Wednesday, September 10 2008
Cigar smokers are tired of being treated like pariahs. The exponential growth of state and local smoking ban legislation across the country has snuffed-out the ability to relax and enjoy a good cigar just about everywhere. So cigar smokers taking matters into their own hands by creating their own local, private cigar clubs. The idea makes sense, but how do you get started? To answer that question, the
International Association of Cigar Clubs has come to the rescue.
The IACC was founded in 2007 by Bob Lesnick and the late Dan McCarthy, founders of The Metropolitan Society, the largest and most successful private cigar club of its kind in the country. Located in Fairfield, New Jersey, it serves as "the model" for the ideal cigar and social club.
"We formed the The International Association of Cigar Clubs in response to the strict anti-smoking legislation that was passed in New Jersey," said Mr. Lesnick. "The basis of the association is to help cigar smokers whose rights have been taken away, and help them find a viable alternative."
IACC's doors are open to anyone who is either looking to join a local cigar club, individuals or groups who want to start their own cigar club ventures, and to assist the expansion programs of already-formed cigar clubs. The IACC acts as a centralized clearing house for establishing a national reciprocal access program which allows members from one IACC member cigar club access to all other IACC member cigar clubs. Moreover, the reciprocal access program creates sanctuaries where traveling cigar smokers are welcome, and where they can relax and enjoy their favorite cigar without being chastised.
Recently, IACC has begun offering a seminar to cigar smokers who want to learn how to start their own clubs, or make their existing club more profitable. Highlights of the seminar include:
- A complete tour of the Metropolitan Society complex with an in-depth description of how everything was built, why it was built, and the advantages it has offered the club.
- Where the best location is for your cigar club
- How to raise day-to-day working capital
- How to set up the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and management of a private cigar club
- How to put together a business plan and final operating agreement
- Construction ideas, floor plans, and sources for materials and furnishings such as a humidified locker room and air filtering systems
- Event planning, club rental, and other means of outside income
During the seminar attendees are given an outline of the financial possibilities of their club from day one, including a six-month follow-up consultation and technical support.
During the six-hour seminar, every aspect of creating a successful cigar club is covered. Attendees learn how to create and implement house rules, draft rental contracts and other operations-related documents; sell stock in their club; set up member communications, organization and management of databases, accounting and billing systems; even how to create a club web store. By learning from the experts, they may eventually find themselves managing the ideal cigar club.
So, is there such a thing as the "ideal" cigar club?
"The ideal cigar club would be a country club for cigar smokers without the golf course," said Mr. Lesnick. "A successful cigar club takes determination and teamwork, and we're here to show cigar smokers how to do it right."
For more information, interested parties can learn more at www.cigarclubs.org, or call Bob Lesnick at 973-809-8314. £
