Courtesy photo
Andy and Margaret Bath in 2014 moving into the new pharmacy in Economy
By Cynthia Davis
The 2023 Small Business Administration (SBA) Awards for Nevada were held in Las Vegas on May 4th honoring thirteen small business owners who were recognized for their accomplishments, achievements, and contributions.
In 1963 the U.S. Small Business Administration established National Small Business Week to recognize America’s small businesses who are the backbone of our economy, and White Pine County couldn’t be more proud to acknowledge the owner and pharmacist of Economy Drug, Dr. Andy Bath, as one of those thirteen.
Nominated for the 2023 Legacy Small Business of the Year Award Andy took the time out of his busy day to chat with The Bristlecone Tribune, and give insight to what that award means to him and why. “I want to say that this award was accepted by me, but it’s really on behalf of Mom & Grandfather and all their hard work, effort, and dedication. It wouldn’t be possible without the great community in which I live, and I am truly thankful. The luncheon that my wife, April, and I attended was not only fun but enlightening. We had the opportunity to interact with other small business owners listening to their stories, and what they envisioned for the future regarding their own businesses. It was eye-awakening, and a rewarding experience.”
The Legacy Award is very fitting for Andy Bath as his grandparents founded Economy Drug in 1946, and for 76 years it has been a jewel for Ely, NV. In 2020 a second location was opened in Eureka, NV to provide much needed services to their community and beyond. Longtime customers of Economy Drug often tell Andy how proud his grandfather Dale Miller, and mother Dr. Margaret Bath would be that he’s continued their legacy. Economy is the longest family-owned business in White Pine County, and is rich with history.
Ely’s Economy Drug employs approximately 15 employees, and not only provides prescription & OTC meds, gifts, toys, and an array of other items but also houses a famous old fashioned soda fountain which has been highlighted in Nevada Magazine and other sources. Customers’ delight in a variety of malts, drinks, and shakes along with fresh-made sandwiches and other treats made to entice. Besides providing our community with the things that can’t be purchased such as integrity, patience, kindness, knowledge, time, and so much more….Andy is an active member of both the W.P.C. Search & Rescue Team and Regional Planning Commission, and also served on the Advisory Board for the Great Basin College for many years. Along with his wife, April, both volunteer with the Ely Volunteer Fire Dept., and April is an active board member on the Committee Against Childhood Hunger (CACH), which is a backpack program for food for children founded by her late mother-in-law, Dr. Margaret Bath. Both Andy & April donate money and various items to local groups & their causes; both are active in their church.
White Pine County is very fortunate to have such giving and caring individuals who genuinely care about their community, and we not only wish to congratulate them on the award, but to say THANK YOU for all you do.
Leave a Reply