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April, 2004 |
Macanudo Awards 2004 Thunderbird Convertible
NEW YORK—Robert Davis, Sr., a life-long
resident of Myrtle Beach, S.C. is the
winner of a brand new 2004 Ford Thunderbird
valued at a $42,000, courtesy
of Macanudo cigars.
While aboard the Macanudo American Passion Tour Bus last September, Davis filled out an entry form to win the Ford Thunderbird. More than 12,000 entries were submitted during the 2003 American Passion Tour, which visited 200 cities across the United States. Davis had received an invitation to visit the Macanudo American Passion Tour Bus during its appearance at Nick’s Cigar Shop in North Myrtle Beach, Fla. where he filled out an entry form last in a bid to win the Ford Thunderbird. Davis and his wife rent a car every year in May to take to the Florida Keys, but this plan to drive their prize and arrive in style. Davis, who has indulged in his passion for Macanudo cigars for nearly two decades, says that he’s sure to savor one or two along the way. |
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Zippo Manufacturing Buys, Renames D.D.M. Italia, Maker of Zippo Leather Goods
BRADFORD, PA. - Zippo Manufacturing Company has acquired D.D.M. Italia, a leading Italian marketer of leather goods and fashion accessories. Headquartered in Vicenza, D.D.M. Italia - which has now been renamed Zippo Fashion Italia, Srl - manufactures and distributes handbags, belts, professional briefcases, wallets, and other leather accessories under the brand name Zippo. Both companies are privately held and financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Zippo and D.D.M. Italia are leaders within their respective product categories in Italy. D.D.M. has been marketing goods in Italy under the Zippo name for 25 years. Zippo hadn’t registered the name under the clothing and leather categories, said George Duke, Zippo’s chairman. “Of course, we weren’t really very happy” about DDM Italia using the Zippo name, Duke said. Both sides spent a fair amount of money in court, said Duke, but the purchase gives Zippo “a wonderful product line.” In addition to an extensive collection of Zippo handbags, the line also includes belts and wallets. Products are sold through more than 1,500 leather goods boutiques and shops in Europe, with 80% of sales in Italy. Each of the family-owned companies will operate as separate Zippo brands. “This relationship allows us to explore unique opportunities such as Zippo Fashion Italia manufacturing men’s leather accessories to be marketed through current Zippo Manufacturing Company distribution channels,” said George Booth, Zippo Manufacturing Co.’s president and c.e.o., adding that the strategic venture is aimed at protecting the integrity of each brand. |
Heavenly Cigar Rolls Out New Web Site Designed to Help Support Retailers
Heavenly Cigar Co. recently unveiled a
completely redesigned Web site, heavencigar.com, to help drive the brisk
consumer interest in the company’s premium flavored cigars directly to its retailers.
“Our explosive growth has required us to streamline the smoker-retailer interface,” says Heather L. Phillips, the founder and c.e.o. of Heavenly Cigar Company. A new dealer locator page allows visitors to access Heavenly’s U.S. and international retailers “quickly and easily” notes Phillips. Other site features are designed to generate repeat visitors, many of which are focused on the company’s “Heavenly Angels,” white-winged young women who travel widely to promote the Heavenly brand. An Angel of the Month calendar page, Angel Sightings (upcoming events), Angels on Location (customers photographed with angels at retail events), “Better photos, more information, cleaner presentation… the site has many intriguing ways to entice smokers into the stores,” says Phillips. Interested retailers can contact angels@heavencigar.com for a visit by the Heavenly Angels, and other questions are answered at sales@heavencigar.com. |
2004 cigarBQ Wine Country Corporate Sponsorships Available
HEALDSBURG, CALIF.—Premium cigar makers have the opportunity to participate in
California’s largest cigar and wine event,
cigarBQ Wine Country, to be held this
year on Saturday, June 26, 2004 at
Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg,
California, from 4–8 P.M.
This year, cigarBQ Wine Country will be limited to 600 people instead of the 1,000 the event had last year. “We feel fewer people will provide a more desirable and intimate atmosphere for our attendees,” said event founder and organizer Hans Dippel. “It also offers more face time with the public for our vendors.” Vendor tables for showcasing cigars, wine, beer, and food are available at $100 per table, with corporate tables for employees, clients, and associates offered at $1,250 for a table of 10. In addition, a cigarBQ Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 25, 2004 at Windsor Golf Course with a shotgun start at 7:45 A.M. Participation will be limited to 144 golfers. Hole sponsorships are available for $300, providing prominent signage at one of the course’s 18 holes. Attendee tickets are $125. All proceeds from this year’s event will support the Rotary International Youth Exchange. For more information: Contact Hans Dippel, Email: cigarguy@earthlink.net, Tel: (707) 953-3911. |
SMOKESHOP - April, 2004
