SAN DIEGO — Regional drug chain Kinney Drugs was honored for political engagement by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores at the 2017 NACDS Total Store Expo here.

Kinney Drugs’ Mike Duteau (r.) accepts the 2017 PEP Award from NACDS vice chairman Mark Panzer of Albertsons Cos.

Mike Duteau, vice president of business development and strategic relations for KPH Healthcare Services, accepted the 2017 Politically Engaged Pharmacy Award (2017 PEP Award) at this evening’s Political Involvement Reception in recognition of Kinney’s leadership and participation in the NACDS Political Action Committee (NACDS-PAC).

KPH is the parent company of Kinney Drugs, which operates about 100 drug stores in upstate New York and Vermont.

“Under the leadership of [executive chairman] Craig Painter and the team, Kinney Drugs over many years now has consistently shown that they understand the value of NACDS-PAC and its importance in our advocacy efforts. The support shown by Kinney Drugs has become automatic, signifying their unwavering commitment,” commented NACDS vice chairman Mark Panzer, senior vice president of pharmacy, health and wellness at Albertsons Cos.

NACDS honors a company or an individual with the PEP Award for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the advancement of pharmacy via political engagement.

Panzer presented the award in his capacity as chairman of NACDS-PAC, which supports federal congressional candidates who advance pro-patient and pro-pharmacy policies.