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C h a i n D r u g s t o r e D a i l y M o n d a y, A u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 1 5 6 6 LNK INTERNATIONAL PROVIDES QUALITY, RELIABILITY An interview with Joseph Mollica II, Executive Vice President, LNK International, Inc. CDD: Tell our readers about your com- pany. What's your line of business? JM: LNK International Inc. is a manu- facturer of over the counter pharmaceu- tical products, specifically solid-dose analgesics, cough/cold, allergy/sinus and gastrointestinal products, offering a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical for- mulas. Traditionally we have been in oral solids only, however recently we have started adding liquids to our port- folio. We service private label cus- tomers, national brand customers and do research and development work for some clients. CDD: How do you handle sales? JM: As our role in the industry has been that of a high quality low cost manufac- turer, we have always maintained a lean organization. We have a small internal sales department for house accounts and marketing team who report to Doug Bausch our Vice President of Sales and Marketing. We also utilize a series of independent representatives who handle the day to day issues, administrative duties and are the local faces of LNK. CDD: What would you say makes your company unique? JM: After 35 years of operation, our focus is rooted in our foundation of cus- tomer service. Providing the highest quality at a very competitive price and being able to react at a moments' notice with a full range of products and packag- ing options enables us to service our cus- tomers in a way that many are not able to or desire to. CDD: Are you introducing any new products? JM: In answer to our customers' repeat- ed requests to enter the liquid market because of a void of quality liquid sup- pliers, LNK has entered into liquids and semi-solid dosage forms, now offering the industry the same quality and reliabil- ity it has come to know from LNK. Additionally, we are working on some strategic alliances to bring additional option for ANDA products to market as well as filing more ANDAs directly. CDD: What distinguishes your products from the competition? JM: As a prime manufacturer, LNK con- trols every step of the manufacturing process, from the acquisition of raw mate- rials, the manufacturing and the distribu- tion of finished products. By controlling all aspects of production, LNK is able to control the quality and keep costs low. CDD: To what do you attribute your company's success? JM: At LNK, quality and service are taken very seriously as it is the founda- tion for everything we do. We have worked hard to earn our clients' business and they see us as a resource; we have a great deal of respect for the trust that these accounts place in us personally and in our expertise. CDD: How do you see the next year in terms of economy, sales, technology and product evolution? JM: I think there is a world of opportu- nities for this industry and with the right products, the right partners and the right quality, the future holds endless opportu- nity for us. For more information, visit www.lnk intl.com, call 631.435.3500 or email dbausch@lnkintl.com. CROSSMARK DRUG & VALUE: DELIVERING GROWTH SOLUTIONS IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT By Steve Valentino "The only constant in retailing is change." This phrase was common in our industry 25 years ago and it still rings true today. Our industry is working through a new cycle of change driven by healthcare trends that are becoming a driving force in the U.S., the concept of convenience being redefined while at the same time labor costs are rising, big data complexity and the need for clear insights that translate into solutions, defining Omni Channel and how online shopping connects to brick and mortar retail stores and the question of how we can take tools available to make shopping experimental and fun again. These trends, and more, present an interesting challenge to figure out how we can all deliver more value and be profitable at the same time. Significant trends in healthcare are creating a rising tide. We are moving in the U.S. from a treatment culture to a well- ness culture. The wave of Baby Boomers with increased health needs is upon us, as 10 thousand people in the U.S. turn 65 every day and will do so every day for the next 15-plus years, according to the U.S. census. The Affordable Care Act, insur- ance mandates, consumerism and a physi- cian shortage will all drive a need for serv- ices and in-store support for retailers ready to provide them along with suppli- ers ready to engage. Health-connected services and capabilities focused in health, beauty and overall convenience will drive traffic and build baskets. Retailer sophistication, technology and Big Data demands have raised stan- dards across the value chain. Loyalty, Digital and Dot-Com are driving new retailer strategies and decision-making with a focus on localization and