BOSTON — Kinney Drugs Inc. and Supervalu Inc. this week received awards from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores for their active political involvement on behalf of the chain drug industry.

The awards were presented by the NACDS Political Action Committee (NACDS-PAC) and NACDS RxImpact grassroots advocacy program at the 2009 NACDS Pharmacy & Technology Conference in Boston. Rep. Michael Capuano (D., Mass.) also addressed attendees at the reception.

Kinney Drugs, based in Gouverneur, N.Y., received the NACDS-PAC Politically Engaged Pharmacy (PEP) Award, which honors a company or individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of pharmacy through political engagement. The company was recognized for its involvement and leadership in all segments of NACDS’ political programs, as well as its personal support for NACDS efforts.

Minneapolis-based Supervalu, which operates approximately 900 food/drug combination stores, was presented the NACDS RxImpact Leader of the Year award for its efforts to enroll employees in the RxImpact Team grassroots program, which promotes the resources that pro-pharmacy advocates need to take a stand for better health care. NACDS said Supervalu showed exemplary efforts in enrolling employees totaling more than 25% of all RxImpact Team advocates.

"NACDS is pleased to honor Kinney Drugs and Supervalu for their demonstrated commitment to advancing NACDS’ legislative agenda in many ways during this critical time in federal and state policymaking," NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson said in a statement. "Their continued efforts in advocating on behalf of the industry have made them strong examples of how to effect change in policy. We applaud their efforts and thank them for their support of NACDS’ activities."