The Oxford English Dictionary defines "visionary" as a focus on the future with imagination and wisdom. It only makes sense that the highest patron giving level of the NCPA Foundation - a donation of $5,000 or more for individuals and $50,000 or more for companies - would be titled "Visionary."

Visionaries are the builders of a promising and positive future, using their inner strengths of imagination, insight, and boldness. They present a challenge that brings out the best in people and creates a shared sense of purpose. They can see the forest and the trees, and even beyond. Their eyes are on the horizon, not just on the close at hand. They are social innovators and change agents, seeing the big picture and thinking strategically.

The NCPA Foundation is a visionary organization that advances independent community pharmacy, benefits communities, and promotes the significance of the independent community pharmacy industry. The Foundation does this by stimulating pharmacy ownership and entrepreneurism in pharmacy students; expanding independent pharmacy succession opportunities; distributing low-interest loans and scholarships to pharmacy students; providing aid for independent pharmacies in the event of disaster, accidents, illness, for other adverse circumstances; and in a variety of other ways.

These individuals and companies were builders of promising future for the NCPA Foundation and for independent pharmacy this year. The NCPA Foundation is pleased to recognize and thank these patrons for their admirable commitment to independent pharmacy and to the mission of the NCPA Foundation.

• Sharlea and Gary Leatherwood of Kansas City, Missouri
• John and Karen Tilley of Downey, California
• Forest “Woody” Pack of Cincinnati, Ohio
• Andrew Stout of Bakersfield, California
• Covidien Insurance Company
• Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company

*The Visionary Class of 2009 is based on donations received by the NCPA Foundation for its fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009).

Visionary Class of 2008

• David Elm of Boulder, CO
• Sharlea and Gary Leatherwood of Kansas City, MO
• Joe and Betty Schutte of Louisville, KY
• L.D. Sparks of Houston, TX
• John and Karen Tilley of Downey, CA
• Millie Vincent of Yuma, CO
• Covidien of St. Louis, MO