Content about Steve Anderson

May 17, 2013
As NACDS turns 80, ‘no time for peaceful slumber,’ says CEO Anderson

With a little more than three months to go before the start of the first NACDS Total Store Expo show, which replaces its Marketplace, Pharmacy and Technology, and Supply Chain conferences, DSNTV caught up with the NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson to talk about the biggest challenges facing the industry as the association celebrates its 80th anniversary.

PALM BEACH, Fla. — This is going to be a big year for community pharmacy as the nation counts down to full implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2014. And the National Association of Chain Drug Stores is committed to helping its members navigate a regulatory process for what is still a “very complicated and still uncertain piece of legislation,” NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson told DSNTV in an exclusive interview in April at Annual Meeting in Palm Beach.

June 5, 2013
NACDS shines light on public's trust of community pharmacy following Aflac survey

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is reminding private sector and government decision makers about the public’s trust of community pharmacists as healthcare advisers and about the ability of new pharmacy services – in conjunction with physicians and other healthcare partners – to help empower patients to improve their health.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is reminding private sector and government decision-makers about the public’s trust of community pharmacists as healthcare advisers and about the ability of new pharmacy services – in conjunction with physicians and other healthcare partners – to help empower patients to improve their health. The statement comes on the heels of an Aflac survey that revealed concerns about Americans’ confidence in their ability to play active roles in “consumer-driven healthcare.”

May 29, 2013
'Go Time' declared for NACDS Total Store Expo participants

With about 80 days until the launch of the first-ever NACDS Total Store Expo, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores is calling on participants to plan ahead to maximize their results from the innovative new strategic exchange and trade show.

ARLINGTON, Va. — With about 80 days until the launch of the first-ever NACDS Total Store Expo, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores is calling on participants to plan ahead to maximize their results from the innovative new strategic exchange and trade show. The inaugural event will debut August 10 to 13, 2013 at Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas.

May 7, 2013
Senate approves online sales tax bill, House next stop for Marketplace Fairness Act proponents

The U.S. Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would enable states to collect sales tax on online transactions, to widespread applause from big-box retail.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Monday passed the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would enable states to collect sales tax on online transactions, to widespread applause from big-box retail. If passed the act would remove the up-to 7% price advantage out-of-state online retailers have over brick-and-click or brick-and-mortar retailers operating and collecting sales taxes within the state. (For a comprehensive list of state sales taxes, click here.) 

May 2, 2013
NACDS joins 'Partnership for Advancing Medication Adherence'

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced its membership in “Prescriptions for a Healthy America: A Partnership for Advancing Medication Adherence."

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced its membership in “Prescriptions for a Healthy America: A Partnership for Advancing Medication Adherence."

April 22, 2013
NACDS Foundation announces five new board members

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation announced the election of five new members to its board of directors.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Today, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation announced the election of five new members to its board of directors. Victor Curtis, SVP pharmacy of Costco Wholesale; Jon Giacomin, president of U.S. pharmaceutical distribution for the pharmaceutical group of Cardinal Health; John Poulin, director of professional relations of Lilly USA; Todd Tillemans, president of customer development at Unilever; and Richard Tremonte, VP sales and marketing of the U.S.

April 21, 2013
Wasson, Anderson address NACDS’ policy goals

“We are writing history, and you are historic figures.” That was a key message that Steve Anderson, National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO, had for community pharmacy during Sunday morning’s business session at NACDS Annual Meeting as the association celebrates its 80th anniversary.

PALM BEACH, Fla. — “We are writing history, and you are historic figures.” That was a key message that Steve Anderson, National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO, had for community pharmacy during Sunday morning’s business session at NACDS Annual Meeting as the association celebrates its 80th anniversary. Prior to Anderson taking the stage, Greg Wasson, out-going chairman of the NACDS board and president and CEO of Walgreens, made his state of the industry remarks.

April 19, 2013
Obama budget provides a mixed bag for health care

President Barack Obama sent his $3.8 trillion budget proposal to Congress on April 10, and the plan includes a number of provisions designed to cut spending on health care and promote health and wellness.

Overall, the budget is something of a mixed bag for the healthcare industry. While it would provide incentives for expanding the use of generic drugs, for example, it would also cut spending on Medicaid that have drawn opposition from pharmacy retailers, and even generic drug makers disagree with some of its provisions for that industry.

