2021-2022 Directory
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message 3
State Tobacco Legislation/2022 Election Preview 4-5
IWDA Information/What is IWDA 6-7
Thank You to all Advertisers 8
Officers & Board of Directors 9-10
Advisory Board 11
12
Lobbyist and Central Office Information
2021/2022 Legislative Insights 13
2021 Legislative Day 14
Industry and Government Information 15-16
Distributor Membership Application 17
Associate Membership Application 18
IWDA Distributor Members 19-23
IWDA Associate Members 24-28
Recognition of IWDA Past Presidents 29
Association Bylaws 30-33
2021 VIP Advertisers 34-43
News & Brews 44
Cigar Dinner 45
Regular Advertisers 46-50
Thank You Tri-State Sponsors` 51-53
SAVE THE DATE 2022 54
2
President’s Message
Since March of 2020, every human being has learned that life as we
know it can change dramatically. No one thought that the world
would come to a complete standstill due to a virus that infected
people around the world.
Having lived through this global crisis, each of us has learned to adapt and move
forward always keeping our customers best interests front and center, bouncing
back from the pandemic strong, focused and true to our mission.
We “masked up” and met with members of Indiana’s Senate and House of
Representatives so that IWDA is always the first call they make when they have
questions.
HB 1001 (State Budget) passed easily with bipartisan support. In addition to
funding the State budget for the next two years the bill also:
Imposes an excise tax (electronic cigarette tax) on vapor products at retail of 15
percent of the gross retail income on “open” system.
• Imposes a wholesale tax on the distribution of “closed” system cartridges at a
rate of 25 percent.
• Requires retailers selling open systems to obtain an electronic cigarette dealers
license at a cost of $25.
• Contains no increase in the cigarette or OTP taxes.
IWDA’s voice has always been heard by Indiana’s legislators because we have been
diligent staying in front of them. Thank you for what you do — it makes a big
difference.
Finally, I want to thank Ann and Denise in
Indiana, Tom, Angela and Michelle in Kentucky
and Beth and Annette in Ohio for their work with
our associations.
Best Regards,
Rick Bluestein
President
3
STATE TOBACCO LEGISLATION
4
2022 ELECTION PREVIEW
Provided by Reynolds at the State Association Executives Meeting 11/17/2021
5
INDIANA WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
The mission of IWDA:
To promote the common interests of wholesale distributors of tobacco
products, candy and sundry items with related lines of merchandise.
To foster lawful and ethical business practices and principles.
To obtain and disseminate general statistics and information in relation
to the business.
To cooperate with governmental agencies and with those engaged in
the tobacco, candy and related sundry industries in protecting and
promoting by all lawful means their common rights and interests.
PO Box 68178
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0178
Phone: 317-610-5997
Email: [email protected]
www.iwdainc.org
6
What is IWDA?
(IWDA) The Indiana Wholesale Distributors Association, Inc.
is a statewide trade association served the wholesale candy
and tobacco distributors of Indiana for over half a century.
Most member wholesale houses are family-owned businesses
serving their own and neighboring communities in Indiana
and surrounding states. The smallest of these wholesalers
employs seven persons, while the largest employs over 1000.
In the early days of the association, wholesalers sold
primarily tobacco and candy products. Today, however,
they are widely diversified. In addition to tobacco and candy,
distributors sell groceries (dry, refrigerated, frozen), beverages, snack foods,
institutional foods, paper products, health and beauty aids, automotive products,
chemicals and cleaning supplies, fountain and bar supplies and much more.
Among their customers are oil retailers, convenience stores, drug stores, mass
merchandisers, gift shops, liquor stores, military installations, airports, schools,
campgrounds, service organizations, government agencies, hospitals and nursing
homes, and motels and restaurants.
Because they are a part of a responsible industry, wholesalers have invested significant
time, energy and resources to ensure that tobacco products are marketed to adults only.
IWDA members are interested in any legislation or tax policy which affects their industry.
