings and Pharma Group, LLC are solidifying a temporary location to begin service in the coming months with hopes to expand to a larger space. They began conversations with Community Grocers Inc. shortly after shareholders’ voted to dissolve the corporation. Discussions have focused on the former grocery space and assets, and they expect to hear the asking price breakdown this week. They are also in talks with Raider Hill Advisors – the investment firm overseeing the former Shopko building.
With the opportunity to expand, Ringgold Holdings will bring new retail and service options that reflect farmers, growers and small businesses throughout Southwest Iowa. It is a conscious effort to further unify the community to address crucial needs and wants in the ever-changing buying landscape.
Ringgold Holdings is comprised of a group of local investors who are eager to bring community businesses to life. Anyone interested in investment opportunities and/or pharmacy-related job opportunities can contact RinggoldHoldingsLLC@gmail.com.
An informational meeting for those who reach out will be scheduled in the near future.