Tinian Chamber president Philip Mendiola-Long said the business forum which will have two sessions will focus on the details and record of decision for the Guam/Marianas Military Relocation, and in training small businesses on how they do business with the federal government.
“The goal of the forum is to have key military leaders first explain the plans for the region and how local businesses can take part in the many opportunities,” Mendiola-Long said. He added that the forum will also allow business owners to know “what” to plan for.
Mendiola-Long said the business forum would be a great starting point for companies in the CNMI or Guam that have not yet studied or pursued opportunities that are related to the military buildup.
“Businesses can then evaluate the potential that the $20 billion in projects and contracts the buildup has to offer,” Mendiola-Long said.
He said the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, or NAVFAC, Small Business Outreach Forum will begin at 8 a.m. on October 27 and end at 4:40 p.m., which means participants form Saipan and Guam can still fly back if they do not want to stay on Tinian overnight.
Among the topics to be covered are the value of the CNMI and Micronesia to theater security, what the Record of Decision means for Tinian and the CNMI, the Department of Defense’ role in working with the community and success stories of how cohabitation works, Guam military buildup, procurement technical assistance center overview or the basics of contracting with the U.S. government, how the Small Business Development Center can assist in helping your business start or expand, DoD small business requirements and what businesses need in order to do business with the federal government, opportunities to sell goods and services to the Defense Commissary Agency and logistics agency.
Mendiola-Long said there will be panel discussions on how Tinian and CNMI businesses can prepare for the opportunities with the military buildup, and Tinian’s future role and opportunities available for small businesses.
Guest speakers for the forum are Rear Adm. Paul Bushong, commander U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, John J. Jackson, director of Joint Guam Program Office Forward, Gary Kuwabara of the Office of Economic Adjustment, Capt. Peter S. Lynch., commanding officer of NAVFAC Marianas, Vera Topasna, program manager for the U.S. Department of Defense Procurement Technical Assistance Cente, Casey Jeszenka, network director of Pacific Islands SBDC, and Albert Sampson, small business advisor of NAVFAC Marianas.
Mendiola-Long said as a special promotion for the event, Star Marianas Air has offered a $40 discounted airfare rate for all registered attendees of the forum.
For reservations and more information, contact Star Marianas Air at 670-433-9998.
Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino is also offering a $60 discounted rate for all registered forum participants. The hotel will provide free transportation from the Tinian International Airport upon arrival. For reservations, contact Tinian Dynasty at 670-328-2233. Another option for accommodation is the Fleming Hotel for the same $60 rate. Call 670-433-3232.
Mendiola-Long said registration for the forum is $25 with no lunch or $45 with lunch. To register, visit www.TinianChamber.com and click on the NAVFAC Small Business Outreach Forum link.
