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To further recognize the 90th anniversary of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, it occurs to at least one industry observer that this would be the perfect time to create a Chain Drug Store Hall of Fame.
Many obstacles to this undertaking exist, of course, the most daunting of which is locating the industry’s past leaders, identifying the true legends, separating them from the also-rans, and determining who among them is still with us physically. One of the criteria for admission to this august Hall is that the recipient still be among the living.
Perhaps the most propitious time to introduce the Hall would be on December 13, when the industry elites gather in New York City to formally recognize the association’s 90th year. In advance of that date, then, here is one observer’s list of nominees for the initial Hall of Fame class. In the interest of clarity and simplicity, this initial list is limited to 10 people.
To begin, what better suggestion than Alan Levin. The former CEO of Happy Harry’s, the drug chain founded by his father those many years ago, is alive and (very) well in Wilmington, Del., and still contributing as he always has, to the betterment of the lives of others.
Next comes Jerry Heller, also alive and well, living in South Florida, playing an occasional round of golf, and proving that he remains a grandfather among grandfathers.
No list of exemplary chain drug retailers would be complete without the inclusion of Tom Ryan, also a Florida resident, who still puts in an occasional appearance at an NACDS event. To summarize his Hall of Fame credentials, he changed chain drug retailing forever.
Then there’s Stu Turley, long a favorite of this publication, though he’s less visible than some of his compatriots. He remains alive and well in Florida, scene of his greatest triumphs — and, in absentia, the focus of more industry stories than perhaps any former chain drug leader.
We must add to this always illustrious list the name of John Standley, recently recognized by NACDS for his contributions (which have been many). Then there’s Bob Hannon, who, in retirement, continues to read Chain Drug Review, if only to court favor with the publication’s editor.
No list of industry legends would be complete without a Walgreens entry. Our nominee is Dan Jorndt, who presided over the Deerfield, Ill.-based drug chain during its halcyon years.
That brings the initial list to seven, all of whom have been, or will soon be, invited to the December 13 festivities in New York City, where they will be appropriately recognized.
Speaking of drug chains, let’s not forget Rite Aid, and let’s hurry to include Mary Sammons, the first woman to break barriers in chain drug retailing.
Now comes the hard part. To simplify the task, here are some random nominees (no identifying biographies are necessary). There’s Tony Civello, famous for Thrift and other endeavors. Some member of the Longs Drug family must surely be eligible. To step outside the chain drug family for an instant, there is of course Sam Walton, whose impact is still being felt, and such other Walmart luminaries as Doug Degn (another favorite here) and Chuck Fehlig (ditto), as well as Doug McMillon (ditto again) and Joe Antonini (remember Kmart?).
Finally, those who knew Sam Skaggs will never forget either the name or his accomplishments (isn’t that true, Packy?)
That’s enough for now. It’s at least a beginning. We’ll end this proposition by inviting all past and present readers of CDR to submit their nominees, which will be noted in future issues. We welcome all suggestions.