But, as small business people, they are concerned, too, about the rising cost of doing
business due to mandated benefits, advertising bans, and many other intrusions by
government into the affairs of private business.
Membership in the Indiana Wholesale Distributors Association, Inc. offers strength in
numbers. Working together gives IWDA greater opportunities to impact legislative and
regulatory proposals affecting the industry. This gives member businesses the ability to
share the cost of knowledgeable lobbyists, legal counsel and public relations expertise
which they could not individually afford.
7
WE APPRECIATE ALL OF OUR
2021 - 2022 DIRECTORY ADVERTISERS
ALTRIA GROUP DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
BURKLUND DISTRIBUTORS
EBY-BROWN COMPANY, LLC
F. McCONNELL & SONS, INC.
FARMERS TOBACCO COMPANY
KAISER WHOLESALE COMPANY, INC.
KRETEK INTERNATIONAL
LIGGETT VECTOR BRANDS
NATIONAL TOBACCO
RICHMOND MASTER DISTRIBUTORS
S. ABRAHAM & SONS, INC.
SWEDISH MATCH
SWISHER
THE H.T. HACKNEY CO.
XCALIBER INTERNATIONAL
IWTHDANKAYODU FIORRYOEURCSUTPPOORTR! Y
8
Officers
President & Chairman of the Board
RICK BLUESTEIN
The H.T. Hackney Co.
Indianapolis, IN
[email protected]
First Vice President
ERICA WORRELL
S. Abraham & Sons, Inc.
Grand Rapids, MI
[email protected]
Secretary
JOHN KAISER
Kaiser Wholesale Inc.
New Albany, IN
[email protected]
Treasurer
BRENT SHAY
Eby-Brown Company, LLC
Plainfield, IN
[email protected]
9
Board of Directors
MARTHA DOAN
F. McConnell & Sons, Inc
New Haven, IN
[email protected]
ERIC IRVIN
Lawrenceville Central Cigar-Candy Co.
Lawrenceville, IL
[email protected]
SCOTT CARRICO
Richmond Master Distributors
South Bend, IN
[email protected]
10
Advisory
JIM JAMESON JASON PAUL
ITG Brands Altria Group Distribution Company
[email protected] [email protected]
NIC LAXAMANA
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
[email protected]
11
LOBBYIST TEAM
Steve Beebe, Lobbyist
The Lobby Firm LLC
[email protected]
Phone: (317) 370-2647
Joe Lackey, Lobbyist
[email protected]
PH: (317) 878-4231
Steve Beebe Joe Lackey
IWDA CENTRAL OFFICE
Ann Ninness
Executive Director
[email protected]
Denise Wagner
Program Manager
[email protected]
Address:
PO Box 68178
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0178
Office Phone: (317) 610-5997
www.iwdainc.org
12
2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
HB1001 (State Budget) passed easily with bipartisan support: 96 - 2 in the house and
46 -3 in the Senate. In addition to funding the State for the next two years the budget
bill also:
• Imposes an excise tax (electronic cigarette tax) on vapor products at retail of 15%
of the gross retail income on open systems.
• Imposes a wholesale tax on the distribution of closed system cartridges at a rate
of 25%.
• Requires retailers selling open systems to obtain an electronic cigarette dealers
license at a cost of $25.
• Contain no increase in the cigarette or OTP taxes.
Prior to the Final Version of HB 1001
HB 1434 as introduced increased the cigarette tax by $1 per pack and taxed e-liquids
containing nicotine at a rate of $.08 per milliliter.
HB 1434 passed out of the Public Health Committee by a vote of 8 -3 on February 4
after being amended to devote the revenue to the health improvement fund and was
immediately recommitted to the Ways & Means Committee where id did not receive a
hearing.
Initial version of HB 1001 contained the $1 per pack cigarette tax increase and the taxes
on open and closed systems, both collected at retail. This is the version that passed the
House by a vote of 65 – 30.
Strong message from Senate Republican Leadership that the cigarette tax would be
amended out of HB 1001, but some form of vape tax would likely pass.
