NACDS boosts membership after conference

ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores reported that it has gained 95 new associate members, one new chain member, and 18 new international members. The Association attributes this gain to the success of its annual 2007 Marketplace Conference which took place at the end of June in Boston, Mass.

The NACDS Marketplace Conference is the largest convergence of drug, food, mass, club and value retailing in the United States. This conference represents 90% of the industry with more than 270 retail companies, 130,000 stores and 700 manufacturers. Marketplace is one of seven meetings and conferences NACDS hosts annually. The exhibit and appointment-based show represents more than $500 billion in annual buying power.

“The Marketplace Conference provides the best forum for maximizing the interactions between buyers and sellers. No other industry trade show offers its membership such comprehensive access to all facets of the chain drug industry,” said NACDS president and ceo Steven Anderson, IOM, CAE. “This swell of new membership underscores the effectiveness of NACDS conferences and meetings, such as Marketplace. Not only will new members enjoy access to these events, but they will also have access to a wide-range of programs, services and resources at their fingertips.”