Friends of Tobacco
Friends of Tobacco Celebrates 5 Years
403 B East New Bern Road, Kinston, North Carolina 28501
Phone & Fax (919) 522-4769 *
Supporting the Tobacco Industry
Kinston, NC - "The Friends of Tobacco organization recently celebrated 5 years supporting the tobacco industry," said Dean Rouse, Chairman. Founded on November 14, 1991, Friends of Tobacco is a national non-profit organization that promotes the economic importance of tobacco and freedom of choice to use tobacco products. Endorsed by every segment of the tobacco and agriculture industries, the organization serves as a clearinghouse for disseminating tobacco information directly to the general public, lobbies Members of Congress, organizes rallies, letter writing campaigns and other efforts to support tobacco and freedom. Friends of Tobacco continues to be on the forefront of all tobacco issues and serves the world media by providing factual information as it pertains to tobacco. The organization is funded by supporters of tobacco and freedom of choice and remains the only true grassroots pro-tobacco organization in America.
1997 FOT Board of Directors
(left to right) Dean Rouse, Chaiman/Tobacco Grower - Hassell Eason, Owner, Mainstreet Tobacconist -- Gary Corbett, President/VP, Fred Stoker & Sons, Inc. - Wilbur 'Andy' Anderson, Col. USAF Ret./Wayne County Commissioner - Mary Hardy, Tobacco Grower - Stephen O'Connell, President SOS Global Express - Cheryl Turner, Secretary & Treasurer/Consultant - James Blewit, VP Hail & Cotton, Inc. - John Smith, President, JC Smith, Jr. Public Accountants (not pictured) - Gray Johnsey, Legal Advisor, White & Allen, PA (not pictured)
Gary Corbett, President of Friends of Tobacco and Vice-President of Fred Stoker & Sons, Inc., said "Friends of Tobacco has every right to be proud. Most organizations that were started in the past 5 years no longer exist. And the mere fact that we still exist means we're doing something right. Friends of Tobacco does not sit back and wait for a tobacco crisis. We are on the forefront of all issues that threaten this industry or freedom of choice. We will continue being a leader in standing up for tobacco. We appreciate all business and organizations that work together with us in supporting tobacco."
The goals of the organization for 1997 will include congressional receptions in Washington, DC to encourage political support for tobacco, lobbying trips to Washington, DC by representatives of the tobacco industry to talk directly with legislators to promote the image of tobacco and distribute factual information, cigar dinners and tournaments to bring the entire tobacco industry together for further unity and support.
To acheive the goals of the organization, a distinctive group of tobacco leaders representing every segment of the tobacco industry are being asked to serve on a 1997 fund-raising committee to raise operating funds for the organization. The fund-raising campaign will begin in January, 1997.
Dean Rouse concluded by saying that each individual must stand up and be counted. "The anti-tobacco movement is well-financed, organized and very committed to putting this industry out of business. We have got to motivate our industry in joining forces now through participation and support of us financially. We receive no monies other than contributions from dedicated tobacconists. We need this industry's support now to accomplish the goals we have set."
To support Friends of Tobacco with a contribution or for more information, please phone or fax (919) 522-4769. Address all letters to:
Friends of Tobacco
403 B. East New Bern Road,
Kinston, North Carolina 28501
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