The Cigar Association of America (CAA) announced that Mike Gold, President of Arango Cigar Co., and Phil Ledbetter, owner of Chicago’s Up Down Cigars, are recipients of the Cigar Association of America’s inaugural Leadership in Advocacy award for their engagement with the Illinois General Assembly to advocate on behalf of the industry in 2026.  

“Mike and Phil were instrumental in helping legislators understand the importance of a cigar tax cap for local Illinois businesses,” according to Scott Pearce, the Cigar Association of America’s president.  “Having local voices made the difference in the conversations that CAA led at the Capitol and the industry now has tax stability for the next three years.”  

Gold, who is based in Illinois and has been in the cigar industry for many years, was pleased to hear the news about the award. “I am truly appreciative to the Cigar Association of America for recognizing me for this significant award. I have committed my life’s work to the cigar and pipe tobacco industry, specifically in Illinois, for the last 45 years. Earning this inaugural award for participating in advocacy that supports our industry is very gratifying. It is a great honor to be acknowledged,” Gold added.

Another pivotal Illinoisan, Ledbetter, was equally pleased with the recognition. “My thanks to the Cigar Association of America’s president Scott Pearce, his staff and his Illinois lobbying team for honoring me with the Leadership in Advocacy inaugural award.  The tax cap included in the final version of the state budget will be a game changer for all Illinois cigar retailers and shows what can be accomplished with hard work and industry support,” Ledbetter observed.