By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
A ribbon-cutting celebration, music, food, refreshments, give-away baskets, plus a discount on retail items comprised the Mesa Ridge Pharmacy grand opening event on Thursday, March 15 on Falcon Ridge Parkway in Mesquite.
Turns out, the weather was just what the doctor ordered: A few hours before the festivities began, rainfall stopped in favor of sunshine.
Inside the new boutique, which held its “soft” opening in early January, owner and managing pharmacist Sam Wilde greeted patrons with an ear-to-ear grin as he distributed vouchers (for free refreshments) and directed guests to grab a raffle ticket. He was joined by his wife, Kortney, and their two young sons.
“This grand opening is a wonderful opportunity for us to throw a celebration for our business, and share that experience with as many people as we can,” Wilde told the Progress. “It gives the community an easy way to come walk through our pharmacy and see the products and services that we offer.”
As part of the gala, select products on retail shelves were 15% off. Decorative balloons adorned the business, where upward of 25 guests mingled.
Carol Kolson, president and CEO of Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, is a regular fixture at local ribbon-cuttings and wasn’t about to miss the Friday afternoon affair.
“Mesa Ridge Pharmacy is a great addition to town which gives residents more options in filling their prescriptions. They offer personalized service, and there’s no waiting in long lines,” Kolson stated.
“Sam takes the time with his clients and really gets to know them,” she added. “So he can assist them with filling medications.”
After giving a shout-out to volunteers and visitors, Wilde snipped the ceremonial red ribbon with help from his family, pharmacy tech KaDee Francis, and Kolson.
Among the items available for human consumption were bite-sized samples of Barebells Functional Foods, free drinks and cookies courtesy of Lyndsay Piazza and her Fixxology truck.
“I’m excited that Sam and his family opened the pharmacy in Mesquite,” said Piazza, who often makes appearances to share her wares at local events. “They are a great addition to our awesome community.”
Also in the mix were Juniper Outpost’s Charlotte and David Sirianni, who displayed a portion of their boutique’s merchandise – such as Moapa Valley Ozaki Honey – which complemented the pharmacy’s products. The occasion happened to mark the first time the Siriannis were able to attend a Virgin Valley event together during business hours.
The couple was flattered by Wilde’s invitation, which they immediately accepted. “I told Sam that we would’ve come here anyway,” David said.
For her part, Charlotte expressed the notion that joining forces with Mesa Ridge Pharmacy was the least she could do. “Anytime local small businesses can collaborate, it’s great,” she explained.
Wilde expressed optimism the March 15 gala was a sign of things to come.
“We are so excited to be up and running,” he said. “And we hope to stay here for a long time!”
