Leading vapor industry association welcomes Tennessee advocacy group as newest member

Washington, DC -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/27/2014 -- The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA), the largest trade group dedicated to advocacy, awareness and education in the vapor products industry, today announced The Tennessee Smoke Free Association (TSFA) has become a member.

A not-for-profit corporation comprised of consumers, retail vendors, manufacturers and supporters, TSFA focuses on tobacco harm reduction through responsible use of vapor products. It works with Tennessee health agencies to educate the public about ways to reduce smoking rates and limit the health impact of tobacco use in the state.

"Having another association, particularly one with such high standing and deep regional membership, is a significant step for SFATA," said Cynthia Cabrera, SFATA Executive Director. "TSFA joins at a time when it is more important than ever for the vapor products industry to have a local voice as well as a national presence to educate legislators and regulatory agencies."

As the leading professional group in the vapor products sector, SFATA offers members the tools and resources to grow their businesses, help consumers understand the benefits of vapor products, and navigate the regulatory and legislative processes necessary to ensure the continued health of the category. And with 255 members, SFATA is the largest association of vapor product distributors, manufacturers, and retailers in the U.S.

"Joining SFATA was an easy decision," says Dimitris Agrafiotis, TSFA Executive Director. "The association is the most strategic thought leader in the personal vaporizer market and we are extremely pleased to be streamlining our outreach, advocacy and legislative efforts with them. We look forward to developing a prominent and collaborative alliance that will encourage other associations like ours to join us in our outreach for vapers and businesses in the vapor industry."

About SFATA
Founded in 2012, The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association is the largest trade association in the vapor products industry. With 255 members, SFATA builds the networks necessary to support grassroots efforts and research endeavors important to the future of the industry.

For more information, visit SFATA.org, email info@sfata.org or call 202-251-1661.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/19/2014 -- Regarding the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation's recent hearing on vapor product marketing, The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) agrees with the Committee that vapor products should be marketed to adult smokers.

SFATA members do not market or sell to minors. Our organization has long supported a federal age restriction on the purchase of vapor products, as well as childproof packaging and proper labeling for vapor products. Recently, SFATA launched the Age To Vape™ program to ensure that minors don't receive access to vapor products. Program participants agree to post Age To Vape™ signs, check customer ID's before making a sale, agree not to sell vapor products to minors and to be part of a public registry of participating outlets, which is published online.

Regulation of vapor product access and marketing however, must be proportionate to the products; there will continue to be confusion as long as technology products like these are mis-categorized as tobacco products. SFATA would like to remind the Committee of the following:

-Overly restrictive rules regarding category advertising would deprive adult smokers of important information and education about a technology that is a viable alternative to combustible cigarettes.

-Though Big Tobacco entered the market in 2012, it was started six years ago by small, independent operators and is still dominated by those players. Regulations that stifle innovation and marketing to adults would curtail growth among independent operators, effectively ceding the category to tobacco companies.

-We discourage youth-oriented nomenclature and any infringement on trademarked names to describe flavors and understand that flavors are very important to users of vapor products. Many vapers seek an alternative to combustible tobacco products in the form of flavors which are extremely common in many adult products including coffee, liqueurs, and other forms of beverage alcohol. Many smokers report their sense of taste has been affected by tobacco use, and the availability of flavors helps them recover the ability to enjoy tastes and move away from the harsh tobacco and menthol flavors of combustibles.

About SFATA
The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association is dedicated to the advocacy, education, and reputation of the vapor products industry. As the largest trade association of its kind, with 164 members, SFATA builds the networks necessary to the future of the industry. For more information, visit SFATA.org, email info@sfata.org or call 202-251-1661.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/02/2014 -- The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) anticipates the upcoming Senate Energy & Commerce Committee hearings will focus on marketing practices by electronic cigarettes and vapor products. SFATA is hopeful that the hearings, scheduled for June 11, will examine the vapor industry as a whole, involving the many category players who are responsible marketers committed to helping smokers find a better alternative to combustible cigarettes.

Given the rapid expansion of the personal electronic vaporizing (PEV) market, which includes closed tank electronic cigarettes as well as open tank vapor systems, SFATA recognizes the importance of responsible marketing practices for the continued health and growth of the vapor industry. We assist our members in developing good marketing practices that serve as a benchmark for the vapor industry. Vapor products are adult consumer products and not intended for use by minors. SFATA supports reasonable prohibitions on marketing to minors, and appropriate advertising guidelines that balance the great value that the promotion of vapor products has in making adults aware of the category as an alternative to tobacco consumption with the need to ensure that messaging is geared to those of legal age.

SFATA's members do not engage in advertising or marketing practices geared towards minors, nor have any interest in doing so. SFATA remains concerned that any overly restrictive set of rules on advertising and marketing of these products, would be counterproductive, since ads are an important source of information and education about the rapidly changing technology behind vapor products.

