Awards, media coverage and recognition for local businesses making names for themselves in the region and beyond
TV talent and others appear in a TV production of Japan’s BS Asahi. (From left) Asami Kumakiri, TV talent and Kenichi Ogura
Photo Courtesy of the Marianas Visitors Authority
Japan’s BS Asahi premiers Saipan TV special
BS Asahi, operated by Japan’s TV Asahi, premiered a 54-minute TV special about Saipan.
The special was filmed at the Grandvrio Resort Saipan, the Surf Club, and numerous scenic sites, including Managaha, Bird Island Lookout, Ladder Beach, and Micro Beach.
Titled “New Travel Style, Retreat for Adults – Relaxing and Healing Trip to Saipan” the program is expected to reach about 230,000 viewers and targets middle-age active travelers. It’s anticipated public relations value to the Northern Mariana Islands is about $55,000, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority.
Photo Courtesy of The Marianas Visitors Authority
NMI featured in ads in National Geographic Traveller
The Marianas Visitors Authority has scheduled three full page ads in the National Geographic’s UK magazine.
The full-page ads feature Saipan, Tinian, and Rota in the October, November and December print and digital issues of the National Geographic Traveller, targeting both Europe and the global FIT traveler.
MVA negotiated a rate of $15,000 for the three ads.
Named in memory of long-time Black Construction safety professional Joseph Leasiolagi, this award is earned by the company with the highest score of all entries in the safety category. Also, 12 GCA members measured their safety processes and policies on 25 key components.
Jay Forsyth, principal of Forsyth Public Relations; was recognized as the 2023 GCA Champion.
The UOG Society for Human Resource Management members joined their advisors at the Fall or Fanuchanan 2022 Mock Job Fair.
(From left rear) Napu Aguon, Beatriz Arcilla, Jennifer Tanghal, Jaeslene Manibusan, Christasha Aguon, and Elina Jakl; and (from left front) Kolbric Diego; Denzyl Mariei Ngiralmau; Dr. Joann CE Diego, Advisor; Jamie Freita, and Alvin Yambao.
Photo Courtesy of the University of Guam
UOG SHRM student chapter receives Outstanding Chapter Award
The Society for Human Resource Management recognized the University of Guam SHRM student chapter with the Outstanding Student Chapter Award.
The student chapter’s activities included organizing events such as the Mock Job Fair and the SHRM Thrive Wellness Fair.
Bank of Guam garners American Bankers Association Foundation award
The American Bankers Association Foundation named eight banks as 2023 Community Commitment Award winners, one being the Bank of Guam.
The annual awards recognize banks for extraordinary corporate social responsibility efforts in seven specific categories ranging from affordable housing to economic inclusion.
Bank of Guam’s Financial Empowerment Program offered more than 1,000 community financial education presentations on a range of topics including basic financial literacy, debt management, wealth accumulation and asset building, and small business development.
Chief Justice Robert J. Torres receives the “Making the World a More Just Place” award.
Photo Courtesy of the University of Guam
Guam’s chief justice receives award
Guam Chief Justice Robert J. Torres is one of 11 distinguished recipients of the National Judicial College’s “Making the World a More Just Place” award.
The award was given to Torres during the National Judicial College’s 60th anniversary celebration on Sept. 28 at the New York Athletic Club.
Additionally, Chief Justice Torres previously received the first Philippine Judges Association Award and was named the 2022 recipient of the Judge William H. Burnett Award by the American Judges Association.
The UOG Marketing & Communications team and UOG Web Team hold the awards they received at the University of Guam 70th Anniversary Exhibit. (From left) Laura Pangelinan, Jackie Hanson, Bernadette Capindo, Jonas D. Macapinlac; Eugene Herrera, Eurich Patacsil, and Matthew L. Raymundo.
Photo Courtesy of the University of Guam
UOG marketing team makes finals of AMA award
The University of Guam is a finalist for the American Marketing Association Foundation’s Higher Education Marketer of the Year Team Award.
The UOG Marketing and Communications team is being recognized for its work in 2022 following digital marketing campaigns and promotion of UOG’s 70th Anniversary celebration.
The team has also won Internet Advertising Awards, National Association of Government of Communicators awards, and a Circle of Excellence Bronze Award.
Actress Lee Siyoung (on right) enjoys an ATV tour with friends in Saipan.
Photo Courtesy of the Marianas Visitors Authority
Netflix actress promotes Northern Marianas
Following her recent visit to Saipan and Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands, Korean actress Lee Siyoung, who stars in two Netflix original series, has generated more than $500,000 in public relations exposure, according to the Marianas Visitors Authority. During her visit with family and friends, she was able to highlight various activities suitable for family and friends trips.
She generated exposure after sharing her experience with her more than three million followers in posts on her Instagram account. Lee stayed at the Saipan World Resort and the Aqua Resort Club Saipan during her visit.
Surfrider Resort hotel honored with 2023 KAYAK travel award
Based on o reviews from travelers, the Surfrider Resort Hotel in Chalan Kanoa in Saipan achieved a milestone by ranking in the top 3% of properties worldwide on the travel search platform, KAYAK.
