About TxCMA
The Texas Cigar Merchants Association is an organization dedicated to protecting the rights and privileges of consumers, shop owners, cigar makers, distributor and enthusiasts. By collecting and disseminating information between our members concerning proposed smoking bans, increased taxes, and regulations, we intend to harness the our resources and coordinate actions.
You can help by joining our organization. To have a greater say in how our futures will unfold, we must all be prepared to do our part and offer our support to our industry. The Texas Cigar Merchants Association provides the means for us to do this. Join us today by filling out the membership form. Your direct involvement will make all the difference.
2009 – 2011 Board of Directors
President: Kent Pennington
Kent Pennington
Kent owns two cigar shops, named Cigar Shop & More, in the Dallas area. He is a returning board member. Kent was instrumental in stopping the Smoke Free Texas ban from passing the 2009 Legislative Session.
Tel: 972-661-9136
E-mail: cigarshop@fastmail.fm
His company: Cigar Shop & More
Vice-President: Ben Henderson
Treasurer: Patsy O’Connor
Secretary: Shawna Maynard
Tel: 972-57-CIGAR
E-mail: thecigarlady@gmail.com
Her company: 3R Cigars
She tweets (twitters?) for 3Rs Cigars at twitter.com/3RsCigars.
Membership Recruiting Officer: Jared Biocca
Jared Biocca
Jared’s first cigar was given to him by Anthony Martino, owner of Anthony’s Cigar Emporium in Tucson, AZ. After that he was hooked and has worked in the industry since. First, at Anthony’s Cigar emporium beginning in June of 1996, and raising to store manager in 1999.
He managed the store until be began working for Ashton in January, 2002, a role he currently maintains. At Ashton he is part of the sales team, responsible for making sure your local cigar shop is fully stocked in everything the company makes, and personally ensuring their events are top-notch. He has been involved with TxCMA since its inception.
Tel: 1-800-327-4866
E-mail: jbiocca@ashtoncigar.com
His company: Ashton Cigars
Local Legislative Director: Matt Bedowsky
Tel: 214.563.1811
E-mail: mrb@bartech.net
His company: Calypso Products Inc.
Store Tel: 972.761.9903
Matt’s Tel: 214.563.1811
Matt’s Email: mrb@bartech.net
Web Master: Ralph Pina
Ralph Pina
Ralph Pina was born in Cuba, moving to the US at the age of 11. He has lived and worked in Miami, DC, Detroit, Monterey, and now Austin, TX. He received his undergraduate degree at Florida International University, and his MBA at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
Having worked in government and large companies, he decided to join Heather in starting Fumée. He lives with his wife Johanna, their dog Rocco, and their cat Bella.
Tel: 512-291-3863
E-mail: ralph@fumeeworld.com
His company: Fumée, Inc.
His personal blog and website is http://ralphfortexas.com.
He tweets (twitters?) at twitter.com/ralph_pina.
Media Coordinator: Heather Haddad
Heather Haddad
Heather Haddad is a native of California who grew up in Tucson, AZ. She graduated from the University of Arizona, later obtaining her MBA at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
Heather began smoking at the age of 18 and had always dreamed of owning her own cigar business. After graduation she decided to move to Texas because of the low taxes and lack of a statewide smoking ban. She resides in Austin with her husband Anthony, her cat Rambo, and dog Murphy.
Tel: 512-291-3863
E-mail: heather@fumeeworld.com
Her company: Fumée, Inc.
She maintains a personal blog at http://heatherhaddad.com.
She is also the main contributor to our http://twitter.com/TxCMA and the http://twitter.com/Fumee account.
The TxCMA is registered with the State of Texas and the IRS as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit corporation.