36
TOBACCO BUSINESS
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013
electric
ALLEY
E
lectronic
cigarettes
will
officially hit the nation’s Capitol
Hill en masse. Fighting for
continued innovation and access of
electronic cigarettes and vapor products,
the Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade
Association (SFATA) is hosting what
it is calling a “landmark industry event”
inWashington, D.C. in early November
(the event was postponed at press time
in early October due to the government
shutdown). Essentially, members will
engage in small group meetings with
senior and staff legislators to discuss
the e-cig industry’s “unique legislative
needs and the vital role it plays in the
U.S. economy,” according to the trade
association, which was formed in early
2012.
The two-day event will include
an update on federal and regulatory
matters, a cocktail reception with
legislators, and meetings with key
contacts from members’ home states
and districts.
“This fly-in is a landmark event
because it’s the first time the e-cig
industry will come together on the
Hill—it is a concerted effort and
something we intend to keep doing
as a trade association: to work for the
industry as a whole,” says Cynthia
Cabrera, SFATA’s executive director.
“Some companies have previously gone
and met with legislators, but so many in
this industry don’t have the resources for
hiring lobbyists on their own, or they’re
just overwhelmed with running their
businesses. Given the amount of press
being put out on the e-cig industry, it’s
perfectly timed for an event like this—
the time is now.”
SFATA intends to make its case for
the FDA “at the appropriate time and
moment,” according to Cabrera, but
that’s not what this Washington event
is about.
SFATA prepped its members
registered for the event—18 out of
34 total company members tallied
E-Cigs and SFATA
Went Up the Hill…
Representing the electronic cigarette industry since 2012, SFATA is
hosting its first “Day on the Hill” for members to proactively engage
with Washington legislators.
By Renee M. Covino
