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FIGHTING FOR THE FREEDOM TO ENJOY FINE CIGARS
- "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness"
- "Land of the Free"
- "No Taxation Without Representation"
These are the principles on which America was founded. Unfortunately for cigar enthusiasts, the age-old pleasure of enjoying a cigar is under attack. On a daily basis, your freedom to enjoy a cigar is being stripped away by an overzealous, anti-smoking movement. Their tactics are varied; be it through supporting onerous cigar taxes or lobbying government for restrictive smoking bans. The anti-smoking movement will stop at nothing short of the complete prohibition of tobacco.
The Declaration of Independence of the United States ensures that all men and women have the freedom and the right to the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, cigar enthusiasts have slowly allowed these rights to be removed. Over the past twenty years, the anti-tobacco movement has broadened their reach and scope and are moving towards abolishing ALL forms of tobacco including cigars. Until recently there has essentially been very little organized opposition to their actions. And why should there have been? Most of us assumed that their attention was directed towards cigarettes.
Unfortunately, we were wrong. Here's the facts...
- All 50 states in America have some form of smoking ban and local, state, and federal governments are working to pass more-restrictive legislature.
- Additionally, 48 states in America have enacted cigar taxes. Some states have gone as far as taxing cigars at a rate of 75%.
- On February 4, 2009, President Obama signed the State Children's Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) which raised the federal excise tax on cigars to 52.75%.
CRA's MISSION
Cigar Rights of America (CRA) was founded on the principle of fighting for the freedom to enjoy cigars.
CRA is a consumer-based, non-profit public advocacy organization that works at the local, state, and federal level of government to protect the freedoms of cigar enthusiasts.
Together, with our constituency of nationwide members, we focus our fight for freedom in these core areas:
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Oppose Restrictive Smoking Bans
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Government Regulation of Cigars
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Oppose Taxation of Cigars
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Policy Measures Relating to Cigars
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CRA's OFFICES
Cigar Rights of America is a Virginia-based organization. We have offices on the East and West coasts:
Main Office:
PO Box 227
Blue Ridge, Virginia 24064
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Membership Office:
5105 E. Los Angeles Ave., Suite 155
Simi Valley, California 93063
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 J. Glynn Loope, Executive Director
An avid cigar enthusiast, Glynn brings over twenty years of government relations and public arena involvement
to CRA.
Prior to assuming his role as CRA's executive director, Glynn was the founder and president of Commonwealth Advance, LLC in Virginia - a leading government relations and business development consulting firm.
Although Glynn had carved out a niche in raising government funds for worthwhile public and private sector projects, it was working for the Cigar Association of Virginia that brought him to the world of "the politics of cigars." Since 2006, Glynn has represented the Cigar Association of Virginia, working with the state's professional tobacconists in amassing a pro-business coalition to fight intrusive smoking ban legislation.
Glynn also worked as a Legislative Assistant to former members of the Virginia House and Senate, for the University of Virginia's Center for Public Service, as well as, local and regional government organizations.
 Brian Berman, Director of Membership
With more than 13 years of marketing and public relations experience, Brian brings a valuable skill set to CRA. However, it's his passion for fine cigars that sets him apart.
Prior to accepting the role as CRA's director of membership, Brian managed a variety of marketing, public relations, and advertising programs for some of America's Fortune 100 companies.
In 2001, Brian founded B2 Web Design - a full-service internet technology firm specializing in website development, eCommerce solutions, and online marketing.
Brian has also served as a consultant to retail tobacconists across American; providing direction on successful marketing and advertising strategies.
Brian has traveled extensively throughout the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Cuba visiting many of the world's most acclaimed tobacco farms and cigar factories. He is also a Tobacconist University Certified Tobacconist.
 Mike Copperman, Legislative Director
Mike not only has more than 17 years experience as a professional tobacconist and cigar enthusiast, but is also a noted authority on the health care debate surrounding tobacco, and cigars specifically.
He was the owner of Bethesda Tobacco for a decade, while also immersing himself in the political issues confronting the cigar industry.
Mike is a former member of the Board of Directors for the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR), an active member of the IPCPR Legislative Committee, and former chairman of the Maryland Premium Cigar Retailers Political Action Committee.
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Jeff Borysiewicz
President, Corona Cigar Co.
CRA Board Chairman
Bio » |
Mark Brownlee, CST
Cigar Consumer
CRA Board Vice Chairman
Bio » |
Gary Pesh
Owner, Old Virginia Tobacco Co.
CRA Board Treasurer
Bio » |
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Marvin Samel
Co-Founder, Drew Estate Cigars
CRA Board Secretary
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Carlito Fuente
Owner, A. Fuente Cigars
Bio » |
Bobby Newman
Vice Pres., J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
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Litto Gomez
Owner, La Flor Dominicana
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Rocky Patel
Owner, Rocky Patel Cigars
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Dan Carr
President, General Cigar
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J. Paul Tucker
Owner, Oxmoor Smoke Shoppe
Bio »
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Directors Emeritus
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Carlos Fuente, Sr.
Owner, A. Fuente Cigars
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Robert Levin
Owner, Ashton Distributors
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Jorge Padron
Owner, Padron Cigar Company
Bio » |
Accounting Firm
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Robert A. Kean
Robert Kean & Associates
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Contact CRA
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By Email
info@cigarrights.org |
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By Phone
(800) 460-0729 |
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By Fax
(800) 460-6207 |
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By Mail
Membership Office:
5105 E. Los Angeles Ave.
Suite 155
Simi Valley, CA 93063 |
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