This award is presented to a Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) member or team of MPA members who have shown outstanding achievement and dedication to the pharmacy profession through community education and awareness.

Beth Tomac has always based her business on customer service and shown pride in being involved in community activities. As the owner of Broad Street Pharmacy in Chesaning, she and her staff communicate and care for patients, greeting them by name as they come in the door, providing immunizations, helping with insurance issues and questions, and going above and beyond to provide high-quality care. In addition, Broad Street Pharmacy offers an "Angel" program where anonymous donors cover the cost of medications for those who cannot afford them.

Tomac took an unusual path to becoming a pharmacy owner. At the age of 15, she took a part-time position at a pharmacy, where she worked her way from cash register to counting medications. In 1985, Tomac received her Certified Pharmacy Technician designation, and her passion for pharmacy began. After practicing in community pharmacy for 30 years and servicing in a management role for 15 years, she was able to open her pharmacy with the support of family and friends.

In addition to her community involvement through patient care, Tomac helps her community by providing educational talks to service clubs and school groups as well as college classes on various topics, including Medicare, poison control and business ownership. Tomac has also served on the Marketing Association Committee for the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she is a Eucharistic minister at her church and has been a part of their Community Service Committee.

Tomac has been an MPA member since 1985. She has served on the Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians Executive Committee for several terms, including as president in 2003. Tomac has also represented the Society in the MPA House of Delegates for more than 10 years.

(Article Courtesy of MPA)