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Pickens, Easley collaborate on railroad purchase
by Joe Toppe
Staff Writer
Mayor David Owens signs resolution to approve purchase of railway
Mayor David Owens signs resolution to approve purchase of railway
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Joe Toppe

Staff Writer

PICKENS COUNTY - An eight and a half mile stretch of railway between Pickens and Easley could soon be converted into a multi-use recreational trail system.

In separate Monday evening sessions, the Pickens City Council and Easley City Council approved joint purchase of the railroad property known commonly as the Doodle Line, and city officials are excited about the possibilities.

“We are excited about it,” said Pickens Mayor David Owens. “I think about the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville and what kind of people it brings in and what this will bring to the City of Pickens. This will be great for health for anyone that wants to use it, bicyclists, joggers, or mothers that want to push the kids in the stroller.”

The purchase of the railway is a 50/50 split between the cities of Easley and Pickens.

“We, as the City of Pickens, the council and administrator, are in agreement to purchase half of the railroad along with Easley with funds provided by a hospitality tax,” Owens said. “We will be equal partners in the Rails to Trails project.”

The Pickens Railway submitted a purchase price of $500,000 to both Easley and Pickens for the portion of track and both cities will collaborate on the purchase after consulting with the same group of attorneys that counseled Greenville County on their acquisition of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Each city will pay $250,000.

According to surveys conducted by the Pickens County YMCA and the Easley Chamber of Commerce, the “Rails to Trails” project is highly supported by the community and has yielded an 80-90 percent range of support.

“I wasn’t surprised by the results of the survey by the way the people in the community have talked about the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville,” Ambassador of the Easley Chamber of Commerce Ryan Kouvolo said a year ago at the time of the survey. “We know the success and economic impact that towns like Travelers Rest have experienced, and when the same type of thing was brought up in our community, the people already had a positive feel, if it worked in Greenville, why not here? The survey was simply a formality.”

Cities like Pickens and Easley are anxious to include their names in the discussion of Greenville and Traveler’s Rest.

“Our track record will show that we are targeting our efforts to bring in new businesses, and the trail, when you look at cities like Traveler’s rest and Greenville, is another tool in making Pickens a destination,” said Pickens City Administrator Katherine Brackett during early days of planning for the project. “Our focus is to support existing businesses, recruit new businesses, and promote tourism, and it is also a valuable partnership with the city of Easley.”

The Swamp Rabbit Trail has been a source of economic success for the areas in which it covers, and cities like Pickens are following that pattern.

“We are not reinventing the wheel, we are using proven methods that hundreds of others cities have successfully implemented,” Brackett said.