Sen. Phil Boots (convenience store owner) carried our message with Senate Republi-
cans that both taxes should be collected at wholesale and tax rate should be less than
surrounding states. Additionally, Senator Boots secured amendments to change the
effective date to July 2022 thus giving us an additional legislative session to attempt
further modifications.
Senate Republicans stuck to their promise of no cigarette tax increase but the trade off
with the House was open systems collected at retail and higher rates for the vape taxes.
13
14
INDUSTRY and GOVERNMENT
Phone Numbers
State Associations (317) 610-5997
Indiana Wholesale Distributors Association
Kentucky Wholesale Distributors Association (502) 243-9280
Ohio Wholesale Marketers Association (614) 224-3435
Michigan Distributors & Vendors Association (517) 372-2323
Illinois Association of Wholesale Distributors (217) 525-0700 x105
Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors , Inc. (770) 932-3263
National Associations
Convenience Distribution Association (formerly AWMA) (800) 482-2962
Cigar Association of America (202) 223-8204
Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing (703) 684-3600
National Confectioners Association (202) 534-1440
Tobacco Merchants Association (609) 275-4900
State of Indiana Phone Numbers (317) 232-6201
Office of the Indiana Attorney General
Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana (317) 232-3808
Indiana Department of Workforce Development (800) 891-6499
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency
Evansville (812) 465-6457
Ft. Wayne (260) 420-4018
Indianapolis (317) 226-7977
Merrillville (219) 681-7000
15
INDUSTRY and GOVERNMENT WEBSITES
Associations www.iwdanet.org
Indiana Wholesale Distributors Association
Kentucky Wholesale Distributors Association www.kwda.net
Illinois Association of Wholesale Distributors www.iawd.net
Michigan Distributors and Vendors Association www.mdva.org
Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors www.the-southern.org
Convenience Distribution Association (formerly AWMA) www.cdaweb.net
Industry updates, calendar of events and other issues of interest.
National Association of Convenience Stores www.nacsonline.com
Includes industry news, issue updates and links to other associations.
National Confectioners Association www.candy.com
Includes industry news, issue updates and links to other information resources.
Government
Federation of Tax Administrators www.taxadmin.org
Reports and updates about state tax issues, including tax rates and collections.
National Association of Attorneys General www.naag.org
Includes section with tobacco MSA documents and issues.
We Card.wecard.org
Highlights state and federal youth access laws, FDA regulations, and tips on
avoiding tobacco sales to minors; also includes information about ordering free
educational and training kits for retailers.
State of Indiana www.in.gov
Indiana Attorney General www.in.gov/attorneygeneral
Indiana Department of Revenue www.in.gov/dor
United State Congress www.congress.gov
Links to Congress and Congressional agencies.
United States Food and Drug Administration www.fda.gov
Rules and other information regarding food safety and record keeping per the Bioterrorism
Act of 2002.
United States Government Executive Branch www.usa.gov
U.S. Government’s official portal with links to federal government agencies.
16
DISTRIBUTOR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
INDIANA WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 68178~ INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46268-0168
Phone: 317-610-5997
E-mail: [email protected]
Website : www.iwdainc.org
Firm Name: Title: E-mail: Phone:
Contact Name:
Additional contacts?
Name:
Mailing Address: State: Zip:
City:
Phone: Fax: Corporation:
Website (if applicable): E-mail:
TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP: Individual: Partnership:
DUES AMOUNT: $ (per schedule below)
_______I (We) agree (if accepted as members) to abide by the constitution and By-laws of the INDIANA
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Please check the applicable level - BASED ON GROSS VOLUME OF ALL GOODS SOLD
_____Less than $3 million ………… .…………………………………………………. $ 525.00
_____More than $3 million to less than $20 million………………………………... .. $1,735.00
_____More than $20 million to less than $40 million\............................................ $3020.00
_____More than $40 million to less than $60 million…………………….................. $5,250.00
_____More than $60 million to less than $80 million………………………………… $8,400.00
_____More than $80 million…………………………………………………………….. $9,450.00
17
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
INDIANA WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 68178, INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46268-0178
Phone: 317-610-5997
E-mail: [email protected]
www.iwdainc.org
Company Name ____________________________________________________________
Company Address __________________________________________________________
City _________________________ State __________________ Zip _________________
Phone _______________________________________________ FAX________________
Email _____________________________________________________________________
Type of Business: ___________________________________________________________
Type of Membership: Individual _____ Partnership _____ Corporation _____ Other _____
FIRST YEAR’S DUES OF $500 MUST ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION.
