Marianas Business Journal - Business News From Around The Region

Saturday, March 13th 2010 6:22 AM Chamorro Standard Time

Volume 7 No. 22 March 1, 2010 - March 14 , 2010

Chopsticks and chat

Pago Bay Resort LLC and the Marianas Business Journal hosted a Power Lunch on Feb.16 at VIP Restaurant. At the event were (standing from left) David P. Leddy, president, Guam Chamber of Commerce; Philip Law, general manager for the Marianas, G4S Security Services (Guam) Inc.; Daniel G.Moffat, president and chief executive officer, GTA TeleGuam; Gary Schiff, director of business development, Subway Guam and Saipan; Louis C. DeMaria, general manager/vice president of Micronesia, dck Pacific Guam; Fong S. Wu, president, Sunny Wholesale and Pago Bay Resort and vice president, Chinese Chamber of Commerce; and Frank J.Whitman,managing editor,Marianas Business Journal; and (seated from left) Daniel Camacho,president, Atkins Kroll Inc.; Hayato “Jack” Yoshino, president, P.H.R. Ken Asset Management Inc.; Maureen N.Maratita, publisher,
Glimpses Publications; Wendy Huang Ortiz, principal broker, Realty One Pacific; and Angela Park, development manager, Pago Bay Resort.

Guam News

NEWS FLASH! - Shipyard wins $10M for Cable work

Shipyard wins $10M for Cable work

NEWS FLASH! - Piti 76 station, Circle K store open

Piti 76 station, Circle K store open

NEWS FLASH! - $500M MACC contracts awarded

$500M MACC contracts awarded

NEWS FLASH! - DCK awarded National Guard contract; Guam included in cleanup

DCK awarded National Guard contract; Guam included in cleanup

NEWS FLASH! - Issa returning to Guam

Issa returning to Guam

NEWS FLASH! - Guam Shipyard awarded $1.83M contract

Guam Shipyard awarded $1.83M contract

NEWS FLASH! - DCK-ECC awarded $21M Andersen contract

DCK-ECC awarded $21M Andersen contract

NEWS FLASH! - 8(a) MACC presolicitation posted, limited to regional, Hawaii firms

8(a) MACC presolicitation posted, limited to regional, Hawaii firms

NEWS FLASH! - National Office Supply opening new Harmon location

National Office Supply opening new Harmon location

Ambulance services launch

In the past seven months, two companies have begun non-emergency ambulance serviceto cater to the island's growing population and its shortage of operating ambulances. Guam Medical Transport is one the businesses catering to non-emergency ambulance services on island and was started specifically for this reason.

A&E contract awarded for Apra clinic

WASHINGTON - The Department of Defense has announced that it has awarded a $2.45 million contract to Sherlock, Smith & Adams Inc. of Montgomery, Ala. for architecture and engineering services for the Apra Harbor Medical clinic on Naval Base Guam. The project is funded by the government of Japan as part of the relocation of 8,000 Marines and their dependents from Okinawa to Guam.

Coast Guard to upgrade communications system and conduct survey of abandoned vessels

In June 2011, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam is scheduled to receive and implement Rescue 21, the Coast Guard's advanced command, control and communications system. The system is being installed in stages across the United States. As of Dec. 17, 2009, more than 34,912 miles of coastline was covered by Rescue 21 in states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Gulf Coast and part of the West Coast according to the deployment and implementation schedule posted on the Coast Guard's Web site.

Business center readies for takeoff; executive suites to lease

The Landing Pad Business Center in Hagåtña has nine of its 50 units and a conference room ready to go from March 1. The short-lease facility will offer off-island executives and incubator businesses a turn-key solution.

Buzzing about the beads - jewelry shop opens in Anigua

The Beadhive is a new bead shop where patrons can design custom-made jewelry using semi-precious stones, Swarovski Crystals, and Czech glass and salvaged vintage beads. Jacqueline Sablan, owner and jewelry designer told the Journal she began designing and selling professionally about six years ago, but has been experimenting with jewelry and fashion design since high school.

Continental cuts pillows

Continental Micronesia has stopped issuing complimentary pillows in economy and business class cabins on its B737-800 equipment flying regional services from Guam. However, sealed blankets continue to be available on its regional flights from Guam. The "no pillows" policy on smaller jets flying short- and medium-haul flights is a system-wide policy that was introduced Oct. 15, 2009. The policy is a reaction to concerns about the H1N1 influenza virus, according to airline officials.

Hagen awarded rhino beetle contract

WASHINGTON and DEDEDO, Guam - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Feb. 12 that it has awarded Hagen's Inc., which does business as Pacific Pest Control, a $44,766.43 contract for fumigation services to help eradicate the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle at Oka Point, Tamuning. According to the notice of award, the contract consists of a base period of eight months plus four option years.

Mechanical Tech Group Inc.

When his son was younger, Wilner A. Dizon, president and operations manager of Mechanical Tech Group Inc. said what made him most proud was to drive around Guam and show his son the many projects that his company had worked on.

Introducing the judges for the 2010 Businesswoman of the Year

Laura Lynn V. Dacanay Senior vice president, Guam-CNMI region manager, First Hawaiian Bank; board director and executive committee member, Guam Chamber of Commerce; chairperson, Family Selection Committee of Habitat for Humanity of Guam.

Keeping track of vehicles and loved ones

For about five years, Track Me Guam has strived to provide island residents with more efficient means of managing their vehicles, said Yosi Joseph Veksler, owner of the company. "The thing about GPS navigation systems is that a lot people aren't aware that it's available for use on Guam," Veksler said. "Even with the current economic situation, basic vehicle tracking can be a very useful and affordable service for not only companies but individuals who want to have a peace of mind as far as their drivers and vehicles are concerned."

