Pharmacy Ownership and Leadership Academy | First Financial Bank

Today's podcast is part 2 of the second series from the team at First Financial Bank's Pharmacy & Veterinary Divisions. Today we talk with Drew Hegi, MBA Loan Officer at First Financial Bank and Schwanda Flowers, PharmD Veterinary Practice Lender at First Financial Bank.   On this episode we learn about:  What is POLA? How and when did POLA start? What are the benefits of participating in POLA? How much does it cost to attend? What topics and activities do you cover at POLA? How can interested students and colleges get more information about attending? About P.O.L.A. Opportunity is on the horizon for student pharmacists interested in ownership. With an aging demographic of independent pharmacy owners, there has never been a better time to consider ownership. The Pharmacy Ownership and Leadership Academy (POLA) was developed to prepare student pharmacists for this exact opportunity. Twenty-five students from eleven colleges of pharmacy across the country arrived at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Pharmacy on June 17th for a week long academy focused on leadership, personal and professional development, pharmacy financials, business planning and team building. The week began with assessing the attendees entrepreneurial spirit, leadership styles and emotional intelligence. They were welcomed with a picnic sponsored by First Financial Bank and had the opportunity to get to know each other and network with a team of lenders who truly understand pharmacy. The second day was a huge success; programming focused on writing a business plan, pharmacy lending, tools and support from the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and ended with a networking dinner with current Arkansas pharmacy owners. Students had the opportunity to connect with a professional mentor who can provide real-world advice and encouragement for these young entrepreneurs. Days three and four provided unique sessions on marketing, Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN), and developing a vision for your business.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices