Grocery chains HEB and Supervalu were among five retailers recognized yesterday by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation for outstanding achievements in their pharmacy operations.

Michael Conley of Novartis presented the Novartis Pharmaceutical Alliance Award to Dennis Wiesner, R.Ph., senior director, privacy, regulatory, government, and industry affairs, and pharmacy managed care for H-E-B. This award honors the incoming chair of the 2009 Pharmacy & Technology Conference, in recognition of leadership, service, and commitment to the chain pharmacy industry.

Wiesner is on the NACDS Policy Council and recently testified for NACDS before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business. Additionally, Wiesner was appointed this year to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy and is a member of the Texas Federation of Drug Stores. Along with the award, Novartis made a $10,000 contribution to the NACDS Foundation in Wiesner's name.
 
Reggie Braasch of Novo Nordisk presented the Chairman's Award to Chris Dimos, president of pharmacy operations for Supervalu Inc. This award is presented to the current chairman of the 2008 Pharmacy & Technology Conference, along with a $10,000 contribution to the Foundation in Dimos' name. In addition to his role as this year's chairman of the Pharmacy & Technology Conference, Dimos is regularly involved in NACDS initiatives and is on the NACDS Policy Council and on the NACDS Pharmacy Industry Council.

Other retailers recognized were:
Fougera Pharmacy Scholarship Award: Warren F. Bryant, chairman, president, and c.e.o. of Longs Drug Stores, chairman of the NACDS board of directors
IMS Health Pharmacy Partnership Award: Frank DeStefano, divisional v.p., pharmacy purchasing, Walgreens
UCB Leadership in Pharmacy Award: Rebecca Snead, RPh, c.e.o. and e.v.p., National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)

The awards were presented during the NACDS Pharmacy & Technology Conference, held August 23 to 26 in San Diego.

The NACDS Foundation is the education, research, and charitable affiliate of the NACDS, and supports programs that advance and strengthen the chain pharmacy industry. Among its activities, the Foundation provides scholarships for pharmacy students and supports pharmacy education programs that address the needs of community pharmacy practice. Additionally, the Foundation supports research efforts documenting community pharmacy's role and value in America's health care system, as well as addressing effective and safe use of medicines.