Businesses encouraged to invade Guam
By MARTIN TIFFANY - Waikato Times | Monday, 10 September 2007
Waikato businesses are being urged to take advantage of a $19 billion boom on the small Pacific island of Guam.
Gilbert Ullrich, chief executive of Ullrich Aluminum, said a number of companies, including his own and Fonterra, already did business with the US territory, but there were huge opportunities with the military build-up on the island.
The US is moving 8000 marines from the southern island of Okinawa in Japan to Guam, although construction activities related to the relocation are not expected to start for about four years because environmental studies and clearances that will have to be done first.
To accommodate the expected swell of marines and their families, Guam residents and businesses are preparing for hundreds of millions of dollars in anticipated construction activity, as well as for more jobs.
While New Zealand companies in the construction and supply field will be the first to benefit, Mr Ullrich said companies "across the board" would benefit from the expansion.
He said there were many opportunities for New Zealand exporters, especially in the perishable food business, because of our close proximity to Guam.
Mr Ullrich, who is also chairman of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council, said New Zealand businesses needed to look more at trade and business opportunities in their own backyard. The US government was encouraging New Zealand and Australia to take advantage of opportunities offered by the military buildup.
A recent trade conference in Auckland, which was a follow-up to an earlier conference sponsored by the council, was attended by US deputy assistant secretary of the interior for insular affairs David Cohen.
Mr Cohen said many New Zealand businesses had vast experience and the US was keen for assistance.
Mr Ullrich said there was huge potential for New Zealand businesses to tap into the contracts that would come out of the relocation.
Construction for the housing, training and other facilities for the 8000 marines and their 9000 relatives is expected to begin in July 2010.
For more check out www.nzpbc.co.nz
Showing posts with label Selling the Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Selling the Island. Show all posts
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
Real Estate Conference
Cohen to address real estate conference
By Gerardo R. Partido Variety News Staff
September 7, 2007
DEPUTY Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs David B. Cohen will be one of the keynote speakers in the upcoming 4th Micronesia Real Estate Investment Conference to be held on Sept. 28 and 29 at the Leo Palace Hotel.
Cohen will talk about issues facing investors in Micronesia real estate, including the Guam military buildup and other events, according to W. Nicholas Captain, organizer of the event.
“I expect that David Cohen will address issues of real interest to all our delegates. All of us want to know more about the huge opportunities the military buildup will offer investors. The $15 billion in military construction will bring a lot of people to Guam who are all going to have to live somewhere. And the whole Micronesia region is obviously ripe for more development,” Captain said.
Cohen is also expected to address what governments can do to maximize their lands and allow for economic development in his speech, “Unlocking the Value of Real Estate.” “The leaders of Micronesia have some issues before them concerning policy in their regions. I think David Cohen’s speech will lay all of this out,” Captain said.
Captain, who is the president of the Captain Real Estate Group of Companies, said this year’s conference is especially relevant because the expansion of the military on Guam brings along with it many opportunities for real estate investment.
“With the anticipation of about 8,000 U.S. Marines, their 10,000 dependents and an estimated support population of 24,000 coming to Guam, there are many important issues that will affect a wide range of industries in Micronesia. The general military buildup already begins to offer a myriad of opportunities in the real estate investment field,” Captain said.
The biennial real estate conference provides delegates and sponsors a unique opportunity to hear experts, peers and industry professionals speak and share information about real estate investment and development in the Pacific Rim.
Other featured speakers include David Dix, chief executive officer and managing director of Creed Capital Management Australia Ltd. in Australia; Douglas Smith, managing director and head of Commercial Real Estate for Deutsche Bank in Japan; David L. Wickline, managing partner of Pacific Holdings Trust LLC of California; John Baldwin, principal of Bridge Capital of Saipan; and W. Nicholas Captain.
Real estate transactions have already increased on Guam last year in anticipation of the military expansion, with land transactions rising by 6 percent, apartment sales increasing by 25 percent, and condominium sales increasing by 28.9 percent.
Analysts attributed the real estate market’s improvement to “bottom of cycle” prices that were too low, pent-up demand, and deferred “move-up” acquisitions.
During the event, Captain said he will release the latest real estate statistics for Guam.
By Gerardo R. Partido Variety News Staff
September 7, 2007
DEPUTY Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Affairs David B. Cohen will be one of the keynote speakers in the upcoming 4th Micronesia Real Estate Investment Conference to be held on Sept. 28 and 29 at the Leo Palace Hotel.
Cohen will talk about issues facing investors in Micronesia real estate, including the Guam military buildup and other events, according to W. Nicholas Captain, organizer of the event.
