[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 191 (Monday, November 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1010]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF JAVIER ESTADES AND HIS SERVICE TO THE CIGAR 
                         ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

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                          HON. GEORGE HOLDING

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 9, 2020

  Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Javier Estades.
  Javier was born in Spain, but went on to receive his undergraduate 
degree from George Washington University right here in Washington--his 
first real formal contact with the U.S.
  Javier then went back to Europe where he went on to receive his MBA 
and start his career working for large, fast-moving consumer companies. 
Then, about 15 years ago, he was hired by Altadis to manage the mass 
market team in Spain. As he progressed through the company, he was 
eventually hired to run the Altadis team right here in the United 
States and he immigrated here nearly 10 years ago.
  Javier Estades now serves as the president and chief executive 
officer of Tabacalera USA, which oversees Imperial Brands' premium 
cigar businesses, including Altadis U.S.A., JR Cigar and Casa de 
Montecristo.
  And for the past five years, Javier has headed the Cigar Association 
of America--a national trade association representing cigar 
manufacturers, importers, and distributors, as well as other major 
suppliers of the industry. The CAA is proactive in defending its 
members, their businesses and other like-minded associations. It also 
has an extensive network established to monitor and act on federal, 
state and local regulations that could have an impact on its members 
and the cigar industry at large. The organization's bylaws have been 
amended several times to allow for Javier Estades to serve multiple 
terms as the organization's chairman--something which I think speaks 
directly to his unwavering leadership to build deep relationships and 
be an effective advocate for his industry.
  Javier is deeply knowledgeable of every aspect of his industry and is 
so well-versed he can go toe-to-toe with just about anyone on any 
issue.
  His time as Chairman of the Cigar Association of America was marked 
by an almost overwhelming number of challenges, yet Javier seemed to 
navigate them all with ease, simply because of the type of person he 
is.
  It has been a real honor and joy to get to know Javier over the last 
five years and I hope he enjoys his retirement from heading the CAA--
maybe even with a cigar.

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