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Jun 19, 2013 | 117 views | 0 0 comments | 22 22 recommendations | email to a friend | print
(BPT) - Have you ever gone to fill a prescription and the pharmacist asks if you’d like the generic version of the medication, perhaps reminding you that it is at a considerable cost savings over the brand-named drug? Or you’re told that your insurance will only cover the generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed?
The first time this happens, you undoubtedly have many questions: Is there a difference between branded and generic medicines? Will the generic be just as safe and effective? Do insurance companies prefer generics? If you have, you’re not alone in asking these questions.
 It’s no secret that the rising costs of health care services and medications have been affecting millions of Americans – indeed, our economy – and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. However, generic alternatives have proven to be a critical factor in slowing down national health care spending. In fact, generic drug use has saved America’s health care system approximately $1.07 trillion over the past decade, with $192.8 billion in savings achieved in 2011 alone, according to a 2012 study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
However, while consumers recognize the cost advantage of generic drugs, they are reminded, from time to time, of the question of quality and efficacy of generic medications versus name-brand equivalents. Consumers should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, requires that generic drugs must be identical or “bioequivalent” to brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.
“The U.S. FDA tests generic medicines just as rigorously as their branded counterparts,” explains Venkat Krishnan, senior vice president and regional director at Ranbaxy Inc. “Generic drugs must meet rigid qualifying criteria before they can be made available to the general public. At Ranbaxy, we have stringent protocols in place to ensure that our products are both safe and effective, and we stand behind that, focused on our philosophy of ‘Quality and Patients First.’”
People are choosing generics in increasing numbers, out of economic necessity and because they are increasingly better informed.Of the 4 billion prescriptions written in 2011, nearly 80 percent were dispensed using generic versions of their brand name counterpart. With generics, consumers have the option of paying a price that is as much as 85 percent lower than name-brand drugs.
If you have questions about switching to a generic prescription, have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.gphaonline.org for more information and the facts about generic drugs.
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Jun 19, 2013 | 117 views | 0 0 comments | 22 22 recommendations | email to a friend | print
(BPT) - Have you ever gone to fill a prescription and the pharmacist asks if you’d like the generic version of the medication, perhaps reminding you that it is at a considerable cost savings over the brand-named drug? Or you’re told that your insurance will only cover the generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed?
The first time this happens, you undoubtedly have many questions: Is there a difference between branded and generic medicines? Will the generic be just as safe and effective? Do insurance companies prefer generics? If you have, you’re not alone in asking these questions.
 It’s no secret that the rising costs of health care services and medications have been affecting millions of Americans – indeed, our economy – and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. However, generic alternatives have proven to be a critical factor in slowing down national health care spending. In fact, generic drug use has saved America’s health care system approximately $1.07 trillion over the past decade, with $192.8 billion in savings achieved in 2011 alone, according to a 2012 study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
However, while consumers recognize the cost advantage of generic drugs, they are reminded, from time to time, of the question of quality and efficacy of generic medications versus name-brand equivalents. Consumers should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, requires that generic drugs must be identical or “bioequivalent” to brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.
“The U.S. FDA tests generic medicines just as rigorously as their branded counterparts,” explains Venkat Krishnan, senior vice president and regional director at Ranbaxy Inc. “Generic drugs must meet rigid qualifying criteria before they can be made available to the general public. At Ranbaxy, we have stringent protocols in place to ensure that our products are both safe and effective, and we stand behind that, focused on our philosophy of ‘Quality and Patients First.’”
People are choosing generics in increasing numbers, out of economic necessity and because they are increasingly better informed.Of the 4 billion prescriptions written in 2011, nearly 80 percent were dispensed using generic versions of their brand name counterpart. With generics, consumers have the option of paying a price that is as much as 85 percent lower than name-brand drugs.
If you have questions about switching to a generic prescription, have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.gphaonline.org for more information and the facts about generic drugs.
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by Brandpoint (ARA) Sponsored Content
Jun 19, 2013 | 117 views | 0 0 comments | 22 22 recommendations | email to a friend | print
(BPT) - Have you ever gone to fill a prescription and the pharmacist asks if you’d like the generic version of the medication, perhaps reminding you that it is at a considerable cost savings over the brand-named drug? Or you’re told that your insurance will only cover the generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed?
The first time this happens, you undoubtedly have many questions: Is there a difference between branded and generic medicines? Will the generic be just as safe and effective? Do insurance companies prefer generics? If you have, you’re not alone in asking these questions.
