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WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Walmart’s hiring of Dijuana Lewis is yet another sign the company no longer is content being a fast-follower when it comes to its pharmacy and healthcare businesses, whereas a decade ago, Walmart’s emphasis was on simply operating pharmacies, filling as many prescriptions as possible and keeping up with chain drug leaders who were setting the pace in terms of innovative programs.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — Farmers and tradesmen. That’s who politicians used to be. Back then, legislative initiatives weren’t splintered by a hundred different agendas. But the reality of today’s lawmaking process is so much more convoluted; that’s why educating policy-makers around the hardwood issues is so paramount.

MONTVALE, N.J. — Grocer A&P is launching a discount program that offers seniors savings on groceries purchased at A&P, Pathmark, Waldbaum's, Food Emporium and Superfresh banner stores.

On April 4, the company is launching its "Senior Appreciation Days" program, starting with "Senior Appreciation Mondays," a new special discount program for seniors in all Pathmark banner stores.

FRISCO, Texas — Specialty pharmacy group Assured Pharmacy said that same-store sales for January totaled $1.42 million, a 28.5% increase over the year-ago period.

Compared with December 2010 sales, however, January same-store sales decreased 5.6% from sales of about $1.5 million. The revenue drop, Assured said, was due to "seasonality," noting that many patients experienced insurance carrier and coverage changes.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Healthcare Distribution Management Association on Tuesday honored Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill., with its Rx Safety and Healthcare Leadership Award. The award recognizes public officials for their leadership and commitment to policies that support and promote the safe and efficient delivery of medicines.

PLANO, Texas — Dr Pepper is celebrating the premiere of "Thor" by sponsoring the film through various promotions.

The company said it is supporting the film by featuring "Thor" characters on limited-edition cans of Dr Pepper, and also will feature the superhero's creator, Stan Lee, in the soft drink's TV spots.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Usually, when the Food and Drug Administration approves a commercial version of a drug, it prohibits compounding pharmacies from producing it, but it’s making an exception in the case of a drug used to prevent premature births.

HERSHEY, Pa. — Expect to see Hershey products carrying a higher price tag.

In an effort to offset input costs, the chocolate giant said it would implement a weighted average price increase of about 9.7% across its instant consumable, multipack, packaged candy and grocery lines.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday spoke out against a Florida bill sponsored by state Rep. Rob Schenck, R-District 44, which would restrict the dispensing of controlled substances on Schedule II and III to publicly traded pharmacy chains and pharmacies that have more than $100 million in taxable revenues, or only those independent community pharmacies that have been in business more than 10 years.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods said its board of directors has nominated Peter Henry as its newest member.

Henry, an international economist, is dean of New York University's Stern School of Business.

WASHINGTON — The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research on Monday published a working paper that identified $329 million in overspending as a result of underutilization of generics.

As total spending on 20 medicines with generic equivalents totaled approximately $1.5 billion, AEI concluded Medicaid overspent by 22% ($1.5 billion versus $1.17 billion) on these pharmaceuticals.

LONG VALLEY, N.J. — A beef jerky brand that made its debut at the 2010 National Association of Convenience Stores trade show last October has been named the official beef jerky of the Babe Ruth League.