Recent research from the University College London, the second most highly cited European university, suggests that the accessibility of vapor products can have a positive impact on public health and that the products' usefulness as an alternative to combustible cigarettes should be considered as a matter of health policy. This was reinforced recently in an unprecedented letter from 53 leading scientists to the World Health Organization urging that they not be classified as tobacco products and highlighting the category's potential as a significant health innovation.

On behalf of our members, SFATA respectfully urges the Senators to convene a dialogue that involves key industry players and that is based on meaningful science relevant to the marketing and accessibility of electronic cigarette and vapor products as technology, not tobacco.

About SFATA
The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association is dedicated to the advocacy, education, and reputation of the vapor products industry. As the largest trade association of its kind, with more than 140 members, SFATA builds the networks necessary to support campaigning and research endeavors paramount to the future of the industry. For more information, visit SFATA.org, email info@sfata.org or call 202-251-1661.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/28/2014 -- The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) and our North Carolina members are disappointed that House Bill 1050 was passed through committee last night. Because the bill was pushed through, no time was permitted for public comment on a bill that adversely affects small and mid-sized businesses in the vapor industry. The bill adds a five-cent tax on each milliliter of e-liquid, the solution used in personal electronic vaporizers and e-cigarette cartridges. The bill's accelerated timetable for discussion and vote, coming on the heels of a holiday weekend, caught the industry by surprise.

The vapor industry has never supported this bill. This "sin tax" will result in a very negative impact on small businesses throughout the state. North Carolina is only the second state to have a "sin tax" on people simply trying not to smoke. Massachusetts, Vermont, Washington, Oregon, Indiana and other states have all rejected such efforts to create new taxes on products that people use to move away from combustible tobacco (and it's related health risks).

Despite Governor McCrory signing a landmark tax reform package into law, North Carolina has, according to the John Locke Foundation, moved toward a "bad tax policy which runs counter to basic principles of economic efficiency, individual liberty, and social equity. Furthermore, the legislative process by which it is being considered lacks all transparency."

Businesses throughout North Carolina will lose sales as out-of-state online sellers may possibly be able to sell without tax to North Carolinians and in-state online transactions will be taxed. Vapor products and e-cigarettes are already taxed at a sales rate of between 4.75 and 8.25 percent. The result of a tax hike on the products would lead businesses to suffer, leaving large tobacco companies to benefit. Business growth in the industry will be stymied, limiting options for smokers who are looking for an alternative to deadly combustible cigarettes.

Taking aim at vapor products also works at cross-purposes with efforts to cut down on the harm associated with smoking according to Americans for Tax Reform, citing a recent study by Cancer Research UK which found that smokers attempting to quit were 60 percent more likely to report success with e-cigarettes than with any other method.

Vapor products provide the nicotine long-term smokers desire without tobacco or dangerous combustion, and many recent studies indicate that the products are considerably less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, as well as being a strong alternative to combustibles.

About SFATA
The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association is dedicated to the advocacy, education, and reputation of the vapor products industry. As the largest trade association of its kind, with more than 140 members, SFATA builds the networks necessary to support campaigning and research endeavors paramount to the future of the industry. For more information, visit SFATA.org, email info@sfata.org or call 202-251-1661.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Albany, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/14/2014 -- As an industry, The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA) and our New York retailers oppose assembly bill A9303A/S6939A. As currently proposed, this bill would eliminate the personal electronic vaporizer market in the State of New York; denying consumers access to innovative technology and shuttering businesses across the state.

In New York State, the vapor industry, which includes electronic cigarettes, is driven by more than 400 brick and mortar locations serving adults of legal age who seek an alternative to tobacco consumption. Unlike tobacco companies that are attempting to dominate the larger e-cig market, New York is unique in that many vape store owners are independent entrepreneurs who care about the quality of the products they sell and their local customers.

Hundreds of thousands of adult users claim personal electronic vaporizers have helped them switch from using combustible tobacco products. In fact, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona has stated that he believes these products "may be the most promising weapon yet in the fight against tobacco-related illness and death in the last several decades."

Many in the public health community see personal electronic vaporizers as an alternative for smokers to reduce their health risk from diseases caused by tobacco use, a product known to kill hundreds of thousands of smokers each year. Mitch Zeller, Director, Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, says, "If a current smoker, otherwise unable or unwilling to quit, completely substituted all of the combusting cigarettes that they smoked with an electronic cigarette at the individual level, that person would probably be significantly reducing their risk."

Dr. Andrew Hyland, Chairman of the Department of Health Behavior at Roswell Park Cancer Institute made similar comments before the New York State Senate Health Committee during his testimony on Monday regarding electronic cigarettes and said "there is reason to be hopeful about their potential to reduce the disease burden caused by tobacco."

