CIGAR ASSOCATION of WASHINGTON

Dear Washington Cigar and Tobacco Enthusiasts, Retailers and Manufacturers,

We are pleased to announce the formation of the Cigar Association of Washington. (CAW)

This association is being formed by a group of dedicated tobacconists from across the state to represent the interests of the retail cigar and tobacco industry owners and their customers.

For much too long we have sat by as the various anti-tobacco groups have run over us. In recent years we have suffered the imposition of the highest tobacco tax in the nation and seen the enactment of the one of, if not the most, restrictive smoking bans in the country. Almost every day we hear about creative new restrictions on the sale and use of cigars and other tobacco products.

The founders of the CAW believe that we as an industry can no longer remain as un-organized small businesses or we will see our livelihoods' legislated, taxed, regulated and banned out of existence. In the words of Benjamin Franklin: "We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately".

The primary goals of the Cigar Association of Washington are:

• To contest the current smoking ban and seek reasonable modifications allowing the return of Cigar Bars, smoking in Cigar Stores and Private Clubs.
• Battle un-reasonable anti-tobacco legislation and taxation.
• Protect the property rights of businesses catering to consumers of tobacco products and the individual rights of our customers.

Who we are:

The Cigar Association of Washington is comprised of small business owners, their dedicated employees and the customer bases that support them. Combined, we are a grass roots organization dedicated to the preservation of the retail tobacco industry and the free enjoyment of the products they sell.

We believe that the consumption of premium cigars and other tobacco products is a pleasure reserved only for consenting adults, and that all tobacco products should be kept out of the hands of minors.

The Cigar Association of Washington is organized, administered and operated exclusively to receive, administer and expend funds to promote and represent the common industry interests of and improve the business conditions among members of the retail tobacconists of Washington, within the meaning of Section 501 (C) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.

Retail Tobacconists, Manufacturers and Distributors may join the Association by paying an annual membership fee of $200.00. Friends of the Cigar Association of Washington can make contributions to the Association for a minimum contribution of $10.00.

Members can make additional contributions to the Association from time to time to assist the Association in fulfilling its stated goals and objectives.