For us at CAA, we make it our business to advocate on behalf of the cigar industry and its consumers – and to keep you informed of our progress throughout the year. We’re able to do that more quickly and easily than ever through regular e-mails, website updates, and through social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
In an environment that’s increasingly hostile to the cigar industry — and with some legislators who seem determined to tax us out of existence — social media is more important now than it has ever been before. Through social media, we educate you and the public on smoking bans and restrictions, tax hikes, and even the differences that exist among various types of cigars.
Recently, CAA and the cigar industry used social media as part of a campaign that sent nearly 100,000 emails to Congress in opposition to the so-called Marketplace Fairness Act. Also known as the “Internet Sales Tax,” this bill represents a massive tax hike for consumers who purchase cigars and other goods online — and it would place a tremendous burden on online cigar retailers.
Social media also allows us to tell you what the news media won’t — like about a bill in the Senate that would increase the tax on pipe tobacco by a staggering 870%. You can read more about that here.
And we’re not the only ones using social media. Many of our members use social media to stay connected with consumers and to offer a behind-the-scenes look into the crafting that goes into their trade.
J.C. Newman Cigar Company’s Facebook page offers weekly giveaways of cigar samples, Connoisseur Club memberships, t-shirts, goodie bags, and more. Interested in learning the results of a cigar taste test at the Art of Smoke in Germany? Check out Davidoff on Twitter (@Davidoff_Cigars) to find out.
The folks at Drew Estate don’t just use their Facebook page to tell you what they’re smoking – they’ll even share what they’re listening to on vinyl! Plus you can enter contests and giveaways.
Social networks give you an outlet to talk with other cigar lovers, connect with customers, and use the information they provide to make informed business decisions.
Plus, you can use social media to stay abreast of the latest issues affecting the cigar industry. Be sure to, like CAA on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@CigarAssoc). You never know what you might be missing!
