Women of PCA Lead Advocacy Push in Washington, D.C.
This week, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) hosted a series of meetings in Washington, D.C. The highlight was the second annual Women of PCA policy conference, bringing advocacy back to Capitol Hill after a three-year break.
Women of PCA Take Advocacy to Congress
Over a dozen members of the Women of PCA group travelled to the capital, supported by sponsorship from Altadis U.S.A. Their mission was to share the story of premium cigar retailers with lawmakers and staff.
Kathleen Kelly, founder of Women of PCA and PCA Board Member, underlined the importance of their presence. “It is critical to show a sense of force to complement the work of our professional staff and consultants in advocacy,” she explained.
For many participants, this event marked their first opportunity to speak directly with legislators about the cigar trade. Representative Dan Meuser of Pennsylvania, co-chair of the Congressional Cigar Caucus, opened the conference with his support.
A Return to Capitol Hill Advocacy
The Women of PCA initiative also signalled the return of in-person lobbying for the premium cigar industry. It marked the first time since before the pandemic that PCA members walked the halls of Congress to argue for small business protections and cigar-friendly legislation.
PCA Board Meetings and Fundraising Efforts
Alongside the policy conference, the PCA Board of Directors held its autumn meeting. Members also engaged with lawmakers during this time, reinforcing the association’s legislative agenda.
The association hosted its autumn fundraiser and introduced a new event for state association leaders and professional lobbyists. This conference prepared attendees for the 2026 state legislative cycle, ensuring stronger regional representation.
Plans for 2026 and Beyond
PCA Board President Todd Naifeh described the week as productive. He noted preparations are underway for new programmes and initiatives across departments in 2026. These will include developments in government affairs, membership services, and trade show planning.
The PCA Board meets virtually each month and twice a year in person. Traditionally, one of those meetings takes place in Washington, D.C., but that will change in 2026. The Board will convene in Oklahoma City, reflecting a new rotation policy tied to the hometown of the Board President in even years.
Chief Executive Officer Joshua Habursky highlighted the benefits of this move. “Even though our office is in Washington, D.C., the association is committed to being accessible across the country. This logistical change will save costs and open the association to new markets for events and membership growth,” he explained.
