Iowa Republican Governor Terry Branstad paid a visit to Atlantic this (Friday) afternoon. His first stop was at Rex Pharmacy, which was awarded McKesson Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year, on June 27th. Branstad spoke with store owner Josh Borer, and asked him to make a presentation to state leaders, and speak during a Governor’s Weekly Press Conference, with regard to managed health care for Medicaid on a state-level, and how Borer’s approach of “Better patient healthcare equals better business success,” can be applied on a statewide basis.

Rex Pharmacy owner Josh Borer (Left) W/Gov. Branstad

Branstad said “I think the pro-active approach and the focus on helping the patients improve their medical outcome, is exactly where we want to go, as a State.” He says the approach “Fits right in with our whole goal of being the healthiest State.”

Afterward, the Governor went down the street to stop in at the Old Whitney Hotel, which is in the process of being renovated into apartments catered toward “Mature adults.” Mark Smith, along with a group of investor’s purchased the three-story Victorian-era Boss Hotel that was built in 1890, and is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places.

Smith said plans for the structure includes commercial space and a restaurant on the first floor, along with a community room. The top two floors will be remodeled into eight apartment units on each floor for “mature adults.” Smith said they’ve received approval from the State for Historical Tax Credits to renovate the building, but are awaiting word from the Federal Government on a similar tax credit.

Old Whitney Hotel owner/investor Mark Smith (Left), & Gov. Branstad

Construction on the $4 million project is scheduled to begin late this fall, most likely in November, and be completed by mid-to-late summer, 2017.