Opens on Guam Biggest Names in Nities IGA Communities

t INSIDE

North West to Guam Bringing three centuries of successful retail tradition to Guam and the Pacific Islands. (See story on Page 3) Partners in freshness and quality —

Volume 7 No. 3 www.mbjguam.net June 8, 2009 - June 21, 2009 SuperValu and IGA By Joan Muna Aguon A Fresh Approach island fresh IGA Hometown proud will bring one of the Making customers’ commu- island fresh IGA opens on Guam biggest names in nities IGA communities. By Joan Muna Aguon grocery shopping to (See story on Page 5) Guam shoppers for the first time. The IGA sland residents who are all about great central area of the island, since it is less than name carries with it a deals and savings, now have another five minutes from Hagatna and from Mangi- standard of product exciting option when it comes to gro- lao. Its location will undoubtedly be one of Mark Batenic quality and freshness cery shopping. the keys to its success. along with the sup- I rd t index On May 23 , island fresh IGA grocery The North West Company invested more porting infrastructure and a global repu- store, which is owned by The North West than $6 million in the property and building tation for giving customers what they Company, the parent company of the Cost- to ensure that island fresh IGA would provide want. The North West Company 3 U-Less stores, held its grand opening. The its customers with a clean, convenient, com- Independent Grocers Alliance or new store is located on Route 4 in Chalan fortable shopping environment that would IGA, is the world’s largest voluntary su- Pago, and occupies the thoroughly refur- highlight the quality and freshness of its permarket chain with more than 4,000 Grand opening photos 6, 7 bished, upgraded building that had been the products. members worldwide, all of whom are Hita Supermarket. The island fresh IGA sign is According to Ordot/Chalan Pago Mayor, independently owned and operated an instant, eye-catching fixture in the village, Jessy C. Gogue, the feedback from the village grocery stores. The company’s slogan, How island fresh got its name 8 with its bright sun and palm tree adorning residents has been overwhelmingly positive. “Hometown Proud,” reflects its commit- the store banner. “Since this is the fifth attempt to run a suc- ment to stores that service, and are prod- The new community supermarket of- cessful business at our Chalan Pago location, ucts of, the communities that they serve. What customers say 8 fers both convenient hours and a conven- we are optimistic that between an interna- For more than 80 years, IGA’s exclu- ient location. It is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 tional company such as IGA, partnered with sive store brand product line has provid- p.m. It is ideal for those who reside in Guam’s a long-time local business (Cost-U-Less), the ed customers with an attractive alterna- southern villages, especially those who pass combination is undoubtedly a great combi- tive to big-name national brands. The IGA it daily on their way to and from work. It is red oval on IGA products promises the See Fresh approach on page 5 also convenient for those who live in the quality that shoppers and their families will grow to enjoy. IGA-brand products A fresh start — products that meet customers’ stand- ards for quality and their expectations for value —are only found in IGA stores Independent grocers and regional chains are proud, friendly, entrepreneur- ial business owners who have retailing in their blood. They understand that lots of hard work and good decisions are required to start and build an independent business in the face of chain competition, new formats, complex regulations and expensive technology. Members of the IGA family face the same challenges as non-branded inde- pendents, but there’s a difference; IGA Retailers are not alone. They have the access to the industry’s largest group of peers and trading partners, as well as the training and retailing programs they need to make their stores the preferred shopping destinations in their communities. Moreover, they have the power of a world-recognized brand that is trusted by customers throughout the globe. Research has demonstrated that IGA customers choose IGA because they receive the service that they want from employees they like. With IGA, customers are promised the responsiveness of a well-trained independent, community- based retailing family combined with the The staff and management of island fresh IGA stand ready to serve Guam customers at their new store on Route 4 in Chalan Pago. The store held its grand opening on May assurance of a trusted brand — a brand 23 and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. See Partners on page 5 June 8, 2009 - June 21, 2009 www.mbjguam.net Marianas Business Journal

Office of the Governor of Guam P.O. Box 2950 Hagåtña, Guam 96932 Felix P. Camacho TEL: (671) 472-8931 • FAX: (671) 477-4826 • EMAIL: [email protected] Governor

Michael W. Cruz, M.D. Lieutenant Governor

A message from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Guam

Hafa Adai! We extend our warmest island welcome to island fresh IGA supermarket and our heartfelt congratulations to its owner, The North West Company, on the renovation of the property and the grand opening held May 23.

island fresh IGA will be run under the 340 years of international retail experience of The North West Company and in partnership with Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), the trusted supermarket network with more than 4,000 members worldwide, and with Supervalu, a wholesale food provider that has 135 years of food and logistics innovation experience. We are pleased to welcome to our island this level of experience in grocery retailing as well as the quality line of IGA products they provide.

