April 2003 Manufacturer Profile: Habana Cuba Cigar Company by Bob Ashley Anchored with the U.S. rights to a native Cuban cigar brand, Habana Cuba Cigar Co. is forging a niche in premium flavored cigars and expanding its portfolio of traditional cigars. Trade Shows: First NATO Expo Held in Vegas by E. Edward Hoyt III, Editor The 2003 NATO Conference & Exposition wins positive reviews from retailers and manufacturers. Association Update: RTDA: Creating a Higher Profile By Dale Scott New programs at the rtda bring tobacco retailers important tools and support in operating their business and defending their interests. Retailer and Tobacco Industry News SMOKESHOP's Industry news department, bringing you up-to-date information and breaking stories about manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers. Kretek International Acquires Quintin USA Star Sells Cigarette Business to NATC Music City Marketing Named Dunhill Pipes Distributor Smokers Help Design Private Label Cigars at Tabacalera Tropical Theo Rudmann Named "Cigar Man of the Year" El Credito Celebrates 35th Anniversary Festival Marks Puros Santa Clara's 35th Attendance Up at 2003 AWMA Real Deal Expo Gifts and Accessories for Cigar, Pipe, and Cigarette Smokers Call out the Troops, or Just Give Up Now - by E. Edward Hoyt III What's Happening and Where in the Tobacco Industry Trends and Trendsetters in Specialty Tobacco Retailing Merchandise and News from the Pipe World Tobacco Products and Industry Promotions SMOKESHOP (ISSN 0146-9266), established in 1970, is published bi-monthly by Lockwood Trade Journal Co., Inc., 26 Broadway, Floor 9M, New York, NY 10004 USA. Copyright © 1998 by Lockwood Trade Journal Co. Inc. HTML production and copyright © 1999-2001 by Keys Technologies. All rights reserved.