I obviously know this man and I know the time and effort he put into not only the TSFA, but also assisting other associations get off the ground and work to fend off anti-vaping legislation.
I’m sure he will be missed and I wish him nothing but the best in all his future endevors. Dimitris is a machine and someone I am proud to call my friend.
Effective the 2023 session, after much thought and reflection, I have decided to step down as director of the Tennessee Smoke Free Association, where I proudly served the vaping community for eight years. I will continue to offer my services as a trade organization consultant on an as needed basis.
This decision was not reached with ease. The TSFA was the first independent trade organization in the country, a model developed by me and replicated with great success in many other states. Protecting the independent vapor businesses within the state while having to acquire successful lobby representation for the industry was always the goal.
Since our launch in 2014, we successfully fought a lot of battles. Some of our most notable:
We passed the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco and Vapor Products Act in 2017 where age restrictions were put into place.
Within the 2017-2018 year, over 17 bills were monitored. During that time, we successfully defeated efforts to increase the age restrictions from 18+ to 19+; a bill that would have prohibited vaping in a car with a minor; and efforts to expand the Non-Smoker Protection Act to vaping (indoor air ban).
In the 2019-2020 year, over 23 bills were monitored. Once again, TSFA successfully defeated numerous bills that would have increased the age restrictions to 21+ (although once the national bill requiring 21+ passed at the end of 2019, we complied with the state of TN to pass 21+ in 2020); prohibited vaping in a car with a minor; and efforts to tax vape products in a manner that would have given closed systems more favorable tax rates.
In 2021-2022 while monitoring over 17 bills, many were successfully defeated such as the Reeves/Smith bill (preventing another tax); the RJR bill that would have essentially banned flavors by creating a FDA approval status based registry in TN. Also, within the 2021-2022 year, TSFA created and passed our own bill that added vaping to the state preemption for tobacco regulation (while compromising on the indoor air ban).
In total since 2014, we have monitored over 100 bills that would have impacted the industry with a handful of those being devastating in the way we would operate. We successfully defeated them all.
In 2018, we launched the TSFA PAC (Political Action Committee). The PAC was successfully funded for a number of years and directly as well as positively impacted the way TN lawmakers viewed our industry.
The credit for all of this does not come from one person alone. If it weren’t for the committed business professionals who put their heart, soul, and money every single year to fight for vaper’s rights and a successful vaping industry, my vision and strategy for this state would never have been possible.
In spite of the drama, accusations, and even slander, I proudly maintained my dignity, for my focus was always towards the course of the association to ensure fairness for the vaping industry as a whole.
I step down today filled with the satisfaction of knowing that Tennessee is one of the least unjustly regulated vape states in the country.
Also, I would like to give a great note of thanks and appreciation to my volunteer team, most notably the late Eric Peterson; Nick Crumley, who is always by my side; Tiffany Everett; and just too many to list one by one.
No, I am not joining PMI as seems to be the trend lately; however, my work is expanding in Europe. And as much as it pains me, I cannot give my standard 110 percent as I would wish on matters stateside.
Part of my advocacy continues overseas, taking on the role of Vice President of the Greek Vapor Trade Association (SEEPA).
I am committed to open vapor as I have always been. I continue to make open vapor designs for Innokin Technology, as well as expand my chain of dedicated vape stores, Liquid Puff. And most recently, I have joined Monster Vape Labs as their European Director of Operations, expanding the brand into the overseas market!
The TSFA is not over, simply a new chapter is born. I turn over the reins to a group of dedicated TN vendors. They have chosen to step up and continue building the foundation that has been laid throughout these years. I ask you to fully support them, both financially and by responding to calls of action as needed, especially in this 2023 session, where we expect some bad legislation once again.
I again want to thank everyone that supported me and the TSFA over the years. My biggest thanks especially to those who mocked, harassed, and slandered me. It was your envy, your vile words, and your negative actions that drove me to success and will continue to do so in the years to come.
With respect always,
Dimitris Agrafiotis
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