CDMA heads to Chicago, gets new name and staff - Chain Drug Marketing Associates, now Chain Drug Marketing Association

CHICAGO -- Chain Drug Marketing Associates' spring buying show, held here March 3-6, marked a new beginning for the association.

In a major break with the past, the CDMA will vacate its longtime New York headquarters and move into its new central offices in Deerfield, Ill., on April 15. Only three CDMA executives will make the move with the organization: president Jim Devine, senior merchandise manager John Cincotta and meeting manager Darren DeGuire.

Besides taking on a new set of employees, the association will also change its name to the Chain Drug Marketing Association. That was the name the organization originally wanted but was barred from taking by New York legislation.

Said Devine, "The move to Deerfield will increase our activity with manufacturers. This organization is 68 years old, and many suppliers don't know who wer are or what we do."

The group's central mission, Devine added, remains "providing retailers with essential information on sales, marketing and promotion."

The CDMA is also working to create alliances with suppliers and related organizations. The association recently singed an agreement with Align, a generic pharmaceutical repackaging company.

An agreement has also been signed with Topco, an association of 31 grocery chains, to bring seasonal import and control label programs to CDMA members.

Devine said the organization is working on signing agreements with other suppliers to bring additional services to member chains.

The organization's spring show, which attracted 55 chains and 200 exhibitors, allowed retailers to participate in intensive two-day educational seminars on consumables and on HBA.

"These sessions are very important to retailers," said Devine. "The HBC forum provides education on important categories, such as nutritionals and skin care. The candy/snack/beverage forum is also important for the chains since those areas are becoming a more important profit center."

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