“I expect that David Cohen will address issues of real interest to all our delegates. All of us want to know more about the huge opportunities the military buildup will offer investors. The $15 billion in military construction will bring a lot of people to Guam who are all going to have to live somewhere. And the whole Micronesia region is obviously ripe for more development,” Captain said.
Cohen is also expected to address what governments can do to maximize their lands and allow for economic development in his speech, “Unlocking the Value of Real Estate.” “The leaders of Micronesia have some issues before them concerning policy in their regions. I think David Cohen’s speech will lay all of this out,” Captain said.
Captain, who is the president of the Captain Real Estate Group of Companies, said this year’s conference is especially relevant because the expansion of the military on Guam brings along with it many opportunities for real estate investment.
“With the anticipation of about 8,000 U.S. Marines, their 10,000 dependents and an estimated support population of 24,000 coming to Guam, there are many important issues that will affect a wide range of industries in Micronesia. The general military buildup already begins to offer a myriad of opportunities in the real estate investment field,” Captain said.
The biennial real estate conference provides delegates and sponsors a unique opportunity to hear experts, peers and industry professionals speak and share information about real estate investment and development in the Pacific Rim.
Other featured speakers include David Dix, chief executive officer and managing director of Creed Capital Management Australia Ltd. in Australia; Douglas Smith, managing director and head of Commercial Real Estate for Deutsche Bank in Japan; David L. Wickline, managing partner of Pacific Holdings Trust LLC of California; John Baldwin, principal of Bridge Capital of Saipan; and W. Nicholas Captain.
Real estate transactions have already increased on Guam last year in anticipation of the military expansion, with land transactions rising by 6 percent, apartment sales increasing by 25 percent, and condominium sales increasing by 28.9 percent.
Analysts attributed the real estate market’s improvement to “bottom of cycle” prices that were too low, pent-up demand, and deferred “move-up” acquisitions.
During the event, Captain said he will release the latest real estate statistics for Guam.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Guam Industry Forum
Guam Industry Forum passes valuable lessons
by Clynt Ridgell, KUAM News
Friday, August 24, 2007
The place to be over the past two days for the island's private, public and federal sectors has been the Guam Industry Forum - a gathering so large, one venue alone couldn't contain it. The focus was on the opportunities that will abound with the migration of thousands of servicemembers and their families.
One of the highlights of today's forum was no doubt the speeches given by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and maybe more importantly the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Ike Skelton. "There is this buildup that's coming for Guam," said Skelton, the Missouri delegate. "It's a strategic decision that has been made at the highest level, it's a strategic decision that the Congress of the United States must cause to happen in what we do in particular the Armed Services Committee."
Congress and particularly the Committee are mandated by the Constitution of the United States of America to raise and maintain the military of the United States. The congressman says its his hope that they will be able to meet the strategic needs of the nation with Guam's military buildup. "This will be the tip of the national security spear for our country," he continued. "It's way out here in the Pacific, it's close to potential problems that we can't even foresee."
The congressman says that Guam's buildup is critical to the overall readiness of the U.S. armed forces to meet current and emerging threats here in the Asia-Pacific region. This buildup, according to Skelton, is something that must be done right the first time around for both the nation as a whole and for the people of Guam. "You can bet your bottom dollar that Madeline Bordallo on the Washington end and those of us on the Armed Services Committee will be doing our best to make it happen correctly, because it has to be done there's no second guessing it has to be done right," Skelton continued.
Congresswoman Bordallo says to get things done right will require the collaboration of all those who hold a stake in Guam's future and especially those businesses who are willing to invest in the island. She noted, "Private industry will be the backbone of the buildup and close cooperation and collaboration now between all parties involved is critical in ensuring the ultimate success of these projects."
And that's the focus of this entire two-day forum: to meet and entice investors and businesses through giving them a better understanding of the type products and services that will be needed for this massive military buildup. Denny Watts, chief executive officer and president of Watts Constructors, a business that already has a stake in Guam with military contracts including $80 million in homes for Big Navy, not to mention the new exchange at Yigo's Andersen Air Force Base.
Watts says the two-day forum was extremely informative. "What it really does though is it starts to move things down from the 100,000-foot level to the 50,000-foot level and to see how the monies going to be spent. Who is going to supply it what funds will come out of the government," he explained.
You can find out more the event about on the World Wide Web at GuamIndustryForum.com.
by Clynt Ridgell, KUAM News
Friday, August 24, 2007
The place to be over the past two days for the island's private, public and federal sectors has been the Guam Industry Forum - a gathering so large, one venue alone couldn't contain it. The focus was on the opportunities that will abound with the migration of thousands of servicemembers and their families.