I (We) agree (if accepted as members) to abide by the constitution and By-laws of the INDIANA
WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION.
Dated this _______________day of month__________________ 20_____
Firm Name _______________________________________________________________
Signed By ________________________________________________________________
Send all correspondence to _________________________Title _____________________
Associate Members are non-voting members.
We encourage all members to attend the Annual Membership Meeting.
18
IWDA DISTRIBUTOR MEMBERS
(Alphabetical Listing)
Company Phone
Burklund Distributors, Inc. (309) 339-2004
Cubberley’s Distribution Corp. (765) 674-7728
Eby-Brown Company, LLC (317) 839-0740
F. McConnell & Sons, Inc. (260) 493-6607
H.T. Hackney Co., Inc. (317) 897-0203
Hardec’s Wholesale (270) 765-5113
Kaiser Wholesale Co., Inc. (812) 945-2651
Lawrenceville Central Cigar-Candy (618) 943-3813
Richmond Master Distributors (574) 239-0310
S. Abraham & Sons, Inc. (616) 453-6358
Winkler Wholesale Grocers (812) 937-4421
19
BURKLUND DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
2500 N. Main Street, Suite 3
East Peoria, IL 61611
Primary Contact:
Rob Hackett, President
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (309) 694-1900
Additional Contact:
Scott Alexander, Vice President, Sales
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (309) 339-2006 - Fax: (309) 698-3592
CUBBERLEY’S DISTRIBUTION CORP.
PO Box 3114
910 West 34th Street
Marion, IN 46953
Primary Contact:
David Linn, President
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (765) 674-7727
Fax: (765) 674-7728
Additional Contact:
Josh Smith, Operations Manager
Email: [email protected]
EBY-BROWN COMPANY, LLC
877 Perry Road
Plainfield, IN 46168
Primary Contact:
Brent Shay, Senior Director of Sales, Western Division
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (317) 839-0740 x 2607
Legislative Contact:
Bob Coughlin
Email: [email protected]
Additional Contact:
Matt Bittner, Director of Sales
20
F. McCONNELL & SONS, INC.
11102 E. Lincoln Highway
New Haven, IN 46774
Primary Contact:
Martha Doan
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (260) 493-6607 – Fax: (260) 749-6116
Additional Contact:
Lesley Andrews
Email: [email protected]
H.T. HACKNEY CO., INC.
9420A E. 33RD Street
Indianapolis, IN 46235
Primary Contact:
Ron Gill, General Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (317) 897-0203
Additional Contacts:
Rick Bluestein, Purchasing Agent
Email: [email protected]
Tommy York, Sales Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (877) 371-5999 x3310
HARDEC’S WHOLESALE
2540 South Dixie Highway
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Primary Contact:
Ross Haynes, Vice President & General Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (270) 765-5113
21
KAISER WHOLESALE INC.
415 E. Oak Street
New Albany, IN 47150
Primary Contact:
John Kaiser
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (812) 945-2651 – Fax: (812) 949-5353
LAWRENCEVILLE CENTRAL CIGAR-CANDY CO.
