The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is back in business.

In mid-January, NACDS convened its once annual Regional Chain Conference in Palm Beach, Fla., site of the association’s legendary Annual Meeting, an event scheduled for this April, at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

NACDS’ Steve Anderson, Good Neighbor’s Brian Nightengale, and Kroger Health’s Colleen Lindholz held a leadership panel.

Viewed from any angle, the Regional Chain event was a smashing success. People — both retailers and suppliers — came in ample numbers, and emerged richer for the occasion. The business program, geared to events and stumbling blocks very much of the moment, was heavily attended. The speakers, in the main, responded professionally, as is to be expected from an NACDS event.

But the highlight was, perhaps inevitably, the social calendar — the receptions, dinners and informal gatherings that traditionally characterize an NACDS event and set it apart from its counterparts mounted by other retail associations. It was here that attendees met to renew old relationships and form new friendships. It was here that business was alluded to if not openly discussed. It was here that attendees fondly recalled what has been best about chain drug retailing in America — and what will shortly be renewed in unique NACDS fashion.

In terms of memorable personalities, there were many. But among those who stood out most vividly was Colleen Lindholz, current NACDS chair and president of Kroger Health. Both on-stage and off- she added information and vitality to an event that has traditionally relied on both.

Lindholz aside, the conference was remarkable for both the depth and range of the attendees.

The food, drug and discount store participants were matched by the range of supplier executives, some first-timers, on hand. The new attendees, particularly, were impressed by the vitality of the event, an experience most of the veterans had previously been exposed to.

Now it’s on to the next event on the NACDS calendar, the crowning event, the event that sets chain drug retailing apart from its sibling industries. That is, of course, the Annual Meeting, that yearly happening that unites the industry as nothing else does.

Though stories continue to emerge that NACDS will cancel this event, there is, at this writing no truth whatsoever to these tales. So this essay will end with this strongly delivered advice: Register now for the April event or risk missing out on the seminal gathering that represents the chain drug industry more effectively and completely than any other gathering on the annual chain drug calendar.

With that, we’ll add these final words: See you in April at The Breakers.