In our newest recurring article we look at our diverse workforce who have been living in the neighborhood for a while and delve into who they are, what they do, and how living here helps them to do what they do.
Name: Kevin “Kip” Talley
Occupation: Senior Director of Federal Legislative Affairs at International Premium Cigars and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR)
Home: Carrollsburg Square Condominiums
What are premium cigars?
Premium cigars are not cigarettes or mass-marketed products or vaporizers or any of that jazz. Premium cigars are the high end, high quality tobacco that is made from whole tobacco leaves and rolled by hand. Of the 13.5 billion cigars annually sold in the United States only 270-300 million are considered premium.
What is your role here?
I represent over 2,300 tobacco stores across the nation, which are mostly mom-and-pop shops, who sell premium tobacco. My role is to help shape legislation and advise my members on how to be involved in the political process. There are currently two bills in Congress and pending regulation at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
How has living in Southwest made it easier for you to do your job?
First, this is just an amazing neighborhood. The people and their backgrounds are what make this place feel like home. Second, the location is amazing. You can be on Capitol Hill as quickly as you can be at National Airport! Lastly, it’s a great place for my wife and I to spend our first year of marriage.
What do you look forward to most?
The opening of the Big Stick in Navy Yard. I am consulting on how to make sausage and creating recipes for the restaurant in my spare time. That place is going to be amazing!