711 Charles Street, PO Box 420
Lawrenceville, IL 62439
Primary Contact:
Eric Irvin, President
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (618) 943-3813 – Fax: (618) 943-5220
General Manager:
Marcia Wilson
RICHMOND MASTER DISTRIBUTORS
4202 Technology Drive
South Bend, IN 46628
Primary Contacts:
Scott Carrico, COO/Vice President of Sales
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (574) 239-0310 x323
Pat Carrico, Chief Executive Officer
Email: [email protected]
Additional Contacts:
Tim Hiestand, Marketing
Mary Fara, CFO
Patrick Cukrowicz, Sales Buyer
22
S. ABRAHAM & SONS, INC.
P.O. Box 1768
4001 Three Mile Road
Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1768
Primary Contact:
Erica Worrell, Regional VP of Sales
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (616) 453-6358 – Fax: (616) 453-9346
Additional Contact:
George Abdoo, Vice President, Sales
Email: [email protected]
WINKLER WHOLESALE GROCERS
535 East Medcalf Street
PO Box 68
Dale, IN 47523
Primary Contact:
Josh Winkler, President & CEO
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (812) 937-4421 – Fax: (812) 937-2044
Additional Contact:
Casey Stutsman, Candy & Tobacco Buyer
Email: [email protected]
23
IWDA ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
(Alphabetical Listing)
Company Phone
Altria Group Distribution Company (317) 532-5300
Farmers Tobacco Company (859) 586-1122
ITG Brands, LLC (317) 842-2430
Kretek International (805) 531-8888
Liggett Vector Brands (262) 844 8204
National Tobacco (800) 331-5962
R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (317) 750-0100
Republic Tobacco, L.P. (847) 832-9700
Scandinavian Tobacco Group (404) 858-2332
Swedish Match North America (412) 859-0240
Swisher (901) 670-7384
Xcaliber International (918) 824-0300
24
ALTRIA GROUP DISTRIBUTION COMPANY
Primary Contact:
Jason Paul, Senior Market Manager for NE Indiana
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (260) 415-8916
Additional Contacts:
Blake Benefiel, Senior Section Sales Director – MI, IN, KY
Email: [email protected]
Katherine Meyer, Senior Market Manager for Southern Indiana
Email: [email protected]
Christy Wegener, Senior Market Manager for NW Indiana
Email: [email protected]
FARMERS TOBACCO COMPANY
P. O. Box 98
636 US 27 N
Cynthiana, KY 41031
Primary Contact: John Adcock
Email: [email protected]
Primary Contact Cell: (270) 766-3955
Fax: (859) 234-4940
Additional Contact:
Beau Sanders
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (866) 327-6374
ITG Brands
Primary Contact:
Jim Jameson, Regional Sales Manager, Michigan & Indiana
24057 Prescott Court
South Line, MI 48178
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (317) 842-2430 – Fax: (317) 845-0971
Additional Contacts:
South Bend Contact: Teriana Kelsay
53852 North Park - Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: (574) 327-6666
25
KRETEK INTERNATIONAL
5449 Endeavour Court
Moorpark, CA 93021
Primary Contact: Carlos Martinez, Trade Show Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (805) 744-4237
Indiana Contact: Kevin Klyczek, National Sales Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (805) 558-3048
LIGGETT VECTOR BRANDS
100 NE Tudor Rd, Suite 102
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Primary Contact: Jeff Villwock – Central North Region Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (262) 844-8204
Additional Contacts:
Brian Downey – Central North Division Manager – East
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (513) 675-6292
Joe Depke – Central North Division Manager-South
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (630) 853-9774
NATIONAL TOBACCO
5201 Interchange Way
Louisville, KY 40229
Primary Contact:
Ryan Phillips
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (515) 333-2250
Additional Contacts:
Matt Moskwa
Email: [email protected]
Casey Cooper
Email: [email protected]
26
R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
Primary Contact:
Nic Laxamana, Senior Director, Detroit Region (Michigan & Indiana)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 543-5568
Patrick Norton - Senior Key Account Manager - Indianapolis
Phone: 419-234-7664
Email: [email protected]
Government Affairs Contact:
Matt Domingo, Sr. Director, External Relations Trade Marketing
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (336) 741-1486
Senior Division Managers
Bev Jones - Northern Indiana
Isaac Keplinger - Greater Indianapolis Areas
Katie Cecil - Southern Indiana
Account Manager:
Michael Tangredi - Indianapolis
REPUBLIC TOBACCO, L.P.
