Happy Holidays from American Pharmacies  

On behalf of President Laird Leavoy, the Board of Directors, and the entire American Pharmacies team, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. 

We are deeply grateful for our members and the dedication you show every day to your patients and communities. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership throughout the year. We look forward to continuing our work together and building an even stronger 2026. 

Wherever your holidays take you, we wish you safe travels and a season filled with happiness. 

Normalizing Excellence: A Year of Resolve and Progress  

As we close out 2025, American Pharmacies reflects on yet another year of Normalizing Excellence. Guided by our mission to Protect, Defend, and Enhance the independent retail pharmacy business model, we have stood the wall across the country at both the state and federal levels — serving as a strong, consistent voice for our members and for community pharmacy nationwide. 

The challenges we face today echo historic moments when Americans were called to stand firm. In December 1944, my father, Les Leavoy, flew a P-47 Thunderbolt at just 20 years old under the leadership of General George S. Patton during one of Europe’s harshest winters. Our troops faced an overwhelming onslaught as the Axis forces pushed west to try to divide and conquer our forces.  

Against overwhelming odds and through great sacrifice, American forces adapted, persevered, and prevailed through decisive leadership in what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. That resolve — meeting adversity head-on with courage, determination, and leadership — remains a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when people unite around a common cause. 

While today’s fight is different, the stakes remain high. The actions of PBMs continue to threaten access to care and the viability of independent pharmacies, creating pharmacy deserts that place patients at risk. Across the country, independent pharmacists are fighting incremental battles at the state and federal levels against a well-funded, well-organized opponent driven by profit rather than patient well-being. In response, independent pharmacists and their allies and advocates are standing up at a critical moment to protect their communities and their profession. 

General Patton once said, “Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.” Independent pharmacy has faced enormous pressure — but through resolve and perseverance, we are gaining altitude. On behalf of the American Pharmacies Board of Directors, made up of your peers, I assure you that we are not only defending your business model — we are aggressively advancing it with focus and determination. One of our defining strengths is our Robust Willingness to Act, and, combined with the strongest assembled team in the industry, that commitment is making a real difference. 

Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership this year. 



Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season.

You Asked, We Acted: Beyond the Fill Webinars   

American Pharmacies Builds PBM Reform Momentum on Capitol Hill    

This past fall, American Pharmacies made a real impact on Capitol Hill during our third annual Federal Fly-In. Advocacy leaders — including seven Board members and members from across the country — met with more than 45 Congressional offices in a single day to push for meaningful PBM reform. APRx leaders also met directly with CMS leadership to discuss our concerns with the Inflation Reduction Act and share practical solutions to protect patient access and pharmacy sustainability. 

With bipartisan support for key legislation and the firsthand experiences of member pharmacists guiding the conversation, the Fly-In highlighted the dedication, professionalism, and persistence that define American Pharmacies. Most importantly, it reminded us that when independent pharmacies speak up and stay engaged, real progress is possible — for the profession and the patients you serve. 

APEX IS BACK! Mark Your Calendars

Join Us at APEX 2026 — Connect, Learn, and Strengthen Your Pharmacy Practice 

As we start looking ahead to 2026, I hope you’ll join us at APEX 2026. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day, spend time with fellow independent pharmacy owners, take part in honest conversations about where your profession is headed, and explore new tools and opportunities to sustain and grow your business. APEX is as much about learning from each other as it is about gaining practical ideas you can bring back to your pharmacy — whether that’s improving operations, caring for patients, or navigating the challenges you all face. With our theme, Beyond the Fill: A Prescription for Success, we’ll focus on what it really takes to build a strong, sustainable pharmacy today and in the years ahead. I’d love to see you this June in San Antonio at La Cantera as we reconnect, share experiences, and continue shaping the future of independent pharmacy together. 

Watch Highlights from APEX 2025