On October 6, 2021, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) held a virtual International Policy Summit, hosted in collaboration with Light ‘em Up Lounge. This Inaugural Summit brought together leaders from around the globe to discuss key topics for the premium tobacco industry, including tax, trade, commerce and the impacts of the charitable efforts and community of the premium cigar industry at large.
The Summit was moderated by Reinhard Pohorec of Light ‘em Up Lounge, who served as master of ceremonies, with special guest panelists who provided a global view of the premium cigar industry, in the context of jobs, trade, and as a factor in economic and political stability in the Western Hemisphere.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ranking Member of Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere; Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Víctor -Ito- Bisonó Haza, Minister of Industry, Trade and SMEs of the Dominican Republic; and Ambassador to the United States Luis Fernando Suazo Barahona of Honduras provided keynotes addresses during the forum. The summit also featured special guest manufacturer panelists, including Litto Gomez, representing Pro Cigar and owner of La Flor Dominicana; John Oliva, Jr., Vice President of Oliva Tobacco; Jeremiah Meerapfel, representing Cigar Rights of the World; Ricardo Carioni, COO of Tor Imports and former Deputy Ambassador for Nicaragua to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Iceland; Paul Varakas Director General at European Cigar Manufacturers Association; Alan Rubin, President and Founder of Alec Bradley Cigars; Luciano Meirelles, Co-Founder of ACE Prime & Tabacalera Pichardo; and Ciro Cascella, President of Fuente Cigar and a special guest appearance by Carlito Fuente.
In case you missed the it Wednesday, you can now watch the Summit in its entirety here.