Premium Cigar Association

Advocacy

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) advocates for retail tobacconists at state and federal levels to support their business operations. The State Legislative Affairs Team monitors legislation and engages lawmakers, while the Federal Affairs Team represents the industry on Capitol Hill, tracking regulations and informing Congress. PCA aims to create a favorable political environment for the production, marketing, sale, and enjoyment of premium tobacco products nationwide.

Federal and State News & Regulations

Global Trade Alert

Global Trade Alert

[Update – October 3, 2024] Joint Statement Regarding Master Contract: “The International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States...

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The Premium Cigar Association’s Political Action Committee (Premium Cigar PAC) provides member companies and their employees an opportunity to make their voices heard, have a positive effect on the political process, and contribute to the future of the premium cigar and pipe industry.

Voluntary contributions are collected through the Premium Cigar PAC to support pro-premium tobacco candidates for election to the US House of Representatives, the US Senate and the White House. With your help, the Premium Cigar PAC can continue to help advance such legislative priorities as:

  • Fighting against unreasonable and burdensome regulations.
  • Preserving stable tax rates and policies.
  • Stabilizing federal capital investment programs.
  • Creating a regulatory environment in which small premium tobacco businesses can thrive.

We are now accepting volunteer submissions for
PCA Committees and Subcommittees

Each PCA committee is comprised of current PCA Executive Committee and Board members. The PCA welcomes and encourages current PCA members in good standing to volunteer to serve on the following committees and subcommittees:

Current Committee Seats Available
  • Membership Committee
  • POS-Derived Tobacco Retailer Data Initiative Subcommittee
  • Industry Recognition Programs Subcommittee
  • Affinity & Member Services Programs Subcommittee
  • Trade Show Committee
  • Communications Committee
  • Education Committee
  • Grassroots Advocacy Subcommittee
Criteria for Serving

To be considered for a seat on a PCA Committee or Subcommittee, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • Retail or Associate member in good standing with at least three (3) years of continuous membership and attendance at the annual trade show at least twice in the last three years or four in the last five. If a new member with less than three years of membership, must have attended the trade show in each year of membership.
  • Demonstrated interest in the success of the PCA and its overall programs. Overall strong and positive working relationships with vendors (if a retailer) or retailers (if an associate).
  • Willingness to engage in PCA communications outreach in support of committee initiatives and programs.
  • Ability to act in an objective manner, while working to benefit the premium cigar and pipe retailer sector and premium manufacturers.
  • Willingness to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) about what happens in the committee and fully support and agree to refrain from discussing any committee items with outside persons or entities until the PCA has officially made a public statement.
Expectations of Committee Members

Committee members are expected to participate in all meetings of said committee, complete all requests and assignments, and work toward the fulfillment of the group’s objectives.

Primary Responsibilities
  1. Participate in all face-to-face and conference call meetings of the committee.
  2. Complete all tasks, as assigned by the committee chair, in a timely manner.
  3. Acknowledge all communications concerning committee work by requested deadline.
  4. Inform employer, where applicable, of your committee responsibilities/commitments.
  5. Review all relevant material and background information prior to each committee meeting.
  6. Participate in all committee discussions.
  7. Maintain a professional demeanor both during and outside of committee meetings.
  8. Advocate on behalf of the association and programs that arise from committee meetings.

Contact PCA

For information about Federal Advocacy or the Premium Cigar PAC, please contact Joshua Habursky at [email protected].

For information about State Advocacy, please contact Glynn Loope [email protected].

For information about International Advocacy & Programs, please contact Ryan Parada at [email protected]

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