One of the highlights of today's forum was no doubt the speeches given by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and maybe more importantly the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Ike Skelton. "There is this buildup that's coming for Guam," said Skelton, the Missouri delegate. "It's a strategic decision that has been made at the highest level, it's a strategic decision that the Congress of the United States must cause to happen in what we do in particular the Armed Services Committee."
Congress and particularly the Committee are mandated by the Constitution of the United States of America to raise and maintain the military of the United States. The congressman says its his hope that they will be able to meet the strategic needs of the nation with Guam's military buildup. "This will be the tip of the national security spear for our country," he continued. "It's way out here in the Pacific, it's close to potential problems that we can't even foresee."
The congressman says that Guam's buildup is critical to the overall readiness of the U.S. armed forces to meet current and emerging threats here in the Asia-Pacific region. This buildup, according to Skelton, is something that must be done right the first time around for both the nation as a whole and for the people of Guam. "You can bet your bottom dollar that Madeline Bordallo on the Washington end and those of us on the Armed Services Committee will be doing our best to make it happen correctly, because it has to be done there's no second guessing it has to be done right," Skelton continued.
Congresswoman Bordallo says to get things done right will require the collaboration of all those who hold a stake in Guam's future and especially those businesses who are willing to invest in the island. She noted, "Private industry will be the backbone of the buildup and close cooperation and collaboration now between all parties involved is critical in ensuring the ultimate success of these projects."
And that's the focus of this entire two-day forum: to meet and entice investors and businesses through giving them a better understanding of the type products and services that will be needed for this massive military buildup. Denny Watts, chief executive officer and president of Watts Constructors, a business that already has a stake in Guam with military contracts including $80 million in homes for Big Navy, not to mention the new exchange at Yigo's Andersen Air Force Base.
Watts says the two-day forum was extremely informative. "What it really does though is it starts to move things down from the 100,000-foot level to the 50,000-foot level and to see how the monies going to be spent. Who is going to supply it what funds will come out of the government," he explained.
You can find out more the event about on the World Wide Web at GuamIndustryForum.com.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Camacho at Guam Industry Forum
Camacho addresses industry forum
By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff
August 24, 2007
GOVERNOR Felix P. Camacho yesterday addressed the opening of the Guam Industry Forum, stressing that Guam is set to become a major player in the region as the military buildup enhances the quality of life for everyone.
“Like in any business, we must stay focused on our ultimate goals and keep our confidence and optimism. As Guam’s CEO, my ultimate goal and bottom line is the completion of the military expansion and that the outcomes achieved are sustainable, both physically and socially, for the foreseeable future,” the governor said in his keynote speech.
He said the challenge for the government now is to build a foundation for the future and transform an emerging community ready to accept the change that will be brought on by the buildup.
“We are taking the challenge and we want you to be our partners,” the governor told the assembled executives attending the forum.
Camacho said he has already asked the island’s economic, business and government stakeholders to collaborate and create an efficient system that will assure local and off-island partners a professional and friendly business climate.
The Civilian Military Task Force, composed of private sector and government agencies, will ensure the diversity of opinions are heard and solutions offered are acceptable to the people of Guam, the governor said.
He added that Guam’s strategic location is transforming the island into the Asia-Pacific Rim’s center for Asian-American trade.
“Guam’s strategic location is good for your business. We are where America’s day begins, and Asia’s closest U.S. connection. Since the days of the galleon trade, Guam has always been recognized for its strategic value because of its location,” the governor said.
He cited statistics which showed that real estate had an unprecedented increase of 300 percent from 2005 to 2006 alone and that Guam now ranks 8th among 36 insular economies on a Tourism Penetration Index.
“We are projecting 1.5 million arrivals in the next five years. We are confident that we can achieve this goal. Just as of June 2007, we reached nearly 1.4 million visitors,” the governor said.
Investment confidence is also high, Camacho added, pointing out that from 2006 to the second quarter of 2007, almost $413 million from the private sector and almost $211 million from the public sector was infused into the economy.
“I have said it in so many ways and in different words, in many functions and events, the military expansion for Guam spells progress. Military expansion means a strong economy that would support our core industries and infrastructure. But, more importantly, this would ensure that future generations who call Guam home would have opportunities to accomplish their dreams,” he concluded.
By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff
August 24, 2007
GOVERNOR Felix P. Camacho yesterday addressed the opening of the Guam Industry Forum, stressing that Guam is set to become a major player in the region as the military buildup enhances the quality of life for everyone.
“Like in any business, we must stay focused on our ultimate goals and keep our confidence and optimism. As Guam’s CEO, my ultimate goal and bottom line is the completion of the military expansion and that the outcomes achieved are sustainable, both physically and socially, for the foreseeable future,” the governor said in his keynote speech.
