SEATTLE—Bartell Drugs, the nation’s oldest drugstore chain, has been named the winner of the 13th Annual “Best in the Northwest” Washington Family Business Awards in the large business category, sponsored by the Family Enterprise Institute of Pacific Lutheran University.
 
Selected from a field of three finalists in the large business category--businesses with 250 or more employees--Bartell’s was honored for its innovative business strategies and practices, performance, family and business links, contributions to community and industry, multi-generation family business involvement and longevity.  
 
Seattle-based Bartell Drugs was founded in 1890 by George H. Bartell Sr.  The founder’s grandchildren, George D. Bartell (Chairman and CEO) and Jean Bartell Barber (Vice Chairman and Treasurer) oversee operations of Bartell Drugs’ 54 stores in the central Puget Sound Area.
 
“This award is a testament to the outstanding efforts of our 1,600 employee associates,” said George D. Bartell. “It is through their hard work and dedication that we have become the best in the Northwest.”
 
Bartell’s was also one of five finalists in the heritage business category.  The company previously took top honors in that category in 2001.  
 
The Family Enterprise Institute of Pacific Lutheran University offers educational programs, technical advisory services and policy analysis, as well as advocacy for family enterprise within the Pacific Northwest.

Rebecca Siegmund
Bartell Drugs
Assistant Vice President of Marketing
206-763-2626
rebeccas@bartelldrugs.com

Tara Leiser
The Bartlett Group
Account Executive
206-529-3612
tara@bartlettgrouppr.com

Barry Bartlett
The Bartlett Group
President
206-529-3612
barry@bartlettgrouppr.com