This week the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and HSBC hosted an information seminar entitled “Planning for Change — Ensure your business survives and thrives!”The two-hour seminar held at HSBC Harbourview Centre provided attendees with an overview of strategic planning, identify strategies, plan effectively and identify actions and indicators that will help business owners monitor progress.Tamara Richardson, VP of People’s Pharmacy shared the story of change that her company has undergone over the years. People’s Pharmacy began almost 30 years ago with the vision of to be a pharmacy for all people and still holds true today.Attendees were treated to past and present photos of People’s Pharmacy.Since its start in 1984, Mrs Richardson shared that People’s Pharmacy has grown from five full time staff to 25 and from 900 square feet of rented space to 6,000 square feet of retail and 3,000 square feet of warehouse space which the company owns.To accomplish these goals, Mrs Richardson stated that they went through a lengthy strategic planning process which began with their vision to be “the premier healthcare facility in Bermuda by providing invaluable products and services to our community.” Out of the vision statement, Mrs Richardson indicated that they developed a mission and core values, which has guided them over the years and contributed to their success.One attendee remarked that “Tamara’s story of change, vision and innovation is a good one and that more successful local businesses should share their stories so that together we can better Bermudian businesses.”The seminar speakers also included Francine Mason of Rawlinson & Hunter and Ray Jones, finance director of BEDC.