016: Protecting cigar lovers' rights

In this episode, we explore with Glynn Loope, founding Executive Director of Cigar Rights of America, .the world of cigar advocacy, the current regulation challenges, but also international collaborations, including what might grant to the premium cigars the recognition they deserve. How you can support the fight for our cigar rights: If you are a US citizen, please visit https://www.cigarrights.org/ and sign the petitions to protect premium handmade cigars from FDA regulation. You can also participate to the Twitter and Facebook campaign to let President Trump hear from you: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/It-s-Time-For-President-Trump-To-Hear-From-You--Congressional-Petition--Events---More.html?soid=1102288667527&aid=HLzEagF_Ycc Check the list of Members of Congress on the CRA website. If you can't see yours, call them, invite them to your cigar club/lounge Let's act!   Since December 2008, Glynn Loope has served as the founding Executive Director of CRA. Since assuming this position, CRA has grown into a fifty state coalition representing interests at the local, state and federal levels of government, providing communications, coalition building, testimony, analysis and related forms of support on regulatory, tax and associated issues impacting the industry. Additional initiatives have included building an international coalition of nations directly reliant on the economic impact of the premium cigar industry including Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, as well as providers of support material and logistics throughout central and South America and the Caribbean Basin. Hallmarks of this effort has included establishing an office and staff in Washington, D.C. for the premium cigar industry, building a Congressional coalition in support of industry positions, a state legislative network on issues of significance to the sector, and providing advice and counsel on strategies beneficial to consumer, retail and manufacturer interests at all levels. Glynn is a sought after commentator on industry issues, and is often quoted or provides commentary in The Wall Street Journal, Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Cigar Aficionado, Washington Post, New York Times, Tobacco Business, as well as dozens of industry periodicals, radio appearances, podcasts and related media outlets. Since 2008 the work of CRA has literally gone from the local courthouse to The White House, on behalf of its members and benefactors. -- This podcast is brought to you by Cigar Sense founders and paid members. With the free Cigar Sense membership, you can obtain personalized recommendations of cigars that best suit your unique individual tastes.  In a few simple steps, you can see what your top cigar picks are from the thousands of cigars available on the market.  You can also explore sensory and other cigar attributes as Cigar Sense helps you better understand what you like and dislike in a cigar. Visit cigarsense.com and sign up for free today! --- Be sure to subscribe to Cigar Sense Podcast so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate the show? It would be greatly appreciated!