Caledonia Argus

New building in the future for cityís newest business

Posted: 4/8/03

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

Rice Pharmacy was a mainstay of downtown Caledonia, purveying pharmaceuticals at the corner of Main and Kingston for just under half a century. The sale of the business in the past month brings with it a new name, a soon-to-be new locale, and new owners.

Tom and Vicky Witt purchased the business from Colene Rice and Karen Rice Hagerott on March 24. For Tom, a pharmacist since 1976, this will be the fourth pharmacy under his ownershipñ he also owns pharmacies in Spring Grove, Houston, and Rushford.

Though heís worked at pharmacies in venues as big as Rochester, Witt said he prefers keeping his business in small towns, since a small town atmosphere allows him to get to know the people he serves.

ìI really love doing pharmacy in small towns,î he said. ìI like the people, being able to help the people, and being with a place that can not only help with healthcare, but a place that is convenient, so people donít have to travel to get their prescriptions filled.î

The question most frequently asked of pharmacies today, he said, is ìdo you take my insurance card?î To accommodate as many people as possible, the pharmacy will have contracts with many insurance companies. Cutting-edge technology adds to the storeís convenienceñ an interactive voice response system will allow customers to refill their prescriptions via phone, and Witt is contemplating installing an automation system to further streamline the process. Barcode technology and a computerized database will help ensure accuracy and minimize error.

The aim of this technology, he said, is to free up the pharmacists for counseling and patient care, as well as to dramatically increase the accessibility of the store. ìWeíre known for fast, friendly service, and that will be the same in Caledonia,î Witt noted. ìWith the technology in place, weíre going to have it convenient to have your prescription filled.î

Among other changes, the businessí name will change from Rice Pharmacy to Wittís Pharmacy-Caledonia, and with construction starting on a new building on Esch Drive in the Ma Cal Development beginning this May, the store is scheduled to move from its present location sometime in August or September. Witt looks forward to the changes, and is optimistic about the businessí prospects in Caledonia.

ìI have fun doing this,î he said. ìIíve been blessed with really good people at the stores. As long as that stays in place, weíll continue to grow.î

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