IGA Supermarkets works to achieve an inviting, neighborly image — one that The North West Company has achieved with island fresh IGA by expanding the parking area, widening of the main entrance off of Route 4 and adding another entrance to the property.

We look forward to seeing their staff of 42 grow with the rest of our island in the coming years, and we support their efforts to expand to other locations in Guam and the Pacific. Their “Hometown Proud” motto is sure to radiate throughout the village of Chalan Pago and the rest of the island.

Sinseru yan Magåhet,

FELIX P. CAMACHO MICHAEL W. CRUZ, M.D. I Maga’ Låhem Guåhan Iseguondo Na Maga’ Låhen Guåhan Governor of Guam Lieutenant Governor of Guam

Gibraltar House 77 Main Street Gibraltar House Winnipeg, Manitoba 77 Main Street R3C 2R1 Phone: (204) 943-0881 Winnipeg, Manitoba www.northwest.ca R3C 2R1 Phone: (204) 943-0881 www.northwest.ca

A Message from the CEO of The North West company Edward Kennedy

The North West Company is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its firstisland fresh IGA supermarket in Chalan Pago, Guam. island fresh IGA is an exciting new store concept for The North West Company, which brings our passion for providing an exceptional shopping experience to our new friends and customers in Guam and soon in the neighboring islands of the South Pacific. At NWC, we have been actively engaged in serving our customers’ needs for more than 340 years beginning with our first trading posts along Canada’s Hudson Bay in 1668. Today, with 225 locations, The North West Company is a leading retailer of food and everyday products and services to rural communities in Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. What you can expect from your island fresh IGA store can best be summed up by its mission statement: island fresh IGA is committed to providing an exceptional shopping experience by delivering value and reliably stocking the best local selection of fresh foods and a variety of convenience items that enrich the everyday lives of our customers. As a Hometown Proud retailer, we strive to enhance the communities we serve by delivering helpful, friendly services in a welcoming environment, and by continuously seeking to improve. Through the passion of employees who make delivering on our Customer Value Offer their first priority, and by always delivering on our promises, we earn customer loyalty and trust. island fresh IGA will offer a complete shopping experience with a deli, bakery, fresh meat and fresh produce departments, a coffee and espresso bar, an adult beverage department, and U.S. and international food brands. The store will also offer an ATM and a number of other customer service conveniences. Forty-two of your friends and neighbors will be providing the passion and commitment to service in your Chalan Pago island fresh IGA. With the launch of this new venture we are grateful to have the help of outstanding vendor partners. Local partners will help us provide the best local fresh foods available while our longstanding partnership with SUPERVALU will allow us to bring value in national brands from one of the largest food wholesalers in the world today. IGA is an exciting new partner who shares our commitment to providing helpful, friendly service and unwavering Hometown Proud Community support. Working with IGA, we are confident that island fresh will serve its community as successfully as the more than 4,000 other IGA member supermarkets located in the United States and 40 other countries across the globe. I invite you to come by and meet Manager Steve Schmidt and our island fresh IGA team. They are looking forward to meeting and serving you and your family at your Chalan Pago island fresh IGA. Best Regards,

Edward S. Kennedy President and Chief Executive Officer Marianas Business Journal www.mbjguam.net June 8, 2009 - June 21, 2009 The North West Company