2301 Ravine Way
Glenview, IL 60025
Primary Contact:
Greg Verstat, Region Sales Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (847) 800-4046
Areas Covered: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio
SCANDINAVIAN TOBACCO
2100 East Cary Street, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23223
Primary Contact:
Mike Restivo
Email: [email protected]
Additional Contact:
J.C. Timmer-Faaola
Email: [email protected]
27
SWEDISH MATCH
51 Dutilh, Suite 220
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Primary Contact:
Max Eckel, Key Account Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (419) 699-4315
SWISHER
20372 Twin Pond Drive
Brownstown Twp., MI 48183
Primary Contact:
Brandon Skattie
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (734) 231-0289
Additional Contact:
Shane Miller
Email: [email protected]
XCALIBER INTERNATIONAL
One Tobacco Road
Pryor, OK 74361
Primary Contact:
Stacy Sutherland, Regional Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (918) 803-2715
Additional Contact:
Dan Williams, Regional Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (918) 803-2768
28
IWDA Presidents
Term President Term President
1970-71 A. F. Kem
1947-49 George P. Stautz 1971-72 C. E. Bell
1972-73 Robert Kaplan
1949-50 Fred L. Meyer 1973-74 Mrs. Paul F. Yergens
1974-75 Nelson P. Orr
1950-51 George O. Wiemuth 1975-77 E. W. Kaler, Jr.
1951-53 Paul F. Yergens 1977-79 J. R. Kaiser
1953-54 D. Flack 1979-81 Robert A. Wiemuth
1981-83 Eugene Linn
1954-55 Kent B. Skiles 1983-84 F. Richard Meyer
1984-89 Michael Brockman
1955-56 James R. Lewis
1956-57 D. B. Dunham
1957-58 Rollo W. Pool
1958-59 E. H. Schroeder
1959-60 Ralph Kaplan
1960-61 L. E. Lincoln 1989-92 Stanley F. Skawinski, Jr.
1961-62 P. Holmes 1992-94 Michael Mason
1962-63 Earl B. Cassady 1994-97 Kem Linn
1963-64 R. B. Snell 1997-00 Brent Shay
1964-65 Louis H. Breading 2000-05 Pat Carrico
1965-66 B. J. Gill 2006-11 Richard Bluestein
2012-16 John Kaiser
1966-67 Richard L. Krodel 2017-18 Martha Doan
1967-68 Robert Blackburn
1968-69 J. T. Pehler 2019-20 Scott Carrico
2021- Rick Bluestein
1969-70 E. H. Shroeder 2022
29
Indiana Wholesalers and Distributors Association
Bylaws
Article I
Name and Location of the Corporation
Section 1. NAME. The name of this Corporation shall be Indiana Wholesalers and Distributors Association, Inc.
(IWDA) a not-for-profit public benefit corporation under the laws of the state of Indiana.
Section 2. OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation shall be in Indiana in such location as determined by
the Board of Directors.
Article II
Purpose
The purpose of IWDA shall be:
To promote the common interests of wholesale distributors of tobacco products, candy and sundry items with related
lines of merchandise. To foster lawful and ethical business practices and principles. To obtain and disseminate
general statistics and information in relation to the business and to cooperate with governmental agencies and with
those engaged in tobacco, candy and related sundry industries in protecting and promoting by all lawful means their
common rights and interests. To cooperate with governmental agencies and with those engaged in the tobacco,
candy and related sundry industries in protecting and promoting by all lawful means their common rights and
interests.
Article III
Membership
Section 1. CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP. The Corporation shall have the following classes of members:
Regular Members, with voting privileges, and Associate Members, without voting privileges. Except as to the
payment of dues and voting privileges, there shall be no distinction between the Regular Members and the Associate
Members of this Corporation. Each Regular Member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote
of the Regular Members.
