During a ceremony held on the first night of the PCA26 Trade Show, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced the recipients of its 2026 Step Up Awards. Presented annually, these prestigious awards recognize individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the premium cigar industry.

Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies the commitment and courage required to move our industry forward. Their efforts ensure that the premium cigar community continues to thrive in an evolving legislative and business environment.

2026 Step Up Award Recipients

The PCA is proud to recognize the following individuals for their outstanding contributions:

Josh Pickett, The Louisville Cigar Company

Honored for his impactful local advocacy efforts that resulted in reinstating cigar bar exemptions in Louisville, Kentucky.

Chuck Ripley, The Cigar Social USA

Recognized for advancing cigar-friendly legislation in Iowa, opposing proposed tax increases, and helping establish the state’s first premium cigar association.

Senator Mike Pike, Iowa State Senate

Honored for championing the interests of cigar retailers, sponsoring cigar bar legislation, and successfully opposing tax increases during his first term.

Rocky Patel, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars

Celebrated for his national leadership in defending premium cigars and supporting advocacy initiatives across the industry.

Glenn Wolfson, Drew Estate

Recognized for a decade of leadership as CEO, demonstrating long-term commitment and strategic vision that has strengthened the premium cigar community.

Governor Jeff Landry, State of Louisiana

Honored for signing landmark cigar tax cap legislation that supports tobacconists and promotes a strong premium cigar market.

The Step-Up Awards remain a cornerstone of the PCA Trade Show, highlighting the critical role advocacy plays in protecting the future of the premium cigar industry. This year’s honorees represent a diverse group of leaders from retailers and manufacturers to policymakers who have taken meaningful action at both the state and national levels.

“These awards are a means for PCA to recognize the great leadership being provided in advocacy by our retail partners that represent a national network of professional tobacconists that are engaged in the legislative process from their local city halls, to their state capitals, to the halls of Congress,” says Glynn Loope, Director of State Advocacy. “They are engaged, and they are making a difference. These awards also recognize the great leadership of manufacturers and elected officials that support this community. We extend our most sincere congratulations to each of this year‘s winners.”

The awards ceremony, held in New Orleans on April 17 at The Warehouse, was sponsored by Arango Cigar Co.