NACDS awards top honors to industry leaders at annual meeting

PALM BEACH, Fla. At its annual meeting, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced the 2009 recipients of chain pharmacy’s most prestigious honors – the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award and the Robert B. Begley Award.

James Mastrian received the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award, and Harvey Alstodt received the Robert B. Begley Award. They were both applauded at the NACDS Annual Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., by family, friends and colleagues.

Past NACDS board of director James Mastrian was honored with the Sheldon W. Fantle Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional accomplishments and contributions to the chain drug industry. Mastrian’s successful career of more than 40 years spans from starting as a pharmacy intern with Peoples Drug, to becoming COO of Rite Aid Corp. The Lifetime Achievement Award — established in 1989 — was renamed in 1996 in honor of the late Sheldon “Bud” Fantle.

Harvey Alstodt was presented with the Robert B. Begley Award, which recognizes an individual with the qualities of generous spirit and long-time service to the chain drug industry.  Alstodt’s career includes over 40 years in the industry. He served both the industry and his fellow man on a number of boards and committees, including the executive board of the Boy Scouts. The Begley Award — established in 1980 — is named in memory of former NACDS Chairman of the Board Robert B. Begley.

“Jim and Harvey are great men whose leadership, service, commitment and dedication have well-served our industry and the patients and consumers it serves,” said NACDS president, CEO Steve Anderson.  “We are truly honored to give these two hard-working and successful industry leaders the recognition they deserve, and to benefit the entire industry with the inspiration of their examples.”