President Barack Obama sent his $3.8 trillion budget proposal to Congress on April 10, and the plan includes a number of provisions designed to cut spending on health care and promote health and wellness.

Overall, the budget is something of a mixed bag for the healthcare industry. While it would provide incentives for expanding the use of generic drugs, for example, it would also cut spending on Medicaid that have drawn opposition from pharmacy retailers, and even generic drug makers disagree with some of its provisions for that industry.

April 12, 2013
NACDS, NCPA oppose pursuing new Medicaid cuts, urge completion of current rulemaking

A proposal to further reduce Medicaid drug reimbursement that was included in President Obama’s fiscal year 2014 budget plan is “premature” and federal Medicaid officials should focus on modifying and completing already proposed regulations to set future federal upper limits for reimbursement of most generic drugs, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association said.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A proposal to further reduce Medicaid drug reimbursement that was included in President Obama’s fiscal year 2014 budget plan is “premature” and federal Medicaid officials should focus on modifying and completing already proposed regulations to set future federal upper limits for reimbursement of most generic drugs, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association argued on Friday.

March 21, 2013
NACDS responds to WSJ article citing cynicism, inaccuracies

A recent Wall Street Journal article, “10 Things Drugstores Won’t Tell You,” has caught the attention of National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson, who responded to the article by saying that it put sensational headlines and statements ahead of the facts, thus depicting pharmacies inaccurately.

ARLINGTON, Va. — A recent Wall Street Journal article, “10 Things Drugstores Won’t Tell You,” has caught the attention of National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson, who responded to the article by saying that it put sensational headlines and statements ahead of the fa

March 15, 2013
NACDS endorses bipartisan Senate bill to expand MTM services for seniors

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores applauded the introduction of S. 557, the Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act of 2013, introduced yesterday by U.S. Sens. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., along with the support of original cosponsors U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Al Franken, D-Minn., Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

WASHINGTON — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) today applauded the introduction of S. 557, the Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act of 2013, introduced yesterday by U.S. Sens. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., and Pat Roberts, R-Kan., along with the support of original cosponsors U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Al Franken, D-Minn., Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. The legislation seeks to expand access to MTM services for senior citizens enrolled in the Medicare program.

March 14, 2013
5th Annual NACDS RxImpact Day reflects pharmacy's role in patient care

Illustrating the vital role of community pharmacy in healthcare delivery, 300 community pharmacists, pharmacy executives, pharmacy students and other pharmacy advocates representing 41,000 chain pharmacies from 38 states took to Capitol Hill this week, donning their white coats for the 5th Annual NACDS RxImpact Day on Capitol Hill.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Illustrating the vital role of community pharmacy in healthcare delivery, 300 community pharmacists, pharmacy executives, pharmacy students and other pharmacy advocates representing 41,000 chain pharmacies from 38 states took to Capitol Hill this week, donning their white coats for the 5th Annual NACDS RxImpact Day on Capitol Hill.  

February 22, 2013
Innovative pharmacy services promote improved patient care, life quality, NACDS head writes

The head of a trade organization for retail pharmacies critiqued the conclusions of an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal that cast doubt on some of the potential benefits of accountable care organizations.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The head of a trade organization for retail pharmacies critiqued the conclusions of an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal that cast doubt on some of the potential benefits of accountable care organizations.

February 8, 2013
Harry Lambert, retired Eckerd president, passes away after battle with Parkinson's

Retired Eckerd president Harry Lambert, age 79, died on Wednesday, Feb. 6, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — Retired Eckerd president Harry Lambert, age 79, died on Wednesday, Feb. 06, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

February 7, 2013
CMS study further proof community pharmacy can improve patients' lives, says NACDS

National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson, calls a new study by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services “further proof of community pharmacy’s ability to improve patients’ lives while making healthcare more affordable in this country.”

ARLINGTON, Va. — National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) president and CEO Steve Anderson, calls a new study by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) “further proof of community pharmacy’s ability to improve patients’ lives while making healthcare more affordable in this country.”

February 4, 2013
'Look ahead and be bold,' Anderson urges NACDS members as group marks 80th year

National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steven Anderson pledged to be proactive in advocating for pharmacy in the organization's 80th year.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson pledged to be proactive in advocating for pharmacy in the organization's 80th year.

Speaking at the NACDS' Regional Chain Conference Monday, Anderson said pharmacy stood at an "inflection point," with many more on the horizon.

