Table of Contents
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Action and engagement were the major themes at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Regional Chain Conference here earlier this month.
Action and engagement were the major themes at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Regional Chain Conference here earlier this month.
NACDS chairman Greg Wasson, president and chief executive officer of Walgreen Co., called for community pharmacy to unite behind the trade organization "and push like never before."
Meanwhile, Steve Anderson, president and CEO of NACDS, called for a bold response from the association to the opportunities and challenges the industry faces. "When the NACDS executive committee, board of directors and staff worked together on the 2013 strategic plan, we agreed that our industry seems to stand at an inflection point — with many more inflection points on the horizon," said Anderson. "Many of you tell me that decision makers seem to recognize pharmacy’s value as the face of neighborhood health care more than before. Many of you tell me that community pharmacy and the consumer goods side of the business have tremendous opportunities, but the trick will be capitalizing on them. I also hear about the challenges that could stifle not only innovation, but the viability of some businesses."
"Experience It!" is the theme of NACDS’ 80th anniversary this year, and the theme is a call to action and engagement on the part of members as well as a celebration of the organization’s past accomplishments.
"If there is one thing that has no place in NACDS, it’s sitting back and waiting for things to happen," said Anderson. "The words ‘Experience It!’ issue an invitation, an invitation to gather at events like this one to collaborate and innovate, and an invitation to earn results through expertise in advocacy, communications and business-building."
Wasson struck the same note in his remarks. "Consumer demand is pushing us to drive and accelerate the role community pharmacy plays in health care," he commented. "And our nation’s need for new, innovative solutions to help solve our health care crisis is what’s pulling our industry to step up."
Wasson urged members to join NACDS’ RxImpact Day on Capitol Hill on March 13 and March 14, and referenced the building excitement regarding the NACDS Total Store Expo that will take place in Las Vegas August 10 through August 13. "This is the first time we are bringing all aspects of the business together under one umbrella," he remarked.
