Kinney Drugs named Business of the Year
Kinney Drugs, a leading pharmacy chain in New York and Vermont, was named Business of the Year in the Community Involvement category by CenterState CEO.
The recognition was announced at the economic development organization’s April 26 annual meeting in Syracuse, N.Y., which focused on transcending current business challenges. The meeting highlighted iconic brands and companies in Central New York that are dedicated to community impact and service, boosting jobs and providing critical leadership in the region.
CenterState CEO president Robert Simpson discussed COVID-19 and how it has “tested our resolve over the past two years” but also how Central New York is positioned well to navigate tomorrow’s hurdles and difficulties because of civic-minded businesses like Kinney Drugs.
[Read more: Kinney Drugs provides COVID-19 booster shots]
In the Community Involvement category, Kinney Drugs and its employees were honored for consistently giving back by supporting and raising money for local events and charities, but also for the pharmacy chain's quick and meaningful actions during the height of the pandemic where it was the first company in New York to offer vaccines across all of its pharmacies.
“We never closed a single location, even one hour early,” said John Marraffa, president of Kinney Drugs. “This is a testament to the strength of our culture, of our employee ownership and our deep commitment to serving our communities,” he said.
[Read more: Kinney Drugs kicks off contest as it expands vaccinations]
Founded more than 118 years ago, Kinney Drugs contributes approximately $1 million to local nonprofits each year through the Kinney Drugs Foundation. Kinney's pharmacists routinely donate their time to speak in schools, hospitals and other public forums throughout New York and Vermont. The pandemic also highlighted Kinney’s leadership role in community health and awareness, including its "Be the First to Know" COVID communications program, helping keep the community up-to-date on CDC guidelines and vaccination availability.