AWMA’s Anne Holloway attended the 2011 Mid Atlantic Legislative Conference, hosted by the West Virginia Wholesalers Association, to review legislative issues of concern to distributors and manufacturers.  On the agenda over the course of the program  were issues relating to illicit trade, the future of menthol under FDA, the outlook for E-cigarettes and many other important topics of concern to our industry.  Attendees heard from many representatives from the manufacturing segment including Altria, Reynolds American, Swedish Match, Lorillard Tobacco Co. and Swisher International.  While there was general concern over some recent regulatory and legislative developments with respect to the tobacco industry, there was overall optimism regarding the durability of the tobacco market including the future of menthol.

Panelists urged attendees to take an active role in lobbying on behalf of our industry as an important tool for ensuring the future of tobacco products long-term.  Panelists noted that many tobacco issues are becoming more localized – as opposed to largely at the federal level - and that distributor involvement is particularly critical at these local levels.

 AWMA’s Anne Holloway joins AWMA Government Affairs Chairman, Charlie Casper (middle), and Ron Morris, Executive Director of the Kentucky Tobacco and Candy Association, at the welcome reception for the Mid Atlantic Legislative Conference.