Joshua Habursky, a founding partner of the Brig Cigar Lounge at 419 State St., has a new job. He's been named the new CEO of the Premium Cigar Association in Washington, D.C.
“This is the leading trade association that represents premium cigars and accessories,” Habursky said. “We host the world’s largest trade show. We’re also the voice for specialty tobacco retailers in Washington, D.C. and state capitals, so we handle all the advocacies. That has been my previous role up to this point and now taking on the role of executive director and chief executive officer.”
Habursky said there’s now a voice in Washington that will be fighting for those small businesses which he’s excited about.
“We want to protect the ability for adults and consumers to enjoy a cigar,” Habursky said. “We’ll be fighting taxes, restrictions, but we hope to provide business resources and networking opportunities to also provide our members with resources like 401(k) programs and healthcare and point of sales systems, a business resource directory.”
What is the Premium Cigar Association?
The Premium Cigar Association is an advocacy group for the premium cigar and pipe retail industry.
They are dedicated to current and future success of brick-and-mortar premium tobacconists.
They are the largest active trade association representing specialty tobacco retailers.
New role leads to change in ownership at Brig Cigar Lounge
Habursky told the Erie Times-News that he has sold his interest in Brig to his partners to focus on the new role.
“I will no longer be involved but only as a patron,” Habursky said.
His partners whom he built the business with will be taking over, with his mother Bea Habursky, remaining as general manager.
"He's such a hard worker and he has dedicated his life to his profession," Bea Habursky said. "This is a wonderful opportunity for him and we wish him the best. We embrace the cigar lounge and we're excited to have the lounge staying in Erie and doing the things that we're doing in Erie has been fantastic for us. We are committed to the Erie community."
Still advocating for Erie
Just because he is no longer involved with the lounge doesn’t mean Joshua Habursky is done advocating for it.
“The Brig is an example of a member that I will be fighting for along with all our other brick-and-mortar businesses around the country," he said. "They can continue to have the ability to smoke a cigar indoors and not have too burdensome taxes.”
Joshua Habursky also told the Times-News that there have been talks about a new cigar lounge possibly coming to Millcreek. The potential new business is still a concept and might take some time to develop as it did take three years to finalize and build The Brig.
“We’re extremely grateful,” Habursky said. “I’m excited to be a patron of The Brig and a frequent member when I’m in town visiting my family. It’s something we’re proud to have accomplished and I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my career."
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at nsorensen@gannett.com.
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