New restaurant serves Japanese with a local twist

Island Napu is a new restaurant along Marine Corps Drive in Upper Tumon near the turnoff into Pia Marine serving an extensive menu of donburi or don - Japanese rice bowl dishes - as well as an assortment of sushi rolls, fresh salads, and a variety of appetizers and desserts. Approximately 3,500 square feet, the restaurant was formerly occupied by Merloj Seafood and Grille. Owners Rueben D. Mortera and Larry Domondon acquired the space in November 2009. (See "Another glass of Merloj - restaurant adds outlet" in the Aug. 31, 2009, issue of the Journal.) The restaurant is currently in operation and, it has scheduled a grand opening celebration for March 13.

OBITUARY

Daniel L. Webb, president of Asia Pacific Financial Management Group Inc., passed away on Saturday Feb. 20 at Naval Hospital Guam in Agana Heights. The cause of death was cardiac arrest. Webb was 64 years old. Born in Los Angeles, Calif. on June 6, 1945, Webb lived on Guam since 1992 when he joined Citizens Security Bank (now ANZ Guam Inc.) as its president. He retired from CSB in 1999. Webb joined Asia Pacific Financial Management Group Inc. on Dec. 1, 2000 and served as a financial advisor. He became a partner in 2004, before assuming the responsibilities of president in 2006.

Ruhlman to leave Anderson

WASHNGTON - The Department of Defense announced Feb. 22 the assignment of Brig. Gen. Philip M. Ruhlman, commanding officer of the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, to director of manpower, organization and resources, deputy chief of staff for manpower and personne at the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force in Washington.

Special Feature - A companion for true sound

Computers have transitioned from a standard piece of office equipment used to send e-mails and draft proposals to an all-in-one entertainment system housing everything from music and movies to photographs and our favorite live streamed television shows. Enhance your entertainment experience with the Bose Companion series of computer speakers delivering unsurpassed stereo sound to your desk or laptop.

The Guam Hotel

The Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association has partnered with Glimpses of Guam for the 2010 Tourism Forum to be held May 6 and 7 simultaneously with GHRA's Pacific Hotel & Restaurant Expo. At the contract signing at the Hyatt Regency Guam Feb. 24 were (standing from left) Maureen N. Maratita, publisher, Glimpses Publications; and Kristine Roberto-Lujan, director of agency services, Glimpses Advertising

Market movement Room for optimism in tourism

Visitor industry stakeholders have a few reasons for an optimistic outlook during 2010. Jin Air, the budget airline which is a full subsidiary of Korean Air, has received U.S. Department of Transportation permission to fly between Guam and Korea and is tentatively looking at starting direct service between Incheon-Seoul and Guam April 19.

NEWS FLASH! - Joint venture has first MACC task order

Joint venture has first MACC task order

Editorial

Let’s get it right

It seems as though Uncle Sam's proverbial right hand is unaware of the left hand's activity - or at least its plans. We are referring to the recent decision not to approve the $50 million Recovery Act grant for improvements at the island's commercial port.

Headline Story

Market movement Room for optimism in tourism

Regional News

Aquarius hotel undergoing facelift

GUALO RAI, Saipan - Aquarius Beach Tower is undergoing renovations. William Hunter, general manager of Aquarius Beach Tower, said, the hotel is undergoing minor room renovations including painting and minor refurbishing of each unit. "Additionally, we are also having a contractor re-seal and paint the North and South sides of the building," Hunter said.

Businesses take advantage of new secured transactions law

MAJURO, Marshall Islands - A new secured transactions law and supporting regulations have been approved in the Marshall Islands, and a Web site supporting the program is in operation, offering local businesses and banks new opportunities for securing loans.

Tinian Chamber pleased to give up input

GUALO RAI, Saipan - It was expected. This was the reaction of Philip Mendiola-Long, president of the Tinian Chamber of Commerce, regarding the Japanese defense minister's downplaying the idea of having Tinian as an alternative in the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

PII picks up more work in FSM

MAJURO, Marshall Islands - Pacific International Inc. has been awarded two new construction projects in Chuuk and is actively pursuing contracts in Pohnpei and Kosrae.

Paralysis by analyis; Japan weighing all options

TOKYO - The disagreement over what to do with the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma is becoming increasingly fractious and complicated, is unlikely to be solved within the deadline imposed by the Japanese government upon itself and threatens to go down as the most damaging foreign policy faux pas of the administration of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.

Former Asian Spirit owner diversifies into tourism, air ambulance

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan -Archibald Po, former majority shareholder of budget carrier Asian Spirit (now Zest Airways), is once again investing heavily in the tourism industry by opening another boutique hotel.

Opinion

Intent to deceive is not required to run a foul of Guam consumer protection act

Late last year, the Guam Supreme Court issued a little-noticed ruling that could have major ramifications for businesspeople in general and developers in particular. The ruling, which came in the case of Mendiola v. Bell, has the effect of dramatically increasing exposure to legal liability under the Guam Consumer Protection Act.

The majority's voice needs to be heard in DC

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Guam's delegate to Congress, addressed the Rotary Club of Guam last week and called on the "silent majority" to be heard. She believes that the public discussion has been so decidedly one-sided against the military buildup that the time has come for those that are in support to step forward. At first glance this might seem strange since there has been no hard evidence that public opinion has substantially changed.

Briefcase

GPA signs contract with Brazilian Company

HARMON, Guam - The Guam Power Authority signed a contract with Petrobas Singapore Private Limited, a Brazil-based oil company, to become its fuel oil supplier Feb. 24. Petrobas will supply approximately $200 million or three million barrels of fuel annually to GPA.