'Okinawan First' Vendor Showcase helps Kadena units save money, time

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The "Okinawan First" Vendor Showcase, coordinated by the 18th Contracting Squadron and the Okinawa Public Corporation for Industry Promotion, was held Feb. 15 at the Schilling Community Center.

The event brought in Okinawan vendors to showcase locally-made products to the Government Purchase Cardholders, unit resource advisors and Airmen in management positions who attended. With the help of 18 CONS and the OPCIP, units could find products to purchase locally, rather than having similar items shipped from the U.S., which could save them both money and time.

"We're trying to make sure we bring the right products." Angela Harris, 18th Contracting Squadron chief of plans and programs said. "We want to see squadrons get what they need quicker."

Eduardo Oyadomari, OPCIP assistant manager, said the vendor showcase is supposed to not only help Kadena squadrons, but to also help Okinawan business owners connect with the U.S. government while building local economic growth.

"We're neighbors," said Mr. Oyadomari. "There are many companies from mainland Japan doing businesses here, so why not us? As long as we're neighbors, we'd like to work together."

The Okinawa Public Corporation for Industry Promotion has been working with local businesses from around the island, to help them build a working relationship with military installations here.

Ms. Harris said she hopes this relationship will continue to grow through annual showcases.

"People would be surprised at what they can get locally," said Ms. Harris. "I hope this will be first of many vendor showcases. We hope to get a lot of feedback on it, so we can know what units need."