WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 14, 2019: The International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) has announced the hiring of David Jessup as its new regional lobbyist. David brings significant government affairs experience to the position, serving most recently as the Chief of Staff for Michigan state Senator Jim Marleau where he became an expert on the budget process, coalition building, and media relations.
Greg Zimmerman, IPCPR’s Chair of State Government Affairs notes, “David’s wealth of government affairs experience makes him a key addition to the IPCPR state team. We view his appointment as a sign of IPCPR’s commitment to protecting members from government overreach. I am confident that David will be instrumental in advancing the interests of the premium tobacco industry.”
Prior to serving elected officials in both the Michigan House of Representative and Senate, Jessup was the Director for Grassroots Midwest and Director of Government Affairs for the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). At SBAM, Jessup successfully advocated for ground-breaking business tax reform, eliminating business tax obligations for 95,000 small businesses, resulting in $1.8 billion in tax relief for job providers in Michigan. Jessup’s communications, grassroots advocacy, and lobbying expertise will strengthen IPCPR’s influence in his territory of states.
“David’s impressive background in state government relations, as well of his track record of advocating for small business, is going to be a great asset to IPCPR as we look to expand our influence in a new region of states,” said Scott Pearce, IPCPR executive director. Jessup will represent Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee for IPCPR.
About IPCPR
Founded in 1933, the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) is the oldest, largest, and most active trade association representing and assisting retailers of premium tobacco products and their supplies.
The IPCPR Annual Convention and International Trade Show is the retail tobacconist’s most important event of the year – a four day extravaganza featuring the industry’s largest trade show, open exclusively to IPCPR members. In 2019, IPCPR’s 87th Annual Convention and International Trade Show will take place June 28 – July 3, 2019 at the Sands Expo Convention Center and Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.