The North West Company has a his- Supermarket was performed by long- tory that dates back to 1668, and is the time Guam-based construction compa- leading retailer of food and everyday ny, Black Construction Corp. The North products and services to rural commu- West Company invested about $6 mil- nities and urban neighborhoods across lion to purchase and upgrade the 25,000 Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific and the square-foot facility, 13,000 square feet of Caribbean. which is retail space. The renovation and Listed in Manitoba Business Maga- upgrades started with the demolition of zine as one of the 50 fastest growing the two-story building which was con- companies in 2009, The North West nected to the existing store in order to Company has a compelling and authen- increase the parking space so it would tic history that few organizations have accommodate customers’ parking needs. experienced. The company feels privi- The company also improved traffic ac- leged to serve some of the most unique cess and flow to the store by expanding customers and communities in the world the Route 4 entrance and adding an en- and to offer products and services that trance on the east side of the store. enhance customers’ everyday lives. The new Chalan Pago store is cur- The North West Company’s legacy of rently managed by 12-year resident of enterprising spirit lives on as it remains Guam, Steve W. Schmidt. The middle island fresh IGA team members are ready to meet customers’ needs at the store’s conveniently located one of the world’s longest continuing management is also comprised of local customer service counter. enterprises. Today, the company oper- residents who share the philosophy of ates 225 locations in 11 countries, span- The North West Company. ning an incredible seven time zones. It The North West Company owns 225 embraces that heritage and strives to stores across Canada, the United States apply the same spirit, commitment and and in nine other nations. The compa- values that helped its founders to estab- ny’s stores include the Cost-U-Less brand lish the company. which it acquired in 2007. But the island The North West Company (NWC) fresh IGA brand on Guam is the first such continues to be customers’ first shop- banner for the company, according to ping choice for everyday products and President and CEO, Edward Kennedy. services. Kennedy said the company will def- The company’s guiding principles initely consider other villages on Guam continue to pave the way to its success for future community stores. The com- — customer driven, accountability, trust, pany considers community stores one of passion, enterprising and personal bal- its specialties and believes in customer ance. satisfaction. . The pioneer merchant-traders who According to Ben Piatt, Vice Presi- helped establish the NWC nearly three dent for Procurement and Marketing of and a half centuries ago couldn’t have The North West Company (International) imagined where their efforts would lead. Inc., a lot of time and effort, as well as Today, the company, recognizes their in- brainstorming went into the planning of fluence as a major factor that shaped the island fresh IGA. people and the land they encountered “NWC has spent the better part of and that forms the foundation of the two years developing, designing and company. planning the opening of multiple island The North West Company is driven fresh stores on Guam and on surround- by a strategy aimed at growing “with and ing Pacific islands. Once fully tested, we within” each market it serves. Observers also believe the island fresh concept can can see this commitment in continuous be a valued shopping experience in the expansion into new products and serv- Carribbean markets as well.” ices and in the company’s effort to tai- Kennedy is optimistic and said the lor each store’s merchandise mix to the company’s faith in the Guam economy is community it serves. While the ongoing strong and long-term despite low tour- expansion of its food offering continues ism arrival numbers. He said that he be- to drive sales growth, complementary lieves the island will find its way out of products and services, including finan- this economic slump and that the Guam cial services, healthcare, motor vehicle military buildup will benefit the store. and gasoline retailing, are growing con- As the oldest retailer on the North tributors to its continued success. American continent, each twist and turn In its grocery stores, The North West in The North West Company’s long and Company continues to invest in the skills colorful history represent valuable les- The island fresh IGA Java Spot provides a place for customers to relax and enjoy a snack, a freshly brewed and technology required to refine mer- sons and insights gained. espresso, or even a rainbow-colored soft ice cream treat. chandise selection and ordering capa- NWC continues to diversify and bilities. This, combined with the insight grow, and the company has never lost of local managers, enables the stores to sight of the fact that success in business deliver the best merchandise at the best results from knowing your customers price, one community and one customer, and meeting their needs. at a time. Piatt encourages the people of The North West Company which Guam to experience the island fresh IGA also owns the Cost-U-Less stores, is ec- concept and take a look at all the com- static over the recent opening of the pany has to offer: “Please stop by our island fresh IGA supermarket in Chalan very first location in Chalan Pago and Pago, Guam. island fresh IGA is an excit- enjoy your neighborhood market!” ing new store concept for The North West Company which brings the company’s passion for providing an exceptional shopping experience to new friends and customers on Guam, and soon to the neighboring islands of the Western Pacific. The renovation of the former Hita island fresh IGA offers shoppers a wide variety of Asian and Mexican foods. “The location of the newly opened island fresh store outlet is a wonderful location for many of our people who reside in the southern and central parts of our island. Variety in store selections and competition bodes very well for our island consumers. I am confident that the quality of their fresh products and other store items will be in demand to support other store facilities.”

June 8, 2009 - June 21, 2009 www.mbjguam.net Marianas Business Journal

island fresh IGA offers customers the best selection of frozen foods.

The value-pack section of the island fresh IGA store offers family-sized packages of family products at prices that families can afford.

The produce section of the island fresh IGA store is unsurpassed in freshness, quality and variety.

OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER 30th GUAM LEGISLATURE JUDITH T. WON PAT, Ed.D.

MESSAGE FROM THE SPEAKER

Hafa Adai!

I would like to express, on behalf of my colleagues of I Mina’Trenta na Liheslaturan Guåhan, a most sincere congratulations to the new

island fresh IGA The energy-saving lighting system at island fresh IGA is only one aspect of the company’s commitment to being environmentally friendly. As Speaker of the 30 th Guam Legislature, I would like to personally extend best wishes to your business as you serve our community’s needs for many years to come!

Senseramente,

155 HESLER PLACE HAGATNA, GUAM 96910 | TEL: (671) 472-3586-7 • FAX: (671) 472-3589 EMAIL: [email protected] The owners meant it when they put “fresh” in island fresh IGA. “The location of the newly opened island fresh store outlet is a wonderful location for many of our people who reside in the southern and central parts of our island. Variety in store selections and competition bodes very well for our island consumers. I am confident that the quality of their fresh products and other store items will be in demand to support other store facilities.”

Marianas Business Journal www.mbjguam.net June 8, 2009 - June 21, 2009

FRESH APPROACH: “The location of the newly opened island fresh IGA store outlet is a wonderful location for many of our people who reside in the southern and central parts of our island. PARTNERS: “We look forward to a long and productive re- Variety in store selections and competition bodes very well for our island consumers. I am lationship with The North West Company, and to delivering confident that the quality of their fresh products and other store items will be in demand to support other store facilities.” IGA’s promise of neighborly, community-focused customer Continued from page 1 IGA and wished the store continued success for many years to come. service to the people of Guam,” nation for ensuring that island fresh IGA “I am extremely appreciative to the will be a business partner in our commu- owners and management of island fresh nity for decades to come,” he said. IGA. The recent opening of the store re- island fresh IGA brings to Guam qual- inforces the economic opportunities that ity products including packaged goods, continue to exist on Guam, particularly fresh produce, and even household items in light of the impending military-Guam at great prices and with excellent custom- buildup,” Aguon said, “The location of er service. Also, offered at island fresh IGA the newly opened island fresh IGA store are more than 300 International Grocery outlet is a wonderful location for many Alliance (IGA) brand products — canned of our people who reside in the southern goods, paper products, condiments and and central parts of our island. Variety in other items — offered at amazing prices store selection and competition bodes below the national-brand equivalent very well for our island consumers. I am and of outstanding quality. Striving to be confident that the quality of their fresh the community’s leading shopping des- products and other store items will be in tination, island fresh IGA follows a vision demand to support other store facilities.” statement in which community satisfac- island fresh IGA is proud of the fact tion is vital. that it has hired more than 40 local em- The island fresh IGA vision state- ployees, who will be providing products ment: and customer service to their friends, • We will be first with customers seek- relatives and neighbors. The store is coming our superior selection of value priced, mitted to its employees as well. It will en- always-in-stock fresh foods and conven- sure that all members of the island fresh The SUPERVALU distribution center in Tacoma, Wash. ience items. IGA team will be able to take pride in the • We will be first in our region for our work that they do and that they will feel Continued from page 1 island fresh IGA is proud to bring its helpful, friendly service and unwavering that they are, in fact, integral parts of the new Guam customers the buying power Hometown Proud community support. island fresh IGA family. that brings a powerful avenue for sav- of one of the world’s largest food whole- • We will be first with employees by Aguon said that the employment ings with a quality-controlled private salers, SUPERVALU. fostering an environment that promotes opportunities and jobs provided to more label offering that is equal to, or better SUPERVALU is also a leader in gro- personal balance, in which productiv- than 40 of Guam’s residents will allow than, national brands, and is customized cery retailing, providing it with a com- ity and enjoyment go hand in hand, and these individuals to increase their ability to meet the regional needs of the store. bined expertise in retail, as well as lo- where employees can feel fulfilled and to provide for their families. The red IGA oval label is both distinctive gistcs and supply-chain operations - two proud of the contribution they make to Aside from offering quality items and comfortably familiar. highly complementary core competen- each other and our community. and produce, the 25,000-square-foot fa- The IGA commitment doesn’t end cies that will benefit the consumers of The island fresh IGA team un- cility, of which more than 13,000 square in the store. Community involvement is Guam. SUPERVALU is grounded in a rich, derstands the need to service the feet is retail space, features an array of second nature to IGA retailers because 135-year history of food-logistics inno- community. In order to do this, it felt it services that many island residents will they live in the communities they serve. vation. was crucial to understand the needs of enjoy — such as the hot, prepared-food Simply put, they want to use the IGA Among the special competencies core customers on the island of Guam counter. brand and its resources to strengthen that SUPERVALU and The North West which consists of many people with a The counter serves hot pizzas, deli their hometowns and the lives of their Company bring to the Guam market is diversity of backgrounds, cultures and sandwiches, baked goods, burgers, meals- customers. Day in and day out, IGA re- their expertise in providing food and ethnicities. to-go and much more. It is a service that tailers give back by sponsoring events logistics solutions to remote, isolated island fresh IGA believes that to serve is perfect for anyone who is in a rush or within their communities, contributing locales. More than 30 of the stores that the Guam community to the best of its who is looking for a quick but delicious to school programs and helping out SUPERVALU currently supplies are lo- ability it must rely upon many of the is- meal for the whole family to enjoy. wherever they can. It’s the IGA Home- cated in rural Alaska. The two companies land’s local vendors who have established The store also features an espresso town Proud way, and it’s alive and well are excited about servicing the people their business on Guam and are familiar and ice cream kiosk which serves up both wherever IGA stores exist. of Guam. SUPERVALU has more than $40 hot and iced coffees and beverages. One with the needs of, and are members of, IGA has been growing in Australa- billion in annual sales and 35 distribu- of the customers’ favorites is the soft- these groups. Not only does providing sia since the middle 1980s when it was tion centers that cover a total of 21 mil- serve ice cream, which is a cold, delicious these products fill the needs of island invited to bring the IGA Brand to Japan lion square feet. treat, great for cooling off, and that chil- fresh IGA customers, it fills an important and Australia at the same time. Since Its size and scope give SUPERVALU dren love. role on Guam by demonstrating respon- then, IGA Australasia has become a very the buying power to procure products For those who want to take a break sible corporate citizenship, supporting lo- strong market for IGA. Currently, IGA has more efficiently than other suppliers and who wish to enjoy the many tasty cal commerce and becoming an integral about 1,400 stores in Australia, 1,000 in and to offer some unique items as well. part of the island’s economy in several treats island fresh IGA offers, there is a China and is continually breaking into Out of its Tacoma distribution facility it ways. island fresh IGA will continue to put seating area for customers to relax and new Asian and Pacific territories. As carries more than 35,000 items and has forth not only the local items requested, eat. Is there a special event or party com- world population and economic centers access to many others through food but will be “first to market” with fresh new ing up? You can mark the occasion with shift due to global demand, the compa- partnerships. items. a bouquet of fresh flowers or balloons ny sees a vast opportunity for continued SUPERVALU is constantly fine-tun- “Our residents are not only pleased which can be found at the store’s gift expansion. ing its grocery retail offerings to make at the fact that island fresh IGA is mak- area. According to IGA Chief Executive sure it offers the best formats, product ing every effort to offer retail goods at island fresh IGA, as well as the other Officer Mark Batenic, that area of the categories and value. The company un- competitive prices, but they have offered banners at The North West Company, are world has always been home to family derstands that the term value can mean to our residents competitive job oppor- continually looking for ways to be better businesses, and IGA is an ideal fit. different things to different custom- tunities in a struggling economy,” Mayor stewards of the local environment as well IGA currently has stores in Austral- ers. They also understand that service is Gogue said. “And, having had the oppor- as decreasing dependence on energy. ia, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Papua uniquely defined. With a blend of - gro tunity to speak with the owners and man- The company is very proud of the new re- New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, cery and general merchandise retail of- agers of this new store, they have shared frigeration equipment which will operate Thailand, and with the opening of is- ferings — from extreme value to price with me their excitement about how they at a 25%, energy efficiency compared to land fresh IGA, the company now enters superstores and supermarkets — SU- look forward to not only operate their standard refrigeration cases. Customers Guam, Batenic said. PERVALU gives shoppers a full range of business within our village but to assist will also notice a difference in the store’s He added that the company is ex- options. us in finding ways help improve our com- overhead lighting as well as that in the tremely pleased to join with The North It is with a strong tradition of fresh munity. I look forward to this partnership, low-temperature cases, which feature en- West Company to bring the IGA brand thinking that SUPERVALU approaches an and believe they are committed in play- ergy-efficient LED lighting. ever-changing market. SUPERVALU has a ing an active role in defining Chalan Pago Committed to customers, employ- to Guam. history in food logistics innovation that and Ordot as a great place to live and ees, the community and the environ- “We look forward to a long and raise a family.” ment, island fresh IGA pays attention to productive relationship with The North spans more than 13 decades. Through Sen. Frank Aguon, Jr. who is the chair- the details that will make it the island’s West Company, and to delivering IGA’s innovation and focus, SUPERVALU has man of the Committee on Economic De- first choice for grocery shopping. promise of neighborly, community-fo- grown to service more than 5,000 retail velopment for the 30th Guam Legislature cused customer service to the people of is grateful for the opening of island fresh Guam,” Batenic said. See Partners on page 8 June 8, 2009 - June 21, 2009 www.mbjguam.net Marianas Business Journal island fresh IGA in Chalan Pago, Guam held its Grand Opening on May 23 and hundreds of island residents stopped by for bargains, quality products and to meet the owners, management and staff of their new community store.

Cutting the ribbon were (left to right) Steven Schmidt, Store Manager, island fresh IGA; Tom Kallio, Vice President and General Manager, Cost-U-Less; Edward S. Kennedy, President and Chief Executive Officer, The North West Company; Ben Piatt, Vice President for Procurement and Marketing, The North West Company (International) Inc.; Mayor Jessy C. Gogue, Chalan Pago; Scott Schmidt, regional manager, island fresh IGA.

Hometown Proud. Keeping the freshest products on the shelves is continuous work.

Neighbors serving neighbors at island fresh IGA. Another winner at island fresh IGA. Marianas Business Journal www.mbjguam.net June 8, 2009 - June 21, 2009

Guam shoppers took advantage of the bargains at island fresh IGA, their new community store. Service with a smile at island fresh IGA.

Hundreds of Guam shoppers entered the Grand Opening Day drawing.

Mayor Jessy Gogue of Chalan Pago welcomed Ben Piatt, Vice President for Procurement and Marketing of The North West Company (International) Inc. and island fresh IGA to the village.

The island fresh IGA team always provides efficient, friendly service. June 8, 2009 - June 21, 2009 www.mbjguam.net Marianas Business Journal

How island fresh IGA got its name

In order to name the new store, the company held a “Name your Store” con- test. Ben Piatt, Vice President of Procurement and Mike Benson Marketing for The North West Com- pany (International) Inc., laid out the challenge to employees in all of the different stores and locations in the North West Company. “What will be the identity or best things about this new store?” he asked the employees and then proceeded to answer the question. “Great customer service! Outstand- ing perishable departments with the highest quality and assortment available! Meaningful weekly ads that offer discounts on the things you need and want everyday! Bright, clean, and well-merchandised displays and pres- entations for you to enjoy while you shop! Seasonal and impulse general merchandise! Pride in being part of an organization that delivers these services to markets potentially un- Steven Schmidt, Store Manager of island fresh IGA. derserved by the retail industry! And don’t forget, this name will be used for multiple operations as this new banner is developed throughout the South Pacific and Caribbean regions.” What customers say The top five suggestions were picked by Rex Wilhelm; President of The North West Company (Interna- “I attended the Grand Opening and at. I plan on doing my shopping there out with more items at a great deal and tional) Inc.. Then Edward Kennedy, I was impressed by the outstanding now!” ended up getting a much needed cof- CEO of The North West Company, customer service right from the get-go. -Christie Blas, Mangilao fee jolt at the java kiosk. For the past few made the final selection and he de- While I made my way through the aisles days, I have stopped in before I head to termined that the winner was Mike doing my shopping, I came across great “I have a huge family and I decid- work and grabbed something to eat and Benson, regional meat manager of deals that even beat out other stores I ed to check out island fresh IGA to see even coffee, and on my way home, I have Cost-U-Less, who operates out of the have shopped at previously. All the while, what kind of savings they had to offer. I picked up something for dinner. Quick St. Croix, Virgin Islands store location. my teenage daughter hung out at the came across the IGA items and I realized and good prices. and still it doesn’t sac- As the lucky winner Benson was flown sitting area enjoying the soft-serve ice I would be saving more than I would if rifice taste. “ out to Guam for the island fresh IGA cream. I admit, it used to be a hassle to I were to buy national brands but I was -Melene Quenga, Chalan Pago Grand Opening celebration! take my kids because they would com- still getting that top quality. Aside from plain that they would rather be doing the wonderful savings I was also able “Everything from the produce, something else but now, it’s any excuse to buy some ready-to-eat pizzas for the hot food area, to the low prices, I am certain that many customers were PUBLISHER to go to island fresh IGA!” the family for dinner. I think the store is Maureen N. Maratita –Dee Cruz, Agana Heights equipped with incredible features that taken aback by the deals. I believe it was a smart move to have opened the MANAGING EDITOR many island residents will benefit from Frank J. Whitman “I am a resident of Mangilao so for and I am looking forward to more stores store right in the village of Chalan Pago because residents who live all the way ASSISTANT EDITOR me, its all about getting all my shop- opening up — hopefully in the near fu- Charmaine Chan ping done in one place and somewhere ture.” down south have a shorter drive! Also, island fresh IGA has by far the best cus- REPORTER that is conveniently located. I had heard – Kevin Anthony Delgado, Man- Joan Muna Aguon about the opening of island fresh via a gilao tomer service. From the minute I walk through the doors to the time I am pay- PHOTOGRAPHERS few friends who had told me to check Steve Hardy Justin Green the local newspaper and I saw pages of “I work crazy hours and I attempt to ing for my items, every employee greet- ed me with a smile. It’s little things like SALES DIRECTOR deals and value. When I was done with multi-task any chance I get. I was on my Maria R. Blas all my shopping not only did I find every- way home and I ran into island fresh IGA that, that make me a repeat customer.” – Frank Candaso, Barrigada PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR thing I needed but I looked at my receipt to grab a few items for a family gathering Nerita Enderes and noticed I spent about $50 less than I and what was only supposed to take five PRODUCTION would have at the other store I shopped minutes turned into a half-hour. I came Rudy Armenta Monie Erasga SALES ACCOUNT MANAGERS Raymond Limuaco James P. Muna Partners: Continued from page 5 ADMINISTRATION Janice Castro Carmelita McClellan endpoints through its supply chain and o Fortune Most Admired Company fers a wider selection of affordable prod- Bernard Leonen Jordanna Siguenza support services. o Forbes Platinum 400 Company ucts — from kitchen essentials like sugar MANAGING DIRECTOR Since 1870, the enduring mission of SUPERVALU has teamed up with and flour to high quality meats and spe- Marcos W. Fong

SUPERVALU’s employees — now total- The North West Company International cialty items — that will suit the needs of Entire contents copyrighted 2009 by Glimpses of Guam, Inc. Marianas Busi- ling approximately 200,000 — has been to open the first IGA store on Guam, is- the entire family. ness Journal is published biweekly by Glimpses of Guam, Inc. 492 North The North West Company has the Marine Corps Drive, Tamuning, Guam. (671) 649-0883; Fax (671) 649-8883. to serve the comapany’s customers bet- land fresh IGA, located in the village of POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marianas Business Journal, P.O. Box ter than anyone else could serve them. Chalan Pago. desire and the commitment to grow 3191, Hagåtña, Guam 96932. Send e-mail to glimpses@glimpsesofguam. SUPERVALU’s approach and accom- Such SUPERVALU-distributed brands both on Guam and in the Pacific Islands, com. All rights reserved. Subscriptions, 6 months $60 1 year $120. Payment must accompany order. No material may be printed in part or in whole with- plishments have earned considerable as Wild Harvest, Culinary Circle, Arctic and IGA and SUPERVALU will be along- out written permission from the publisher. Printed by Elite Printing Saipan. In recognition within and beyond the in- Shores, Nutri-Plan, Baby Basics and many side to support its work with great food the Northern Mariana Islands, contact Marianas Business Journal at Glimpses of Saipan Inc., 2nd Floor Transpac Business Center, Middle Road, Gualo Rai, dustry. Among these are: more, are more value-priced than the products and food-logistics expertise. Saipan, MP 96950, or call (670) 235-7645; Fax (670) 2341801. Send e-mail to o Fortune 500 Company leading national brands. SUPERVALU of- [email protected]