The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) reported that key manufacturers have already committed to its recently announced 2011 spring trade show in Las Vegas, including Altadis USA, Swisher International, Swedish Match, Republic Tobacco and National Tobacco Co.
Additionally, NATO reported that Arango Cigar Company, Carolina Tobacco, Dom Rey Cigar, Inc./Cusano Cigars, Drew Estate, Harold Levinson Associates, House of Oxford, King Maker Marketing, Renegade Tobacco/House of Windsor, Smoker Friendly International, U.S.Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers and Zippo Lighter Company have all formally committed to exhibit at the 2011 show.
“Since our initial announcement a few weeks ago, and the commitment by the major tobacco companies to exhibit, these important suppliers have not only committed for the trade show, but virtually every one of them has stated they are happy to support NATO’s trade show, as they know it helps build resources for the organization to fight anti-tobacco legislation,” said Steve Sandman, chairman of the trade show committee.
During the NATO Annual Awards Dinner earlier this month, NATO President Andrew Kerstein announced that the association’s board of directors had decided after careful consideration to create the new retail tobacco trade show. As additional details about the new show are finalized, those details will be provided to NATO members.
“The response to NATO’s launch of the association’s own trade show has been overwhelming. The commitment by these key manufacturers clearly means that the tobacco community has great confidence in NATO and they are happy to lend their support behind an organization that fights for the tobacco rights of the consumer, the retailer, the wholesaler, and the manufacturer,” said Andrew Kerstein, president of NATO in a statement.
NATO, which focuses exclusively on state and federal tobacco legislative issues, leads the fight for all tobacco interests in the U.S.