Atkins Kroll hosts 17th annual Toyota Dream Car art contest
Young artists in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands under 15 years of age can again enter the contest to test their imaginative skills by illustrating their vision of future mobility through dream car designs.
The deadline to turn in designs that follow the theme “Your Dream Car” is set for Jan 31. Entries can be submitted via email to [email protected] or in person at the Toyota showroom.
Supernatural legends of Guam are featured at Hilton
For its Halloween display, “Supernatural Legends of Guam,” played tribute to Guam’s myths and legends.
The display highlighted the Nunu or banyan tree, Taotamo’na, Duhendes, and the White Lady of Maina.
(From left) Rumiko Ishigami, Consul-General of Japan in Hagatna; Tamotsu Iizuka, Board Member and Honorary Member, Make-a-Wish Foundation of Guam. |
(From left) Rumiko Ishigami, Consul-General of Japan in Hagatna; Yoshihiro “Lucky” Sakamoto, member of the Japan Club of Guam. |
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan commends Guam residents
Tamotsu Iizuka, and to Yoshihiro “Lucky” Sakamoto were recognized by the Consulate General of Japan on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan for “promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the USA.”
Iizuka, was recognized in his commendation as a long-term Guam board member of Make-a-Wish Guam and CNMI has been supporting the needs of Guamanian and Japanese children suffering from critical illness by making their dreams come true on Guam. Sakamoto, a long-time member of the Japan Club of Guam, contributed enormously toward the successful hosting of the Japan Club of Guam Annual Autumn Festival, acting in the capacity as the main liaison between the Government of Guam and the Japan Club of Guam, according to his commendation.
The Foreign Minister’s commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas.
Saipan Chamber announces 2024 board
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce announced elected members of the board of directors for the 2024 board.
They are Velma Anne M. Velma Palacios, executive director, IT&E Saipan (Returning); Joshua Wise, general manager/pharmacist, PHI Pharmacy (returning); Alex A. Sablan, vice president, Tan Holdings (returning); and Brad Ruszala, marketing director, Triple J Saipan (newly elected)
The four join incumbent directors Joe C. Guerrero, co-Owner, Naked Fish Bar & Grill; Janice Tenorio, operations manager, IT&E Saipan; John Z. Arroyo, CEO, Bank of Saipan; Donna Krum, owner, Friends First Marketing; and Ron Smith, owner, Angil Designs.
Core Tech was announced as the Excellence in Construction awardee by GCA.
Photo courtesy of the Guam Contractors Association
Core Tech and Hensel Phelps awarded top GCA recognitions
The Guam Contractors Association announced Hensel Phelps as its Contractor of the Year, for “the company’s overall prominence in the construction industry on Guam, and its achievement in safety; health and wellness programs; environmental responsibility and sustainability; quality of work-life, including professional development of its workforce through training and promotion opportunities; and social responsibility and service to the community of Guam.”
Core Tech International Corp. was awarded the 2023 GCA Excellence in Construction Award for its Summer Breeze affordable housing project in Barrigada.
Core Tech’s project will be submitted to compete nationally at this year’s Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction Awards.
Custom Mechanical Systems Corp. won Second Place Overall for its Renovate/Expand Hangar 6 Building 18100 project at Andersen Air Force Base and Core Tech International won Third Place Overall for its Renovate/Expand Hangar 6 Building 18100 (subcontractor No. 13365) project.
Black Construction Corp. won the top safety award, the “Samoan Joe Excellence in Construction Special Safety Award” for its Replace Andersen [Air Force Base] Housing Phase I,II,II project.
Named in memory of long-time Black Construction safety professional Joseph Leasiolagi, this award is earned by the company with the highest score of all entries in the safety category. Also, 12 GCA members measured their safety processes and policies on 25 key components.
Jay Forsyth, principal of Forsyth Public Relations; was recognized as the 2023 GCA Champion.
Famous philanthropist and businessman made a mark in the islands
By Maureen N. Maraitia
Charles Francis “Chuck” Feeney passed away on Oct. 9, at the age of 92.
Feeney — an extraordinary philanthropist and businessman — is well remembered in the Mariana Islands. He was the founder of the Pacific Islands Clubs in Guam and Saipan and DFS, businesses that thrive to this day in the islands.
Feeney was notably proud of the PIC resorts and the concept, modeled after the French Club Mediterranee locations, but aimed initially in 1979 at the Japan market.
He said of his regional investment into the hospitality industry, “The Pacific Islands Club was one of my early hotel investments, and I believe it is the most successful. In any case, it is the most rewarding of my many investments, since it blended two diverse cultures into a unique and profitable business.” *
J. Michael Windsor was chairman of the General Atlantic Commercial Group, the parent company of InterPacific Resorts, which did business as PIC in Guam and Saipan.
