"Okinawan First": Local effort, strategic impact

  • Published
  • By Maj. Christopher A. Anderson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
OKINAWA, Japan --  In an effort to increase the economic impact on Okinawa while saving time and money, the U.S. Consulate and the Okinawa Public Corporation for Industry Promotion hosted the second annual "Okinawan First" Business Fair Apr. 18 in Chatan town.

The event brought in more than 200 Okinawan vendors to introduce them to the various military contracting and procurement offices on Okinawa, including Kadena's 18th Contracting Squadron.

The vendors learned about doing business with the U.S. government, and according to the U.S. Consulate, the hope is that in the future, Airmen, Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors will be able to find more products to purchase locally, rather than having similar items shipped from the U.S., saving money while maintaining quality.

Consulate General Raymond Greene attended the event, as well as business leaders from the Okinawa Chamber of Commerce, the Kadena Chamber of Commerce, the Chatan Chamber of Commerce, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Okinawa.

"This is a great initiative that helps increase business opportunities for local companies, and build strong business partnerships," said Greene.

Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, who also represented the Okinawa Area Coordinating Committee, said during his opening remarks that the United States' commitment to Japan under our security treaty has much to do with local businesses.

"In order to carry out our mission -- to defend Japan and maintain peace and stability within the region -- each of our commands here in Okinawa must have the right facilities and the right equipment," Molloy said. "Okinawan companies offer good products and services, reliable staff, and the know how to get the job done right -- on time, within budget -- every time."

According to Rubyann Prout, 18th Contracting Squadron deputy commander, for Kadena Air Base alone there is substantial opportunity for Okinawan firms to sell their small commodities and services to holders of the Government Purchase Card, a $17-million-a-year program.

"Over last year, the increase of local business awards increased by seven percent," said Prout. "There is much more room to grow."

According to Molloy, this local effort has strategic implications.

"Together, we can build a strong partnership to support the U.S. military's mission and the Okinawan economy," said Molloy.