Industry understands need to 'speak with one voice'

MMR, Oct 29, 2007

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- There's a saying that Ronald Reagan had on his desk at the White House and that Steve Anderson is fond of quoting: "There's no limit to what you can achieve if you don't mind who gets the credit."

As much as Anderson has accomplished at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, he is quick to credit others. There was immediate past NACDS chairman Tony Civello, who has done "an extraordinary job of communicating the need for the industry to speak with one voice," Anderson says. The chairman, president and chief executive officer of Kerr Drug has been "a key leader in conveying that to all of our different constituencies," Anderson points out.

Current NACDS chairman Dave Bernauer "is a visionary in a lot of different areas, especially health information technology," adds Anderson. The former CEO of Walgreen Co. understands the chain drug business deeply, Anderson says. "So he has been a great leader for us since he took the chairmanship in April."

Coming from a regional chain and a national player, Civello and Bernauer typify the diversity and cooperative spirit of NACDS' membership, notes Anderson. Members may be highly competitive in the marketplace, "but when they walk into that room for the NACDS board meeting they try to check their differences at the door and reach common ground to benefit the entire industry and the 3 million people that work in it."

Anderson believes that the board members have succeeded in that effort. "We have an extraordinary board, which is really enjoyable to work with," he says.

Collaboration with other trade groups is also essential, Anderson adds. "Health care is a complicated business. It's important to reach consensus."