Section 2. REGULAR MEMBERS. Any person in the wholesale or vending business of tobacco or candy prod-
ucts in the State of Indiana who shall be determined to be a legitimate distributor of such products may be admitted
to Regular membership in this Corporation upon approval by a majority of the Board of Directors and
payment of appropriate dues. The word “person” shall mean individual, partnership, or corporation; it shall
designate in writing and file in the business office of IWDA the name of one of its directors or officers or an
individual employed by it in an executive capacity to represent it at meetings of the members of IWDA. Any person
maintaining one or more branch offices, or who does ten percent or more of total company volume in Indiana shall
be entitled to only one membership in IWDA.
Section 3. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS. Associate Members are designated as those working in an allied industry, a
manufacturer, manufacturer’s representative, broker, and any other related businesses. These Associate Members
may be admitted to Associate membership in this Corporation subject to approval by a majority of the Board of
Directors and payment of appropriate dues.
Section 4. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS. All applicants for membership shall make application on a
prescribed form and submit payment of appropriate dues.
Article IV
Officers
Section 1. PRESIDENT. The President shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He shall preside over
membership and directors meetings. He shall have the general powers and duties usually vested in the office of
president. He shall make all decisions vested in the office of president, and he shall make all appointments,
including vacancies not otherwise provided for. He shall appoint all committees and be an ex-officio member of all
committees.
30
Section 2. FIRST VICE PRESIDENT. The First Vice-President shall assist the President and prepare for his
tenure of office following the completion of the presiding president's term. He shall preside at meetings in the
president's absence or at the president's request and shall have such power and perform such duties as may be
assigned by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. SECRETARY. The duties of the Secretary shall be such as the title by general usage would indicate or
as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe.
Section 4. TREASURER. The duties of the Treasurer shall be such as the title by general usage would indicate or
as the Board of Directors from time to time may prescribe.
Section 5. ELECTION AND TERM. These Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors and shall serve for
two (2) years or until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. Each elected officer shall serve
concurrently as a member of the Board of Directors.
Article V
Board of Directors
Section 1. COMPOSITION. In addition to the elected officers, the Board of Directors shall consist of four (4)
Directors who shall serve for two (2) years or until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 2. AUTHORITY. The government and management of IWDA shall be vested in the Board of Directors.
Section 3. QUORUM. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum thereof.
Section 4. ACTION BY WRITTEN, TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (VOICE OR FACSIMILE) OR
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION CONSENT. If and when the Directors shall severally and collectively
consent in writing, by telephonic communication (voice or facsimile) or electronic communication to any action to be
taken by the Corporation, such action shall be deemed valid as though it had been authorized at a meeting of the
Board of Directors, provided that all Directors were properly notified and that a majority of the board has given writ-
ten consent.
Section 5. MEETINGS. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called at least three (3) times a year by the
President. Notice of all meetings shall be given ten (10) days prior to a meeting date in writing, by telephonic
communication (voice or facsimile), or electronic communication.
Section 6. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at the request of the
President or the majority of Directors
Section 7. WAIVER OF NOTICE. Notice of the time, place and purpose of any meeting of the members of the
Board of Directors, may be made either before, during or after any such meeting.
Section 8. VOTING RIGHTS. Each Director who is a Regular Member shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote on
any question to come before any meeting of the Board of Directors.
Article VI
Meetings
Section 1. PLACE. Meetings of members of this Corporation shall be at such place as may be specified by the
Board of Directors.
Section 2. REGULAR MEETING. The first regular meeting of the Board of Directors in the calendar year shall
be considered the annual meeting of the members of this Corporation and shall be held at a place determined by the
President.
Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the members may be called by the President or by a
majority of Regular Members.
Section 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Notice of such meetings shall be given to the members with voting rights by
written, telephonic communication (voice or facsimile) or electronic communication notice not less than ten (10)
days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 5. RULES OF ORDER. Unless otherwise provided for in these bylaws, the rules of parliamentary
procedure as set forth and defined in the "Robert's Rules of Order Revised" shall govern all meetings of the members
and the Board of Directors.