 It’s no secret that the rising costs of health care services and medications have been affecting millions of Americans – indeed, our economy – and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. However, generic alternatives have proven to be a critical factor in slowing down national health care spending. In fact, generic drug use has saved America’s health care system approximately $1.07 trillion over the past decade, with $192.8 billion in savings achieved in 2011 alone, according to a 2012 study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
However, while consumers recognize the cost advantage of generic drugs, they are reminded, from time to time, of the question of quality and efficacy of generic medications versus name-brand equivalents. Consumers should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, requires that generic drugs must be identical or “bioequivalent” to brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.
“The U.S. FDA tests generic medicines just as rigorously as their branded counterparts,” explains Venkat Krishnan, senior vice president and regional director at Ranbaxy Inc. “Generic drugs must meet rigid qualifying criteria before they can be made available to the general public. At Ranbaxy, we have stringent protocols in place to ensure that our products are both safe and effective, and we stand behind that, focused on our philosophy of ‘Quality and Patients First.’”
People are choosing generics in increasing numbers, out of economic necessity and because they are increasingly better informed.Of the 4 billion prescriptions written in 2011, nearly 80 percent were dispensed using generic versions of their brand name counterpart. With generics, consumers have the option of paying a price that is as much as 85 percent lower than name-brand drugs.
If you have questions about switching to a generic prescription, have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.gphaonline.org for more information and the facts about generic drugs.
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More Americans choosing generic drugs
by Brandpoint (ARA) Sponsored Content
Jun 19, 2013 | 117 views | 0 0 comments | 22 22 recommendations | email to a friend | print
(BPT) - Have you ever gone to fill a prescription and the pharmacist asks if you’d like the generic version of the medication, perhaps reminding you that it is at a considerable cost savings over the brand-named drug? Or you’re told that your insurance will only cover the generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed?
The first time this happens, you undoubtedly have many questions: Is there a difference between branded and generic medicines? Will the generic be just as safe and effective? Do insurance companies prefer generics? If you have, you’re not alone in asking these questions.
 It’s no secret that the rising costs of health care services and medications have been affecting millions of Americans – indeed, our economy – and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. However, generic alternatives have proven to be a critical factor in slowing down national health care spending. In fact, generic drug use has saved America’s health care system approximately $1.07 trillion over the past decade, with $192.8 billion in savings achieved in 2011 alone, according to a 2012 study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
However, while consumers recognize the cost advantage of generic drugs, they are reminded, from time to time, of the question of quality and efficacy of generic medications versus name-brand equivalents. Consumers should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, requires that generic drugs must be identical or “bioequivalent” to brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.
“The U.S. FDA tests generic medicines just as rigorously as their branded counterparts,” explains Venkat Krishnan, senior vice president and regional director at Ranbaxy Inc. “Generic drugs must meet rigid qualifying criteria before they can be made available to the general public. At Ranbaxy, we have stringent protocols in place to ensure that our products are both safe and effective, and we stand behind that, focused on our philosophy of ‘Quality and Patients First.’”
People are choosing generics in increasing numbers, out of economic necessity and because they are increasingly better informed.Of the 4 billion prescriptions written in 2011, nearly 80 percent were dispensed using generic versions of their brand name counterpart. With generics, consumers have the option of paying a price that is as much as 85 percent lower than name-brand drugs.
If you have questions about switching to a generic prescription, have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.gphaonline.org for more information and the facts about generic drugs.
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More Americans choosing generic drugs
by Brandpoint (ARA) Sponsored Content
Jun 19, 2013 | 117 views | 0 0 comments | 22 22 recommendations | email to a friend | print
(BPT) - Have you ever gone to fill a prescription and the pharmacist asks if you’d like the generic version of the medication, perhaps reminding you that it is at a considerable cost savings over the brand-named drug? Or you’re told that your insurance will only cover the generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed?
The first time this happens, you undoubtedly have many questions: Is there a difference between branded and generic medicines? Will the generic be just as safe and effective? Do insurance companies prefer generics? If you have, you’re not alone in asking these questions.
 It’s no secret that the rising costs of health care services and medications have been affecting millions of Americans – indeed, our economy – and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. However, generic alternatives have proven to be a critical factor in slowing down national health care spending. In fact, generic drug use has saved America’s health care system approximately $1.07 trillion over the past decade, with $192.8 billion in savings achieved in 2011 alone, according to a 2012 study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
However, while consumers recognize the cost advantage of generic drugs, they are reminded, from time to time, of the question of quality and efficacy of generic medications versus name-brand equivalents. Consumers should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, requires that generic drugs must be identical or “bioequivalent” to brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.