Further, as an industry, our members do not market or sell to minors in retail locations or online, and have long supported federal age restrictions on the purchase of vapor products, as well as childproof packaging and proper labeling for e-cigarettes and personal vaporizers. We support age verification laws that forbid sales of vapor products such as electronic cigarettes to minors. We are fully aligned with FDA in this regard and support the prohibition on access to those under 18 as proposed in FDA's Deeming Regulations.

SFATA believes this bill could remove the personal electronic vaporizer from the market entirely in the state of New York, eliminating small businesses, and deprive smokers of a valuable alternative to combustible cigarettes. SFATA is pleased that the issue of potentially banning e-liquids was not heard yesterday.

About SFATA
The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association is dedicated to the advocacy, education, and reputation of the vapor products industry. As the largest trade association of its kind, with more than 130 members, SFATA builds the networks necessary to support campaigning and research endeavors paramount to the future of the industry. For more information, visit SFATA.org, email info@sfata.org or call 218-22- SFATA.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

TRADE GROUP WELCOMES 17 NEW MEMBERS

Chicago, IL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/07/2014 -- The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA)'s Spring Conference brought together over one hundred independent businesses with legal, scientific, and policy experts in a record-breaking gathering reflecting the rapid growth and diversity of the vaporizer industry. The conference hosted the first industry-wide discussion regarding the Food and Drug Administration's proposed regulation of personal vaporizers like electronic cigarettes. Now, with over 104 member companies, SFATA continues to be the leading voice for the category, which is estimated at over $5 billion in sales.

Titled "Technology, Not Tobacco," the conference came as many business owners across the country are grappling with the ramifications of the proposed regulations for the industry. It offered an in-depth exploration of the proposed federal rules, the impact on business, Wall Street and individual member companies.

Keynoter Ralph Tyler, Esq. (former General Counsel of FDA) was joined by many other industry experts who addressed current scientific research, local legislation, lobbying efforts, and product standards.

According to Cynthia Cabrera, SFATA Executive Director, the conference underscored the importance of educating local and national lawmakers, as well as regulatory officials, about the vaporizer industry. Many of the discussions highlighted the reasons why proposed regulations created for tobacco – an agricultural product – are not appropriate for a category build on technology and driven by innovation.

"Our members, who range from independent retailers to larger manufacturers and suppliers, are primarily entrepreneurs, and they're naturally concerned about overregulation. The conference was a twofold call-to-action for members. First, we must commit to responsible standards for our industry. At the same time, we will 'unite and fight' for science-and-fact-based regulation that will keep the category growing and its innovation alive."

About SFATA
The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association is dedicated to the advocacy, education, and reputation of the electronic cigarette industry. Through its membership, SFATA builds the networks necessary to support campaigning and research endeavors paramount to the future of the industry. SFATA's primary concern is the fair regulation of vapor products in a way that creates an even playing field for all companies in the market. For more information, visit SFATA.org, email info@sfata.org or call 218-22- SFATA.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/11/2014 -- The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA), the largest trade association for the electronic cigarette (e-cig) industry, today announced its annual Spring 2014 Conference, the premier event for the e-cig and vaping community. The all-day conference will be held on May 5 in Chicago. It will feature the first industry-wide discussion focused on establishing uniform product standards for vaporizing products like e-cigarettes, as well as a host of other topics.

"The electronic cigarette industry is approaching $5 billion in global sales, but it's still a relatively young category," comments Cynthia Cabrera, Executive Director, SFATA. "The SFATA Conference serves as an invaluable one-stop resource for SFATA members and for others, offering best practices, technical knowledge-sharing, and a range of international subject-matter experts who can benefit businesses on a fast growth curve."

The Conference will feature a series of educational sessions on hot-button industry topics such as regulation, FDA compliance, best business practices, labeling, production, lobbying, and more. Confirmed speakers and panelists include Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos, Neil Mclaren, Co-founder of the E-Cigarette Forum (UK), William Bartowski, PhD, formerly of Ruyan International and current Principal of VapAria, and Clive Bates, Director of advocacy organization Counterfactual.

According to Cabrera, the e-cig category is dominated by small and midsize companies and retail shops that are operated by entrepreneurs and driven by product innovation. "The Spring 2014 Conference is an excellent opportunity for e-cig companies to make informed decisions on key issues that will ensure continued growth for industry," she concludes.

SFATA's Spring Conference will be held at The Gleacher Center at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, 450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive, Chicago, IL.

For more information on the Spring 2014 Conference, please visit http://www.sfata.org/springconference/.

About SFATA
The Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association is dedicated to the advocacy, education, and reputation of the electronic cigarette industry. Through its membership, SFATA builds the networks necessary to support campaigning and research endeavors paramount to the future of the industry. SFATA's primary concern is the fair regulation of vapor products in a way that creates an even playing field for all companies in the market. For more information, visit SFATA.org, email info@sfata.org or call 218-22- SFATA.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm