Premium Cigar Association Names Spann Chief Executive Officer

The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association based in Columbus, Georgia, has named William S. Spann as its new Chief Executive Officer. Spann was introduced to the association at its 79th Annual Convention & International Trade Show held July 17-21 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Columbus, GA (PRWEB) July 17, 2011

The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association based in Columbus, Georgia, has named William S. Spann as its new Chief Executive Officer. Spann was introduced to the association at its 79th Annual Convention & International Trade Show held July 17-21 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Spann had served as chief of staff of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and, before that, as president and chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida. He served as part of Governor Jeb Bush’s executive leadership team first as communications director and then chief of staff at the Florida Department of Children & Families.

He earned the rank of Commander during a 20 year-career with the U.S. Navy. His final duty station was as Director of Communications for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis where he also taught Ethics and Moral Decision Making for the Junior Officer.

Spann replaces Joe Rowe who retired as Executive Director after ten years at the helm of the IPCPR.  “On  behalf of the Board of Directors of the IPCPR, I want to extend a hearty welcome to Bill Spann who, we are confident, will help continue moving the association forward in behalf of its retail and manufacturing members. At the same time, we wish Joe Rowe a long and happy retirement. He will be missed,” said Gary Pesh, president of the IPCPR.

About IPCPR

With more than 2,000 members throughout the U.S. and 31 foreign countries, the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association is the leading non-profit industry organization representing retailers, manufacturers and distributors of hand-made cigars, pipes and accessories. Stores displaying the IPCPR logo are recognized as premier purveyors of premium tobacco products. Members of IPCPR have access to IPCPR market research, trade shows, services, publications, and participation in community, constitutional and legislative action programs.

Contact:    
Tony Tortorici
678-697-3069

Thoughts by Cigar Coop

I’m amazed with the amount of coverage I’ve seen on IPCPR how little attention this particular story garnered.  I didn’t hear as much buzz on the trade show floor as I would have liked to, and its been quiet online as well.

With Joe Rowe’s retirement, the IPCPR quietly refined the title of his replacement from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer.   The IPCPR definitely did their homework bringing someone with a strong political background to move the IPCPR forward.  This was definitely necessarily given that everyone seems to be coming after tobacco these days.   Bravo for IPCPR for going in this direction with their CEO selection.  These seems like the perfect way to go on the offensive for a change against anti-tobacco groups.


Source: This press release was made available to the public via PRWEB.com.