January 18, 2013
Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to keynote NACDS Annual Meeting

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates as the keynote speaker for the 2013 NACDS Annual Meeting.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates as the keynote speaker for the 2013 NACDS Annual Meeting, which will be held April 20 to 23 in Palm Beach, Fla.

December 19, 2012
NACDS' Jim Huber to retire; David Fitzsimmons named SVP, finance and administration

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Wednesday that Jim Huber, EVP and CFO of NACDS, is retiring after 25 years of service.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Wednesday that Jim Huber, EVP and CFO of NACDS, is retiring after 25 years of service. He will be succeed by David Fitzsimmons has been promoted to SVP of finance and administration.  

Fitzsimmons currently serves as VP finance and accounting. He will succeed Huber effective Dec. 21, 2012.

November 15, 2012
NACDS lauds Tricare retail pharmacy vaccination program for enabling 1 million vaccinations

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday applauded the Tricare Retail Pharmacy Vaccination Program’s announcement that 1 million vaccinations have been administered in retail pharmacies for military families and veterans.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday applauded the Tricare Retail Pharmacy Vaccination Program’s announcement that 1 million vaccinations have been administered in retail pharmacies for military families and veterans.

October 11, 2012
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals hears Medi-Cal reimbursement rate cut case

A coalition — which includes the California Medical Association, the California Dental Association, California Pharmacists Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, California Association of Medical Product Suppliers, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and American Medical Response — continues to work to block the state of California from cutting Medi-Cal reimbursement rates by 10%.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A coalition — which includes the California Medical Association, the California Dental Association, California Pharmacists Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, California Association of Medical Product Suppliers, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and American Medical Response — continues to work to block the state of California from cutting Medi-Cal reimbursement rates by 10%.

October 5, 2012
NACDS' Anderson co-chairs ASAE awards dinner, emphasizes importance of associations

Serving as co-chair of the 13th Annual Summit Awards Dinner — which was presented by the American Society of Association Executives - the Center for Association Leadership Wednesday evening at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. — National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson emphasized to more than 1,100 attendees that associations serve a vital function as the "fifth estate" in the 21st century American democracy.

WASHINGTON — Serving as co-chair of the 13th Annual Summit Awards Dinner — which was presented by the American Society of Association Executives - the Center for Association Leadership Wednesday evening at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. — National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson emphasized to more than 1,100 attendees that associations serve a vital function as the "fifth estate" in the 21st century American democracy.

September 25, 2012
Health crisis will expand clinic sites, service

When National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson earlier this year at NACDS Annual urged pharmacy leaders to be “disruptive innovators,” and new NACDS chairman and Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson called on the industry to embrace a holistic view of the total store in improving patient lives, they easily could have submitted Walgreens and its Take Care Health Systems subsidiary as an ideal case study.


When National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson earlier this year at NACDS Annual urged pharmacy leaders to be “disruptive innovators,” and new NACDS chairman and Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson called on the industry to embrace a holistic view of the total store in improving patient lives, they easily could have submitted Walgreens and its Take Care Health Systems subsidiary as an ideal case study.


September 24, 2012
NACDS RxImpact boasts nearly 50 pharmacy tours, NACDS member HQ meetings in 2012

During this paramount election year, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ grassroots advocacy program — NACDS RxImpact — continues to demonstrate the importance of pharmacy advocates engaging on behalf of community pharmacy, NACDS has announced.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — During this paramount election year, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ grassroots advocacy program — NACDS RxImpact — continues to demonstrate the importance of pharmacy advocates engaging on behalf of community pharmacy, NACDS has announced.

August 27, 2012
Amid uncertainty of elections, health reform, community pharmacy 'must adjust sails,' Anderson charges

The 2012 elections mean a lot of things to a lot of people, communities and industries, and retail pharmacy is no exception.

DENVER — The 2012 elections mean a lot of things to a lot of people, communities and industries, and retail pharmacy is no exception.

August 27, 2012
NACDS' Anderson hails industry's life-saving, cost-reducing value at Pharmacy and Technology Conference

The effort by community pharmacy to rise to the occasion and showcase its life-saving and cost-reducing power in health care has never been stronger. That was a key message that National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson had for attendees of the NACDS Pharmacy and Technology Conference being held in Denver. However, he also warned against complacency.

DENVER — The effort by community pharmacy to rise to the occasion and showcase its life-saving and cost-reducing power in health care has never been stronger. That was a key message that National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson had for attendees of the NACDS Pharmacy and Technology Conference being held in Denver. However, he also warned against complacency.