Cigar Association of America

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Cigar Association of America

The Cigar Association of America (CAA) is the leading national trade association of the entire cigar industry.

08/25/2026

The Cigar Association of America (CAA) will hold its 2026 Annual Meeting at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, November 5-7.

The annual gathering convenes CAA members, industry leaders, colleagues, and friends for briefings and sessions on federal and state regulatory and legislative issues affecting the cigar industry.

08/20/2026

While imports dominate industry discussion, domestic production remains a meaningful component of total U.S. supply, particularly within mass market ci**rs.

When combined with imports, total consumption continues to approach 10 billion ci**rs annually, providing a more complete view of the market.

08/18/2026

The U.S. cigar supply chain remains highly concentrated.

In 2025, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras accounted for approximately 98% of all cigar imports. This level of concentration underscores the importance of these countries to overall supply.

08/13/2026

CAA was in Montana's Flathead Valley for the recently held Governors' Cup golf tournament, hosted by the Montana Chamber of Commerce. CAA teammate Brad Longcake was onsite, sharing ci**rs with players along the course.

Working hand in hand with state and local chambers is critical to protecting the industry and the people who make it run. Thanks to the Montana Chamber for being great partners.

08/11/2026

On July 20, CAA proudly sponsored the 25th annual Politics & Pros Golf Classic at Woodmont Country Club, benefiting First Tee Greater DC and supported by over a dozen members of Congress. Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08) got the last cigar!

08/07/2026

The Cigar Association of America joined lawmakers and legislative staff from across the country at the 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit in Chicago. Among the week's activities, CAA celebrated the inaugural recipients of its Leadership in Commerce and Leadership in Advocacy Awards, named earlier this year, with several honorees on hand in person.

The awards recognize lawmakers and advocates who advanced policy supporting small businesses and consumer choice during the 2026 legislative session. Commerce honorees span five states:

Illinois: Sen. Cristina Castro and Rep. Bob Rita, for a 75-cent premium cigar tax cap signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

North Carolina: Rep. Kyle Hall, for passing a resolution establishing the North Carolina Cigar Caucus.

South Dakota: Gov. Larry Rhoden, Majority Leader Will Mortenson, and President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, for HB 1215's cigar bar licensing pathway.

Rhode Island: Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone and Finance Chairman Scott A. Slater, for blocking a proposed 300% cigar tax increase.

Utah: Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore Jr., for HB 447, legalizing online cigar sales.

CAA also presented its Leadership in Advocacy Award to Mike Gold of Arango Cigar Co. and Phil Ledbetter of Up Down Ci**rs for grassroots work behind Illinois' landmark tax cap.

More: https://ci**rsusa.org/2026-caa-leadership-in-commerce-and-leadership-in-advocacy-awards/

08/06/2026

The 30th Annual Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival, a Smoker Friendly production, was held August 1 at the Little America Hotel & Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming, marking the first time the event was hosted in the city.

The Cigar Association of America was represented at the event by Patrick Anderson, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, and Andrew Schepers, Director of State Affairs, who joined manufacturers, retailers, and others from across the cigar industry.

07/31/2026

The Cigar Association of America was on the ground at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), July 27–29 in Chicago, Illinois. NCSL convenes lawmakers from every corner of the country to shape policies affecting industries like ours, making it an essential place for CAA to be present and engaged. CAA advocates for the cigar industry from seed to sale in states across the nation. We were proud to host a cigar reception on opening night celebrating the craft and the people behind it.

07/28/2026

The Cigar Association of America is recognizing Mike Gold, President of Arango Cigar Co., and Phil Ledbetter, owner of Chicago's Up Down Ci**rs, as its inaugural Leadership in Advocacy award recipients for their engagement with the Illinois General Assembly on behalf of the industry in 2026.

“Mike and Phil were instrumental in helping legislators understand the importance of an cigar tax cap for local Illinois businesses,” said Scott Pearce, the Cigar Association of America’s president. “Having local voices made the difference in the conversations that CAA led at the Capitol and the industry now has tax stability for the next three years.”

"I am truly appreciative to the Cigar Association of America for recognizing me for this significant award. I have committed my life's work to the cigar and pipe to***co industry, specifically in Illinois, for the last 45 years. Earning this inaugural award for participating in advocacy that supports our industry is very gratifying. It is a great honor to be acknowledged," said Gold.

"My thanks to the Cigar Association of America's president Scott Pearce, his staff and his Illinois lobbying team for honoring me with the Leadership in Advocacy inaugural award. The tax cap included in the final version of the state budget will be a game changer for all Illinois cigar retailers and shows what can be accomplished with hard work and industry support," said Ledbetter.

Backed by registered lobbyists in 47 states, CAA has seen a wave of successes in state capitals during the 2026 legislative sessions.

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07/23/2026

The Cigar Association of America is recognizing Utah Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore, Jr. (R-19) with its Leadership in Commerce Award for his work in support of breaking down barriers for the industry.

Sen. Cullimore was pivotal in the Utah State Legislature this year in working to allow online cigar sales, and Gov. Cox has since signed the bill, HB 447, into law.

"Leader Cullimore was pivotal in the Utah State Legislature this year in working to allow online cigar sales," said CAA President Scott Pearce. "And Gov. Cox signing the bill into law made a huge difference. Leader Cullimore demonstrated vital leadership to support Utah cigar consumers. And it is exactly this type of leadership we are recognizing with our inaugural Leadership in Commerce Awards," Pearce said.

"It's an honor to have earned the inaugural Leadership in Commerce Award from the Cigar Association of America, especially since we avoided the distinction of being the last of the 50 states to allow online cigar sales," said Cullimore after learning he is receiving the award.

Backed by registered lobbyists in 47 states, CAA has seen a wave of successes in state capitals during the 2026 legislative sessions, and Utah is the latest win.

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Address

525 9th Street, NW, Suite 375
Washington D.C., DC
20004

Telephone

+12022238204

Website

http://www.cigarsusa.org/

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