October, 2008 52 Retail Training Tobacconist University By Dale Scott Retailer Jorge Armenteros has built the world’s most comprehensive virtual university for tobacco retailers. 60 Legislative Issues Gauging Tobacco’s Odds in November’s Elections By J. Glynn Loope While all eyes focus on the presidential election, the key for tobacco’s future lies in Congress. 62 Cigarmaker Q&A Garo Bouldoukian: Garo’s Fine Cigars Staff Report Dr. Garo Bouldoukian of Garo Habano Fine Cigars specializes in unique, boutique blends and shuns discounting. 66 Tradeshow Report More IPCPR By E. Edward Hoyt III Part II of Smokeshop’s coverage of merchandise showcased at the 2008 IPCPR Annual Convention & International Trade Show. 74 Trendwatch Electronic Smokes By Robert Bowden Passing fad or emerging product category? E-smokes defy smoking bans and eliminate many health risks, but will consumers respond? 82 Smokeless Update A Big Year Brewing By Chris Bickers Nordic American Smokeless enters the U.S. market with two new snus products to stake its claim in this hot product category. 84 NATO News Legislative Wrap Up By Thomas Briant While state-enacted tax hikes slowed to a crawl this legislative session, new smoking bans continue to add up. Retailer and Tobacco Industry News SMOKESHOP's Industry news department, bringing you up-to-date information and breaking stories about manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers. Cigarette Maker Altria Set to Acquire UST for $10.3 Billion Arango Cigar Acquires Wholesale Assets and Distribution of Tinder Box International Cuban Tobacco Region Lashed by Hurricanes; Flooding in the Dominican Republic New Cuban Machine-Mades to Debut National Tobacco Will Cease Louisville Operations by Year-end 2009 Miami Cigar & Co. to Distribute Felipe Gregorio Mobile Cigar Lounge Co. Launched by NHL Vets Star Scientific Wins Appeal in Portion of RJR Patent Lawsuit R.J. Reynolds Makes Camel the focus of its Menthol Brands Survey by Association for Women Cigar Smokers of Female Cigar Consumers Congress Seeks Crackdown on Black Market Tobacco Sales Gifts and Accessories for Cigar, Pipe, and Cigarette Smokers Organic Tobacco: Unfair Competition? - by E. Edward Hoyt III What's Happening and Where in the Tobacco Industry 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 © 1998-2007 by Lockwood Trade Journal Co. Inc. HTML production and copyright © 1998-2007 by Keys Technologies. All rights reserved.