PCA Magazine Winter 2020

10 PCA The Magazine | WINTER 2020 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG I TER 2020 T hank you for your continued support of the PCA! We know that we are in extraordinary times, facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainty. 2020 is going to be a defining year for our industry and thanks to you, and your support, we are making significant progress. First, we want you to know, we have heard you and your calls for increased transparency and for more opportunities for members to be involved with the PCA. We have been hard at work with our industry partners to enact fundamental changes to our organizational structure and our annual event. Rest assured, our annual event and trade show is strong, profitable, and is going to be as exciting as ever. We have strong commitments from our family of manufacturers—who support our brick and mortar community—for increased activity and investment. Plus, this year’s event will feature: • All-new town hall event for you to provide input on the current and future direction of the PCA and our annual convention. • Exclusive product offerings available only to attendees at the show. • New education break-out sessions and increased networking opportunities with fellow retailers. • All-star panel of sports stars who will discuss their love of cigars and the intersection of cigars and sports. We understand you may be concerned about the PCA and the trade show. Four corporations decided not to attend this year for the simple reason that our legislative agenda—and our board seats—are not for sale. We do not believe any company should weaponize the government to gain a competitive advantage. We stand for ALL channels in the premium cigar industry. Over the past several years, we have spent more than $6 million on lawsuits defending our industry. And we have spent millions more every year lobbying to protect the future of our stores and the survival of our industry. We will continue, together, with our committed manufacturing partners, to fight for our family. 2020 is our year. Now is the time for our family to band together. This is going to be the most pivotal and consequential annual meeting and trade show in the history of the industry. Be a part of the movement and help us make history! A N O P E N L E T T E R T O O U R R E T A I L E R S PCA An Open Letter to Our Retail Members from the PCA Board of Directors