CDMA reports positive turnout at 84th Education and Trade Expo

NOVI, Mich. A trade association owned by more than 125 regional drug chains, independent pharmacies, regional drug wholesalers and specialty distributors, celebrated last month a successful turnout at its annual Education and Trade Expo.

The Chain Drug Marketing Association said its 84th Education and Trade Expo, held at the Hilton Chicago from March 16 to 18, saw both an increase of buyers and exhibitors from the previous year. The expo allows buyers and suppliers to form new relationships, particularly difficult-to-reach regional chains and independent pharmacies, CDMA said. Additionally, educational sessions, such as "Profit through Direct Import" (which explained the benefits of bringing CDMA’s Direct Import Program into their store) and "Creating the Best Christmas Ad Ever" provided insight to those looking to enhance their businesses.

CDMA’s store brand program, Quality Choice, celebrated 15 years of providing high quality, profitable products to members at the Quality Choice reception and dinner. First Boston Pharma's Lee Rudibaugh, received the award for Quality Choice Supplier of the Year, on behalf of Mike Barna. At the Quality Choice Forum, buyers met one-on-one with Quality Choice suppliers to learn of new product launches and trends in store brands.

Another popular aspect of the show was the newly expanded Table Top Showcase that provided buyers with more seasonal buys and hot deals from the CDMA warehouse. This program also presented CDMA suppliers with another venue in which to display their items for buyers.

“The show has allowed us to take the product to the next level to the independents. It has also enabled us to meet the distributors and retailers that we would not have been able to meet had we not been with CDMA. It has allowed us to increase the depth and breadth of our line,” said Bill Hart with EcoSmart Technologies, Inc., a new CDMA associate member.

In related news, CDMA's board of directors appointed two new members: John Rocchi of Klingensmith Drug Stores of Pa., and Bob Petryszak of Drug Emporium of W. Va. Additionally, CDMA said Bob Messick of Fruth Pharmacy was elected to the executive committee as the 2nd vice chairman. The new board of directors said it's looking forward to another successful year of new ideas and improvements for CDMA.