He said the challenge for the government now is to build a foundation for the future and transform an emerging community ready to accept the change that will be brought on by the buildup.
“We are taking the challenge and we want you to be our partners,” the governor told the assembled executives attending the forum.
Camacho said he has already asked the island’s economic, business and government stakeholders to collaborate and create an efficient system that will assure local and off-island partners a professional and friendly business climate.
The Civilian Military Task Force, composed of private sector and government agencies, will ensure the diversity of opinions are heard and solutions offered are acceptable to the people of Guam, the governor said.
He added that Guam’s strategic location is transforming the island into the Asia-Pacific Rim’s center for Asian-American trade.
“Guam’s strategic location is good for your business. We are where America’s day begins, and Asia’s closest U.S. connection. Since the days of the galleon trade, Guam has always been recognized for its strategic value because of its location,” the governor said.
He cited statistics which showed that real estate had an unprecedented increase of 300 percent from 2005 to 2006 alone and that Guam now ranks 8th among 36 insular economies on a Tourism Penetration Index.
“We are projecting 1.5 million arrivals in the next five years. We are confident that we can achieve this goal. Just as of June 2007, we reached nearly 1.4 million visitors,” the governor said.
Investment confidence is also high, Camacho added, pointing out that from 2006 to the second quarter of 2007, almost $413 million from the private sector and almost $211 million from the public sector was infused into the economy.
“I have said it in so many ways and in different words, in many functions and events, the military expansion for Guam spells progress. Military expansion means a strong economy that would support our core industries and infrastructure. But, more importantly, this would ensure that future generations who call Guam home would have opportunities to accomplish their dreams,” he concluded.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Better Poor Than Dead
'It's better being poor than dead'
THE Congressional hearing on August 13 on the military buildup on Guam was intentionally planned as to who should be allowed (now "invited") to testify. That's why there was no mention in our local media about the deadline to submit your name and testimony if you wanted to participate.
I "thank" our delegate, Madeleine Bordallo and this administration for barring certain activists such as Nasion Chamoru, who have been the most vocal and outspoken against this impending catastrophe.
Our Guamanian leaders know very well that they don't want the Virgin Islands delegate, Donna Christensen, and the rest of the "Team U.S.A." Resources Subcommitte members, to see and hear Nasion Chamoru testify that this massive military buildup will ruin Guam. They only want to hear from people who will give their "amen" and "sweet" testimony about how good this military buildup will mean to our island, for the so-called economic boom and opportunities.
Our senators who were "invited" to participate in this field hearing should refuse the invitation since it is not totally open to the community for public participation.
I see this hearing, except for a few individuals, as nothing more than a gathering of the puppets and carpetbaggers to show their commitment to the military and in the interest of their deep pockets.
To my people, we are in a very critical crisis. Whereas, I say that this massive military buildup will ruin Guam, I also say it would be better being poor than dead!
Fan Ma'naitai (pray) yan si Yu'os enfanbinindisi. Biba Chamoru! Biba Taotao Ta'no!
VINCENTE "FA'ET" GARRIDO
Maga'lahi, Nasion Chamoru
The Marianas Variety
August 10, 2007
THE Congressional hearing on August 13 on the military buildup on Guam was intentionally planned as to who should be allowed (now "invited") to testify. That's why there was no mention in our local media about the deadline to submit your name and testimony if you wanted to participate.
I "thank" our delegate, Madeleine Bordallo and this administration for barring certain activists such as Nasion Chamoru, who have been the most vocal and outspoken against this impending catastrophe.
Our Guamanian leaders know very well that they don't want the Virgin Islands delegate, Donna Christensen, and the rest of the "Team U.S.A." Resources Subcommitte members, to see and hear Nasion Chamoru testify that this massive military buildup will ruin Guam. They only want to hear from people who will give their "amen" and "sweet" testimony about how good this military buildup will mean to our island, for the so-called economic boom and opportunities.
Our senators who were "invited" to participate in this field hearing should refuse the invitation since it is not totally open to the community for public participation.
I see this hearing, except for a few individuals, as nothing more than a gathering of the puppets and carpetbaggers to show their commitment to the military and in the interest of their deep pockets.
To my people, we are in a very critical crisis. Whereas, I say that this massive military buildup will ruin Guam, I also say it would be better being poor than dead!
Fan Ma'naitai (pray) yan si Yu'os enfanbinindisi. Biba Chamoru! Biba Taotao Ta'no!
VINCENTE "FA'ET" GARRIDO
Maga'lahi, Nasion Chamoru
The Marianas Variety
August 10, 2007
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