After 15 years serving as the RTDA Executive Director, Ira B. "Bill" Fader, Jr. announced in July that he would be retiring on September 1st, and turning over the reins of the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America to the association's president, Linda Squires, owner of The Squire tobacco shop in Santa Rosa, Calif. Perhaps Bill's story is best told by Bill himself, in a farewell letter he wrote to friends of the industry:

Virtually my entire life has been spent in the premium cigar industry. I grew up in the business sweeping floors and making deliveries while watching my parents work behind the counter of their small tobacco shop. I was in awe at how they knew every customer by name and their tobacco preferences. Although an engineer by training, little did I expect to be third generation Fader who would spend the next 45 years as a tobacco retailer. I have never regretted this decision.

More than 45 years of working with retailers and suppliers has given me an incredible appreciation for what they each go through day-by-day. Our retailers are the heart and soul of the association. For the most part, they are small business owners who are still providing the personal attention and unique products that my parents offered so long ago. Every day they are facing increasingly onerous burdens of taxes, smoking bans, and anti-smoking zealots as they try to make a living for themselves and their employees. Our suppliers are always trying to generate sales, introduce new products, and anticipate "what's next." They face challenges every day as they balance the bottom line with the need to keep their retailers happy.

As the RTDA Executive Director, I have enjoyed working "both sides of the aisle." The past 15 years have been wonderful and gratifying. My first trade show in 1989 featured just 65 companies in 189 booths. Our 2004 Las Vegas show will have more than 1,155 exhibit booths and we are expecting more than 5,000 attendees. We have come a long way from the days when we used a typewriter to hand-type badges at registration for those attending.

I leave the RTDA knowing that the 2004 Trade Show will be outstanding. The association is financially strong, we are moving in the right direction, and our stature within the industry remains robust. I feel confident that those who follow me will maintain the momentum.

Although I am stepping down as Executive Director, my affection for this industry and the people in it is as strong as ever. I hope to maintain relationships with the many people who I am proud to count as my friends. If there is ever anything I can do to be of service to you, I hope you will let me know.

I want to thank you for the support you have given me over the years.

Very sincerely, Ira B. Fader, Jr.

Bill, on behalf of everyone in the industry, Smokeshop Magazine thanks you for your years of work in overseeing the massive growth and changes at the RTDA and its trade show, and wish you all the best in your retirement.

E. Edward "Ted" Hoyt III, Editor
Robert M. Lockwood, President
Fred A. Lockwood, Publisher
Robert Olesen, Advertising Director