Columbus, GA- The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) is acquiring a headquarters property in Washington, DC. IPCPR’s President and a retailer from Cockeysville, MD, Finnie Helmuth, made the announcement adding that, “To best serve our membership and the entire industry, IPCPR’s leadership decided that a headquarters in our nation’s capitol is the right move, at the right time. We are excited about what this means for our members and the work of the association.”
The association launched a property search in August of last year and reviewed several dozen properties, both in the rental and for-purchase markets in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia.
The search culminated with a three-story commercial townhouse in the Northeast section of the city located in the Capitol Hill Historic District. “Having a presence in DC not only gives us greater access to legislators and policy makers, it sends the right message that IPCPR is serious about representing the rights of retailers, consumers and manufacturers” said Craig Cass, a retailer from Charlotte, NC, and the Chair of IPCPR’s Federal Legislative Committee. “With the location on Capitol Hill, we have a great opportunity to host congressional events and engage lawmakers on behalf of the premium cigar industry,” he added.
“As a manufacturer, I am thrilled that IPCPR is locating its headquarters in Washington, DC. I think we all know that Federal legislative and regulatory challenges will be part of our industry going forward. It’s important for IPCPR to be on the front lines.” said Jim Young, President, Davidoff North America.
Currently, the association has employees in five different states with headquarters in Columbus, GA. Mark Pursell, IPCPR’s CEO noted that, “The new headquarters will enable IPCPR to house its staff in one location creating a greater focus on all of the services we provide members and the larger industry.” Most of America’s national trade groups are located in Washington for advocacy reasons. Pursell pointed out that, “It is also important to note the benefits of the concentration of association related services and professional talent in DC. Both are critical to a successful association.”
John Anderson, IPCPR’s Treasurer and a DC area retailer was active in the property search and acquisition. Anderson said, “It was a long search, but our patience paid off with a great location. A short walk from the Senate office buildings and Union Station, our retailer members and manufacturing partners will soon have a home when they come to DC to fight for our industry.” He added, “Now that we own the property, the next step is an interior remodel that will accommodate our staff and provide great space for association meetings and fundraisers.”
IPCPR expects to move into the headquarters building by summer of 2015.
