PCA’s first annual Step Up Awards were conferred by the PCA Government Affairs team during PCA 2024. The awards recognize retailers for their extraordinary advocacy efforts.
“Last year was monumental for premium cigar advocacy, and a lot of the success can be attributed to the group being honored with these awards,” said Joshua Habursky, interim executive director of the PCA. “We hope that this recognition will inspire other retailers to become involved in advocacy and help support the industry at the federal, state, and local levels.”
Winners of this year’s Step Up Awards are:
Michael Frey – Cigar Box, Nevada
For spearheading the passage of A.B. 232, which enacts a 50-cent tax cap on premium cigars in Nevada. The coalition Mr. Frey assembled ushered the bill through the legislature and advanced its support with the governor.
Ken Weinheimer – Rocky Mountain Liquor, Montana
For advancing the enactment of S.B. 122, which calls for a 35 cent tax cap on premium cigars in Montana. Mr. Weinheimer ushered the bill through the legislative process, and the result was that it was signed into law.
Josh Evarts – Vault 1905, Idaho
Paul Banducci – The Racketeer Lounge, Idaho
Mr. Evarts and Mr. Banducci teamed up with other Idaho retail tobacconists to advance H.B. 330, enacting a 50-cent tax cap on premium cigars. They facilitated legislative briefings and acquired patrons for the legislation, which resulted in the governor signing the bill.
Josette Dupree – Big Stick Cigars, North Dakota
Ms. Dupree personally spearheaded the effort to pass H.B. 1229, allowing for cigar lounges to again, exist in North Dakota. She provided legislative testimony and orchestrated a grassroots campaign with her customers, resulting in the bill passing and being signed by the North Dakota governor.
Nick Casinelli – Connecticut Cigar Co., Connecticut
Mr. Casinelli orchestrated the passage of S.B. 905, allowing the return of cigar bars in Connecticut for the first time in 20 years. He acquired legislative patrons and initiated a grassroots campaign as well as worked with legislators to narrow their approach, making it a realistic proposal for support from the legislature, resulting in the signature of the Connecticut governor.
In receiving the award, Big Stick Cigars’ Dupree eloquently summed up the honor for all the winners: “I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this recognition. Winning this award fills me with immense pride, not just for myself, but for our entire partnership team and the broader cigar industry that we passionately represent. This recognition serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in advocating for the cigar industry. It reinforces the importance of our collective efforts in promoting and preserving the rich tradition and culture that surrounds cigars.
“For us as retailers, advocating for the cigar industry goes beyond business—it’s about preserving an art form, a heritage, and a way of life. It’s about supporting the craftsmen and women who pour their heart and soul into creating exceptional cigars. It’s about fostering a community of enthusiasts who share a common passion and appreciation for the finer things in life.”
– Photography by Arielle Lewis Studios.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 2, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.