Boutique Cigar Association Announces Changes to Board

The Boutique Cigar Association (BCA) has announced a pair of changes to its board, as Pete Shultis has joined the board while Chet King has assumed the role of vice president, changes that come as the organization looks to further foster diversity and representation across the group.

Shultis is the operations manager of SZ Wholesale, a distributor of premium cigars based in Bensalem, Pa. Shultis replaces Jamie DeViese on the board, who recently stepped down to attend to other commitments. DeViese is with Mountain Smoke Premium Tobacco, a retailer based in Weston, W.Va.

Additionally, King, who is the general manager of Over the Rhine Cigars in Cincinnati, Ohio, is now the board’s vice president after having previously served on the board

“Mr. King’s hard work and commitment have been instrumental in the association’s growth, and we look forward to his continued contributions in this new capacity,” the BCA said in a press release.

The changes were approved at the BCA Board’s Jan. 10 meeting.

“With a commitment to inclusivity, the board now includes members representing brand owners, distributors, retailers, and other industry experts,” the organization announced in a press release. “This strategic move aims to bring a variety of perspectives to the decision-making process and better serve the diverse needs of the BCA membership.”

The Boutique Cigar Association currently includes approximately 55 member companies. The organization also announced what it described as an “ambitious agenda” to enhance the experience for its members, with plans to include more prominent participation at the Total Product Expo (TPE), Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and InterTabac trade shows. The BCA is also working to bring back its Boutique Cigar Festival to a new location and said that it will be launching a new website in the coming weeks.