Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 424

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. Below is our latest Friday Sampler.

1) Registration is now open for the 83rd IPCPR Convention and International Trade Show, which will be held July 17-21 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The annual gathering of cigar manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and media is closed to consumers. It will feature a keynote address from Larry Winget—bestselling author and motivational speaker—as well as seminars on government affairs, how to get and keep good customers, and steps retailers can take to improve their businesses. There will also be a cigar bash with a performance by the band America. This will be the first Trade Show since IPCPR announced it was moving its headquarters from Georgia to Washington, DC. The last time the event was held in New Orleans was 2010. Following the event, expect a flurry of reviews and information about new releases.

2) Officials in Nevada are pushing a bill that would enable colleges to ban smoking on their campuses. “University of Nevada, Reno President Marc Johnson presented SB 339 to lawmakers on Wednesday during a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee,” reports the local CBS affiliate. “The bill would allow Nevada colleges to levy more stringent rules against smoking or chewing tobacco on college campuses. Johnson said the university wanted to help prevent university students from becoming life-long smokers.”

3) Along with making great cigars, the cigar industry makes many charitable contributions. The annual Night to Remember fundraiser for prostate cancer research showcases that generosity. Now in its 21st year, the event has raised $21 million for the cause, including $1.1 million at this year’s event, held this week in New York City. In addition to numerous cigarmakers, celebrities, including political talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh, former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, former NBA star John Salley, and media magnate Rupert Murdoch, were in attendance.

4) Inside the Industry: When La Palina cigars launched, all its cigars were made at the Graycliff factory in the Bahamas. Now, La Palina’s last remaining Bahamas-made cigar line, the Family Series, is shifting to the El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami. In addition to the new factory, the blend is being changed along with some of the sizes.

5) Deal of the Week: Drew Estate fans should check out this special. For a limited time, box purchases include a five-pack of Undercrown Toros and a Drew Estate cutter, plus free shipping.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: IPCPR