Dear Editor,

It is a great honor to be named the 2008 Executive of the Year for Guam Business magazine, and something that is truly representative of the hard work and dedication of the numerous individuals who work behind the scenes supporting me — from the entire staff and management of First Hawaiian Bank on Guam and Saipan, the staff, board and committees of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, and the committee members of the various organizations that I participate in.

I would like to thank each and every one of them who played a very important part in contributing to all of the achievements that I am being recognized for.

I would also like to thank my nominator, the nomination committee and the judges — all past EOY recipients — who felt that I was worthy of this recognition. To be among the company of such great business leaders on both Guam, Saipan, and the Marshall Islands — is really overwhelming. Many of these past EOY recipients have been an inspiration to me as I climbed the corporate ladder.

Most of all, I would like to thank my parents for instilling the work habits and ethics while I was growing up, and especially my husband — Hank, and my daughter, Melanie, for their undying love and support. I couldn’t have done this without them.

Laura-Lynn V. Dacanay
Senior vice president and Guam and NMI region manager
First Hawaiian Bank
2008 Guam Business Executive of the Year

Editor,

Thank you all for making the 2008 Guam Business Executive of the Year event so much fun. I remain humbled and excited to have been part of such a fun event. I know how much work goes into putting this together and I really appreciate all you did to make this happen. I will smile — and laugh — often when I think back upon the last couple of weeks.

Andy Tidwell
Chief executive officer
Couture Marketing

Editor, 

I was rather impressed with how the [2008 Guam Business Executive of the Year] program was put together and especially with the entertainment factor of the “Executive Idol.”

I had an enjoyable evening  and was thrilled to have won a free night stay at the Hyatt. Kudos to you and your staff for putting together a very successful event.

James A. Martinez
President
Guam Contractors’ Association

Editor,

I want to express my sincere appreciation for all your hard work in putting the [2008 Guam Business Executive of the Year] dinner together. I truly had a wonderful time and can honestly say, it was one of my greatest experiences. I recognize the hard work and coordination to put on such an event and all of you should be very proud. For me, I made friends with individuals I had never met before, enjoyed learning a ballroom dance and finally, after over 25 years, just decided to stop being a closet singer and had a blast singing in front of a crowd like that.

I sent my own personal congratulations to Laura [Dacanay, 2008 Guam Business Executive of the Year] and always felt she was most deserving of the award. Laura started at that bank from the very bottom and I know some of the difficult times she faced in climbing a ladder that a lot of male egos would try and shake from time to time. A great choice. I am just pleased to have been a part of this worthwhile event and again, thanks for including me.
 
Peter A. Sgro Jr.
President and chairman of the board
International Group Inc.
Nominee

Editor,
Good [Executive of the Year] show. I had fun.

David E. Silva
Business development officer
Takagi & Associates
Executive of the Year talent judge

Editor,

Another successful event—our 26th annual Guam Business Executive of the Year “Executive Idol Season II”, what a smashing hit it was. We will need to put our heads together before too long to come up with another exciting theme.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the nominees for being so generous and gracious in supporting Guam Business in honoring the Executive of the Year 2008 in recognition of the success of her business and her many contributions to the community. This year’s Executive of the Year, Laura-Lynn Dacanay, is a living example of a businesswoman whose hard work, determination, ambition and drive got her to where she is today. This should serve as an inspiration to everyone with aspirations…It can be done!

On behalf of my board, staff, volunteers and the many victims of disaster who will benefit from this fundraising event, our heartfelt thanks to Guam Business, the seven nominees and the many donors and sponsors for continuing to support the local chapter of the American Red Cross. As we face the challenge of the most difficult economic time in decades, we are confident that with hard work and with your consistent generous assistance, we will build a stronger, more vibrant and sustainable American Red Cross Guam chapter.

Chita A. Blaise
Chief Executive Officer
Guam Chapter of the American Red Cross

Editor,

We noticed that TakeCare Insurance/FHP was not included in the Guam Business Internet Guide Site Directory. For future issues, please include us — our Web site is www.takecareasia.com.  We appreciate your help.

Christine H. Restuvog
Coordinator, Business Development & Marketing
TakeCare Insurance Company Inc.

Editor’s note: Guam Business regrets the omission.