WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. recently awarded its first-ever "Symbol of Excellence" Award to the executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO), Thomas A. Briant. The award recognizes Briant for "outstanding leadership in protecting the industry's ability to compete at the local, state and federal levels."
"Tom is passionate about the industry," added Steve Kottak, Reynolds' director of external relations and trade marketing. "He consistently provides leadership on many fronts and applies his extensive industry knowledge in proactively shaping legislative outcomes."
Reynolds honored Briant during its annual public affairs meeting. Dave Riser, Reynolds' vice president of external relationships and trade marketing and an eight-year veteran of the NATO board, presented the award with Kottak, who has served at a member of NATO's Local Issues team for two years.
"This is the first time that a NATO manufacturer member has recognized me for all of NATO's efforts in protecting retailers', wholesalers' and manufacturers' ability to compete," Briant said. "I am honored to receive this award and look forward to continuing NATO's special relationship with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co."
Reynolds noted that NATO is the only national association that plays an active role in legislative and regulatory issues on the federal, state and national levels, having worked with companies like Reynolds on multiple litigation issues, including the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed graphic health warnings.
"We, as a company, work with many state, regional and national organizations who we value and who are really good at what they do," Riser said. "NATO is the premiere grassroots organization at all levels for our industry."
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.