“The U.S. FDA tests generic medicines just as rigorously as their branded counterparts,” explains Venkat Krishnan, senior vice president and regional director at Ranbaxy Inc. “Generic drugs must meet rigid qualifying criteria before they can be made available to the general public. At Ranbaxy, we have stringent protocols in place to ensure that our products are both safe and effective, and we stand behind that, focused on our philosophy of ‘Quality and Patients First.’”
People are choosing generics in increasing numbers, out of economic necessity and because they are increasingly better informed.Of the 4 billion prescriptions written in 2011, nearly 80 percent were dispensed using generic versions of their brand name counterpart. With generics, consumers have the option of paying a price that is as much as 85 percent lower than name-brand drugs.
If you have questions about switching to a generic prescription, have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.gphaonline.org for more information and the facts about generic drugs.
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More Americans choosing generic drugs
by Brandpoint (ARA) Sponsored Content
Jun 19, 2013 | 117 views | 0 0 comments | 22 22 recommendations | email to a friend | print
(BPT) - Have you ever gone to fill a prescription and the pharmacist asks if you’d like the generic version of the medication, perhaps reminding you that it is at a considerable cost savings over the brand-named drug? Or you’re told that your insurance will only cover the generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed?
The first time this happens, you undoubtedly have many questions: Is there a difference between branded and generic medicines? Will the generic be just as safe and effective? Do insurance companies prefer generics? If you have, you’re not alone in asking these questions.
 It’s no secret that the rising costs of health care services and medications have been affecting millions of Americans – indeed, our economy – and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. However, generic alternatives have proven to be a critical factor in slowing down national health care spending. In fact, generic drug use has saved America’s health care system approximately $1.07 trillion over the past decade, with $192.8 billion in savings achieved in 2011 alone, according to a 2012 study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
However, while consumers recognize the cost advantage of generic drugs, they are reminded, from time to time, of the question of quality and efficacy of generic medications versus name-brand equivalents. Consumers should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, requires that generic drugs must be identical or “bioequivalent” to brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.
“The U.S. FDA tests generic medicines just as rigorously as their branded counterparts,” explains Venkat Krishnan, senior vice president and regional director at Ranbaxy Inc. “Generic drugs must meet rigid qualifying criteria before they can be made available to the general public. At Ranbaxy, we have stringent protocols in place to ensure that our products are both safe and effective, and we stand behind that, focused on our philosophy of ‘Quality and Patients First.’”
People are choosing generics in increasing numbers, out of economic necessity and because they are increasingly better informed.Of the 4 billion prescriptions written in 2011, nearly 80 percent were dispensed using generic versions of their brand name counterpart. With generics, consumers have the option of paying a price that is as much as 85 percent lower than name-brand drugs.
If you have questions about switching to a generic prescription, have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.gphaonline.org for more information and the facts about generic drugs.
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More Americans choosing generic drugs
by Brandpoint (ARA) Sponsored Content
Jun 19, 2013 | 117 views | 0 0 comments | 22 22 recommendations | email to a friend | print
(BPT) - Have you ever gone to fill a prescription and the pharmacist asks if you’d like the generic version of the medication, perhaps reminding you that it is at a considerable cost savings over the brand-named drug? Or you’re told that your insurance will only cover the generic equivalent of what your doctor has prescribed?
The first time this happens, you undoubtedly have many questions: Is there a difference between branded and generic medicines? Will the generic be just as safe and effective? Do insurance companies prefer generics? If you have, you’re not alone in asking these questions.
 It’s no secret that the rising costs of health care services and medications have been affecting millions of Americans – indeed, our economy – and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. However, generic alternatives have proven to be a critical factor in slowing down national health care spending. In fact, generic drug use has saved America’s health care system approximately $1.07 trillion over the past decade, with $192.8 billion in savings achieved in 2011 alone, according to a 2012 study by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.
However, while consumers recognize the cost advantage of generic drugs, they are reminded, from time to time, of the question of quality and efficacy of generic medications versus name-brand equivalents. Consumers should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health, requires that generic drugs must be identical or “bioequivalent” to brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.
“The U.S. FDA tests generic medicines just as rigorously as their branded counterparts,” explains Venkat Krishnan, senior vice president and regional director at Ranbaxy Inc. “Generic drugs must meet rigid qualifying criteria before they can be made available to the general public. At Ranbaxy, we have stringent protocols in place to ensure that our products are both safe and effective, and we stand behind that, focused on our philosophy of ‘Quality and Patients First.’”
People are choosing generics in increasing numbers, out of economic necessity and because they are increasingly better informed.Of the 4 billion prescriptions written in 2011, nearly 80 percent were dispensed using generic versions of their brand name counterpart. With generics, consumers have the option of paying a price that is as much as 85 percent lower than name-brand drugs.
If you have questions about switching to a generic prescription, have a conversation with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.gphaonline.org for more information and the facts about generic drugs.
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