What is the “21+” Association?
The “21+ Tobacco and Vapor Retail Association of Oregon” (or “21+”) is a membership-based 501(c)6 non-profit organization representing the interests of our industry, our members and their businesses.
Though we support all responsible retailers of tobacco and vaping products, “Primary Members” include brick-and-mortar retailers of tobacco and vaping products where persons must be at least twenty-one years of age to be allowed on premises. “Associate Memberships” and “Individual Memberships” are respectively available to other kinds of businesses and individuals who want to support the Association.
What is the Purpose of the Association?
Our industry is always under assault by those who would legally inhibit or prohibit the ability of adults to legitimately buy and use tobacco and vaping products. To fend off these attacks and promote responsible retailing, the Association engages in the following activities:
* LOBBYING.
The Association represents member interests at the capitol in Salem, before county commissions, and local leaders.
* LITIGATION.
As resources permit, the Association fights in court for the interests of its members and our industry in general.
* INFORMATION.
The Association distributes newsletters and email bulletins to keep members up to date with industry, legislative, and regulatory developments statewide. It also presents information, talking points, and press releases members can use as they interact with their communities.
* REPRESENTATION.
The Association will professionally represent our members and industry to the media, government officials, and local organizations. Among other things, it reduces the likelihood that individual members will attract the attention of industry opponents to themselves.
* RESOURCES.
The Association will make resources available that will help you with employee training, management, best-practices in retailing, and learning from shared experiences.
What is the Association’s Record of Success?