In 2007 Windsor told the Journal — sister publication to Guam Business Magazine, “Mr. Feeney always wanted to do a Club Med aimed at the Japanese market. We originally started the whole idea in 1979 with a 10-year lease of the property next door to Tokyu.” The original hotel’s assets had been purchased in 1978, and PIC Guam opened in 1980 with bungalows and resort activities.
Windsor said, “In April 1980 we got wind that Continental wanted to sell its hotel properties in Guam, Saipan, Truk, and Palau. We were only interested in the one in Guam.” The property was purchased in November 1980. “That gave us two adjacent properties,” he said. “The two towers were sold to Tokyu at the end of the 80s and we’ve run it since then on a management contract. Saipan we own and manage.” PIC Saipan was built in 1988.
Ken Corp. and Orix became owners of PIC Guam on June 1,2005, with Ken Corp. later taking on full ownership of PIC in Guam and Saipan. “They should be happy with the performance,” Windsor said in 2007. “We have good management teams.” When the E-land Group purchased PIC Saipan in 2012, Ken Corp. initially continued its management contract there.
Windsor joined DFS in 1969 as controller then accepted a post with Feeney — then one of shareholders of DFS, moving upwards from involvement in Feeney’s personal ventures to his position as chairman of General Atlantic.
Feeney established General Atlantic in 1980 to invest in high-growth businesses, and among other aims to fund the global charity of Atlantic Philanthropies, to which he donated virtually all his wealth. Atlantic required recipients not to reveal the source of donations. In the 1980s, Feeney transferred his 38.75% stake in DFS to the foundation.
Windsor visited Guam through the years as business dictated “starting with the first Duty Free Shop in the 70s and when we started PIC in 1980. Our first DFS store was at the Dai-Ichi hotel.”
(From left) Bartley A. Jackson, vice president and general manager of Bridge Capital LLC, and former general manager of PIC; then governor of Guam Felix P. Camacho; Charles “Chuck” Feeney; and the late J. Michael Windsor, chairman of General Atlantic Commercial Group, parent company of InterPacific Resorts, which did business as Pacific Islands Club in Guam and Saipan.
Photo courtesy of Bartley A. Jackson. The photo was taken by the Office of the Governor on April 10, 2008.
Duty Free Shoppers Ltd. opened the store in 1971, the year the Dai-Ichi opened. The hotel, formerly the Fiesta Resort Guam, now operates as the Crowne Plaza Resort Guam.
In 1985 Duty Free Shoppers Ltd. opened a 25-000 square foot store on Chalan San Antonio in Tamuning, opening the Tumon store in 1995. The chain is now known as DFS, and its stores as T Gallerias by DFS.
In 1996, Feeney and one of the minority partners sold their stakes in DFS to the French luxury group Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy.
PIC’s longtime managers maintained their contact with Feeney. Bartley A. Jackson, vice president and general manager of Bridge Capital LLC; was formerly general manager of PIC in Guam, as well as general manager of PIC in Saipan from 1994 to 2011.
“I had the honor to get to know him personally. I met him in 1990 and last saw him in August, a few months before he passed.”
Local students in the Mariana Islands were also recipients of Feeney’s philanthropy, Jackson says. “Chuck Feeney was one of the most extraordinary people ever to walk the earth. During his lifetime, he gave away $8 billion, the proceeds of his DFS fortune. He loved Guam and the [Mariana Islands] and visited frequently. He had a special place in his heart for this part of the world.
“He created a philanthropic organization called the InterPacific Fellowship — donating hundreds of thousands to local Guam and Saipan residents to support their higher learning.
“He was an amazing man; so humble and self-effacing, yet so incredibly compassionate and generous. He was a champion of the at-risk, underprivileged, unwell and aging. His donations — most of which were made anonymously — helped people around the world. He will truly be missed by so many. I’m a better person for having known him.”
Feeney’s history and humble beginnings are well documented. Born on April 23, 1931, in New Jersey of blue-collar Irish American parents, he would secure a top education. After graduation from the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in 1956, Feeney and Robert W. Miller founded Tourists International, which later became Duty Free Shoppers, with two minority partners. Miller remains a shareholder.
It is ironic that this story of Feeney appears in a section of Guam Business Magazine called “In the Spotlight.” He shunned the spotlight and recognition for the astounding number of significant donations he and his foundation would make around the world. Feeney did agree to work with Conor O’Clery on an autobiography, called “The Billionaire who Wasn’t,” subtitled, “How Chuck Feeney secretly made and gave away a fortune.” O’Clery wrote on the fly leaf of the book Feeney hoped revealing his story would encourage rich individuals to put their wealth to good use during their lifetimes. DFS and the PICS are mentioned in the book.
*Glimpses Media researched the decades of the history of Pacific Islands Club Guam through its various interviews and stories on the resort, and the files of Guam Business Magazine. Glimpses Media received comments from Feeney, and also quoted Michael Windsor among its documentation of the hotel’s continued growth and successes, and the people who contributed to that. A detailed timeline of the Pacific Islands Club Guam — the result of the project Glimpses undertook to produce — hangs in the hotel and includes the comments in this story from Feeney and Windsor.
