The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) today announced the PCA Alliance Program. This offers a PCA membership tier for both non-tobacco businesses and consumers. The program allows non-tobacco businesses and consumers to support PCA’s advocacy programs and will give these members select PCA benefits. One benefit that PCA Alliance Members will not get is access to the annual Trade Show and Convention.

“The PCA Alliance has been in development for some time. As the PCA continues to work and advocate on behalf of specialty retailers, we realized there were many businesses not yet members with an interest or a stake in premium cigars and pipe tobacco. We also wanted to allow consumers, a key to the growth of specialty tobacco retailers, to be able to donate to the Industry Defense Fund. Together, this new Alliance will add to our efforts to give voice to the premium tobacco industry, and all involved,” says Scott Regina, President of the PCA, in a press release.

“Retailers are at the forefront in interactions and sales of premium cigars and pipe tobacco with other small businesses like golf courses, restaurants, and other businesses that serve and offer their customers premium cigars. So are consumers that support lounges, bars, and other premium cigar-carrying businesses. The Alliance membership empowers retailers, small businesses, and consumers to get involved in the PCA’s cause. This is an important step in growing our advocacy army and informing a wider audience on what is going on from a legislative and regulatory perspective and where they might be able to be involved,” added Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the PCA.

There will be two ties within the PCA Alliance program:

• Business Alliance ($250.00/year): Aimed at businesses that want to support premium cigar and pipe categories. Such companies include wineries, breweries, restaurants, country golf clubs, and others.
• Consumer Alliance ($99.00/year): Aimed at cigar enthusiasts interested in staying engaged with and supporting the ongoing advocacy efforts of the PCA.

Membership contributions will go toward supporting the PCA Industry Defense Fund. As for the select PCA Member Benefits, these include:

• Partner savings and discounts on business services
• Stay informed with regular advocacy and legislative updates
• Get expert guidance on communicating with elected officials
• Receive legislative alerts and direct access to legislators through cigaraction.org
• A free PCA Lapel Pin (while supplies last)
• Includes a 1-year subscription to PCA The Magazine, published four times a year

For further details on how to join the PCA Alliance, click here.