Catalina’s Michael Ebert and Jason Test, Nelsons’ John Ende and WBA’s Alex Gourlay.

Walgreens’ Lauren Brindley and L’Oréal Paris’ Jackie Madsen.

Catalina’s Jennifer Melles and Walgreens’ Richard Ashworth.

Walgreens’ Linda Filler and Cutis Pharma’s Kevin Campbell.

Walgreens’ Mary Go and Reuben Slone.

Hallmark’s Amy McAnarney and Walgreens’ Robert Tompkins.

Crossmark’s Katie Schommer and Heather Fineman flank GSK Consumer Healthcare’s Randy Gifford.

Helen of Troy’s Rod Feltner, Perry Sansone and Mike ­Stebbins.

Energizer’s Brandon Davis, Jim Bayer and Mark Swedberg.

Gary Sanguinetti of First Aid Shot Therapy and John Ende of Nelsons.

Sundial Brands’ Diana Conover and The Chapman Edge’s Roslyn Chapman.

SRC Sales’ Christine McCartney and Michael Jefferson.

Executives from Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreens and many of its suppliers were feted at a reception celebrating Chain Drug Review’s  publication in December of a special report on the retailer’s recent changes and its positioning for the future.

The event was held at the Chicago Marriott Suites in Deerfield, Ill., near the Walgreens headquarters.

The report highlighted the changes that have transpired — and are ongoing — in Walgreens retail business, including the pharmacy, beauty department, consumables, health care, services and digital.

Also examined were the progress that WBA has made in integrating the business and operations of Walgreen Co. and Alliance Boots — including the realization of synergies, improved cost controls and increased use of technology — and the potential of the pending acquisition of Rite Aid Corp. and global expansion.