Scott Regina Becomes TAA President

Tomorrow, the Tobacconists’ Association of America, Ltd. (TAA) will kick off its annual meeting at Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic. When it finishes, the group will have a new president.

Scott Regina—owner of the Virginia-based retailer Emerson’s—will become the new president of TAA.

The TAA is a fairly small group of some of the country’s top tobacconists, about 80 retailers as well as 40 or so manufacturers. The association gathers annually to discuss issues facing the industry and retailers, as well as to have its annual trade show, a unique event that works on a group buying format in order to secure exclusive deals for these generally high-volume merchants.

This year, the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“I’m honored and grateful to serve as the president for the Tobacconists Association of America and this great group of members,” said Regina in a statement to halfwheel. “The founders of the TAA created the motto, ‘quality, integrity, and service.’ While the industry has changed through the years, the fact that this motto continues to ring true today is a testament to the hard work by many of the past presidents, directors and members. I look forward to continuing this work and I truly am privileged to be a part of this association.”

Regina succeeds Tiffany Rumbo, co-owner of Club Humidor in San Antonio, whose term ends after two years. In addition to serving on the TAA board, Regina also serves as the secretary for the executive board of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR).