The Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA), the largest trade association representing and protecting the interests of the vapor industry, announced it has grown to more than 1,000 business members while establishing 27 local chapters in 25 states throughout the country.
“We are proud to continue to represent the small businesses that primarily make up our industry, which is creating jobs and billions of dollars in revenues and economic activity,” said Cynthia Cabrera, president and executive director of SFATA.
“Advocating with a united and informed voice at the state and federal levels is paramount to the industry’s success, and we are committed to providing the resources to help our organization’s members navigate the increasingly difficult regulatory and legislative environments.”
Founded in 2012 with only a handful of members, SFATA today has grown into the largest vapor trade association, supported by businesses across the entire supply chain, including online retailers, brick and mortar vendors, distributors, manufacturers, professional service providers, importers and wholesalers.
SFATA also maintains committees comprised of members and leading industry thought leaders, including political, regulatory policy advisors, as well as top academics and scientists. The association also retains the foremost legal and public relations firms nationally, and employs top-tier state and federal lobbyists to advocate for the industry and educate legislators, health and regulatory agencies, and media, on vaping products.
“As we fight regressive policies that threaten our industry and the lives of smokers by treating vapor products, which contain no tobacco, more harshly than combustible cigarettes, it is vital now more than ever that the industry come together to fight for the preservation of this category, and not let the FDA hand the industry over to big tobacco,” added Cabrera.