08/26/2025

Midwest Conference

Conference Thank You

THANK YOU

to Everyone Who Joined Us

at the 2025 Conference!

August 13th - 15th
Marriott Griffin Gate
Lexington, Kentucky

Once again, News & Brews was on point with an interactive session to help members better understand, navigate and engage in federal, state and local policy issues challenging the tobacco category and their businesses.

Thank you to Ashley Kuehn/ITG Brands, Joe Erb/McKinley Strategies on behalf of Reynolds and Rich Rizzo/PMI U.S for sharing their insights and expertise on category market trends, messaging/grassroots engagement on policy issues, and state updates.

News & Brews also included a session with Cornbread Hemp co-founder Jim Higdon, highlighting conflicting regulatory challenges at the federal and state levels for the hemp/CBD category.

About the Speakers

Congratulations to Dan McIntyre/PDQ Sales & Service (formerly Jackson Wholesale), recipient of the 2025 Garry Adams Memorial Award presented at the MWDC Cigar Dinner. Established in 2010, the award recognizes an individual for their commitment to the industry and community. Dan is a tireless and giving advocate for the industry, serving in leadership for the Kentucky Wholesale Distributors Association and the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors. The award was presented to Dan by KWDA's President Ross Haynes (left).

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Congratulations also to Joe Lackey whose advocacy and expertise was recognized with the Reynolds American External Relations Leadership Award. Joe's career spans 50+ years, representing both retailers and wholesalers before the Indiana Legislature and being a valued part of all coordinated stakeholder efforts on regulatory and policy issues. The award was presented to Joe by Brent Shay/Core-Mark (retired) and Kyle May/Reynolds American Director of External Relations.

A Wednesday evening bourbon tasting, perfect weather for the conference golf tournament, Thursday Cigar Dinner and well stocked bourbon pull rounded out relaxed networking opportunities for everyone.

2025 MWDC Pictures