personi- fication. With insights being today's cur- rency, the ability to effectively and effi- ciently glean insights and drive a plan through to activation and measurement is what truly creates differentiation. Clients hire CROSSMARK to help them develop a smarter way to foster growth for their business. CROSSMARK develops strategies across the drug and value channels to capitalize on these trends and drive differentiation for clients, as well as unique and thoughtful activation for each retailer. At the heart of the company are end-to-end capabilities from "thought to bought," with an inno- vative business planning and go-to-mar- ket process, CROSSVIEW, that delivers better insights, better planning and better execution. CROSSMARK has world- class capabilities in analytics and insights, shopper and experiential mar- keting and merchandising and execution, delivering clients new solutions to solve for the challenges in today's dynamic, ever-evolving environment. As you reflect on your business, do you have a plan to position your product as a proactive health solution for drug shoppers and a smart healthcare value option for dollar shoppers, all while stay- ing true to your brands? Do you have data and loyalty capabilities to bring meaning- ful insights to retailers? Is there leverage to increase traffic to pharmacies and con- vert shoppers to choose your items? Can you be the vendor who helps retailers accomplish their goals in this space? CROSSMARK Drug & Value can help you develop winning strategies and activate plans through tools and execu- tion capabilities that master challenges and engineer growth opportunities. For more information, visit www .crossmark.com. ROXANE FOCUSED ON KEEPING PRODUCT LINE AFFORDABLE AND AVAILABLE Behind every Roxane product, you'll find a team that connects you to the peo- ple who work tirelessly to bring econom- ical generic pharmaceuticals to patients everywhere. With continual advances in cutting-edge administration and dosage for more than 100 medications, and ongoing efforts to keep the product line affordable and available to as many cus- tomers as possible, the team at Roxane Laboratories is laser focused on meeting and exceeding the needs of each and every one of its customers and patients. Roxane Laboratories operates as the research and development and sales and marketing arms of Boehringer Ingelheim's multi-source pharmaceutical business. Today, Roxane markets more than 100 medications in 280 package sizes. Roxane is committed to expand its line of multisource pharmaceutical prod- ucts that are formatted as bulk and unit- dose package configurations for liquids and solids; coated, sustain-released and controlled-release tablets; nasal sprays; topical solutions; cytotoxics and CII nar- cotics. Advancements in controlled sub- stances, sustain-released items, potent compounds, unit doses and bulk packag- ing all reflect its dedication to provide customers with innovative, technically complex products from its FDA- approved facilities. The team at Roxane understands how every aspect of its business can affect your patients' lives – everything from answered phones calls to correct shipments and efficient manufacturing processes. It strives for excellence with every customer experience and is com- mitted to provide quality products for a range of clinical areas. Roxane also recognizes that growth and development in its product lines impacts patients everywhere; its team contains highly skilled researchers who are constantly working to expand the number of its generic pharmaceuticals. These scientists, combined with its patent-experienced attorneys and pur- chasing team, are tasked with putting more affordable generic treatments on the market and into your hands as soon as possible. Its award-winning pursuit of high- quality products and service is also accompanied by a lean manufacturing model staffed by a skilled, flexible workforce. This innovative manufactur- ing and business practice allows for quick shifts in production based on marketing opportunities and business needs. As always, Roxane maintains impressive levels of safety, quality and compliance. To meet the changing needs of its patients, Roxane has continued to grow its product lines to offer a variety of treat- ment options. To accommodate this growth, it expanded its Wilson Road facility in central Ohio by adding a 105,000-square-foot complex in 2011. Like all of its efficient operations, this facility meets the rigorous design stan- dards required for safe and compliant manufacturing. Quality, safe and affordable growth has continued for Roxane in 2013 and 2014. Roxane is proud to have launched these seven new generic products, including Cevimeline Hydrochloride Capsules, Oxycodone Hydrochloride Oral Solution USP, CII, Telmisartan Tablets USP, Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets USP, Eszopiclone Tablets, CIV, Cyclophosphamide Capsules and Buprenorphine HCl and Naloxone HCl Dihydrate Sublingual Tablets, CII. For more information, visit www .roxane.com.