Section 6. VOTING RIGHTS. Each Regular Member is entitled to cast one (1) vote upon any question presented
for action at any meeting of the members. All members must be in good standing in order to vote.
Section 7. QUORUM. A majority of the Regular Members shall constitute a quorum thereof.
Section 8. MAJORITY. A simple majority constitutes an affirmative vote.
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ARTICLE VII
The President with the approval of the Board of Directors may appoint such committees and/or task forces as he
deems appropriate for the accomplishment of the purposes of IWDA.
ARTICLE VIII
HIRE AND TENURE
The Board of Directors may employ staff or may contract to provide staff assistance. The chief staff officer shall be
known as “Executive Director” and shall perform such duties as prescribed by the Board of Directors. Employees
shall have no authority to act for or on behalf of the Corporation or any of its members or officers unless authority
to do so is expressly stated in writing by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX
ELECTIONS
The Board of Directors shall nominate candidates bi-annually for the Board of Directors of the Corporation to be
voted on at a meeting of the members or by mail ballots. Regular Members shall have the right to nominate or
write-in other candidates.
ARTICLE X
Suspension or Expulsion of Members
Section 1. Violations, non-payment, misconduct. Any member may be suspended or expelled by the
Board of Directors for failure to pay dues or conduct unbecoming a member. Such member before such action is
taken shall be entitled to a written notice of the charges and ten (10) days’ notice of the time and place of the
meeting at which the same will be considered. He shall have the right to appeal the decision of the Board of
Directors to the members on like notice at the annual meeting.
Section 2. Reinstatement. Any expelled member may apply for re-admission to the membership upon such
terms and conditions as determined by the Board of Directors. Any member expelled from this Corporation for
non-payment of dues or assessments shall be eligible for re-admission to membership under the terms and
conditions set forth by the Board of Directors. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, penalty
payments.
ARTICLE XI
DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
Section 1. DUES. Each member shall pay annual dues in such amounts as determined by the Board of
Directors. All dues are annual and shall be payable in advance on the first day of January in each year. Once paid,
dues are nonrefundable.
Section 2. DUES SCHEDULE. The Board of Directors shall from time to time, by resolution, establish the
dues to be collected from various categories of members. Annual dues for Regular Members shall be based on
gross volume of all goods sold.
Section 3. SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS. Special assessments shall be initiated by a resolution of the Board of
Directors at any regular or special meeting provided proper notice has been given. Once a special assessment has
been approved, payment shall be made within sixty (60) days of billing.
ARTICLE XII
Repeal or Amendment of Bylaws
These bylaws may be amended, altered, changed, added to or repealed by the affirmative vote of a majority of
the voting members of the Board of Directors. Any amendment adopted shall become effective immediately.
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ARTICLE XIII
INDEMNIFICATON
To the full extent authorized by law and permitted by IWDA’s resources, IWDA shall indemnify from any financial
loss, including the cost of any defense, arising out of a claim predicated upon the conduct of their official duties, all
Officers, Directors, committee chairs and committee members, and employees made a party in any administrative,
civil or criminal action or proceeding by reason of their position. IWDA shall have the option of purchasing insurance
to protect or secure counsel to represent each of the aforementioned persons to satisfy its obligation hereunder.
IWDA will not indemnify with regard to any matters for which any of its Officers, Directors, committee chairs and
committee members, and employees is liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of the
services.
ARTICLE XIV
DISTRIBUTION OF ASSESTS ON DISSOLUTION
No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members,
Officers, Directors, or other private persons, except that it shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable
compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth
in Article II hereof. Upon the dissolution of IWDA, assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations exempt
under section 501(c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall
be distributed to the federal government or to a state or local government for a public purpose. Any assets not so
disposed of shall be disposed of by a court of appropriate jurisdiction of the county in which its principal office is
located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said court shall determine which are
organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
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