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Robinson returns to CoC board chairman seat

With a multi million investment in a new cannery plus economic initiatives pushed by the Lolo Administration, the Chamber of Commerce board is banking on a better economy for American Samoa in the new year, says David Robinson, the Chamber’s new board chairman.

 

The private sector has been concerned with the lack of new major investments which create more jobs in American Samoa, while Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga is working on moving forward several initiatives to boost the territory’s sluggish economy and create more jobs.

 

Asked for his economic outlook for 2015 as COC’s new board chairman, Robinson told Samoa News that with the opening of the STP cannery and the numbers of new employees it will hire, “we are hopeful that this will provide an impetus to the economy with more disposable incomes being available and more spending locally.”

 

“We hope that some of the new investment initiatives that the Administration is working on will come to pass, offering more employment opportunities, and resulting in a strengthening of the overall economy in the construction, transport and export sectors,” said Robinson, who is a member of the Chamber executive board as an individual businessman.

 

Tri Marine International will officially open at its Samoa Tuna Processors (STP) Inc.,  state-of-the art tuna cannery, next month, which is a $70 million investment, the first major investment in American Samoa in a long time. When fully operational, the cannery is expected to employ some 1,500 workers.

 

Robinson noted that one of the most recent major economic initiatives by the Lolo Administration is the issuance of bonds totaling $75.3 million in order to generate revenue to fund seven specific projects, which includes the $20.3 million bond for road projects, under the federal government’s Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEE) bond program; and construction of the Malaloa Marina Wharf as well as a cannery container wharf.

 

NEW BOARD

 

Robinson was elected new board chairman following an executive board meeting last Thursday to select its officers. He replaces former chair, Lewis Wolman who did not run for office this time.

 

Robinson, who is also chairman of the Shipyard Services Authority, has served in past years as Chamber chairman. Besides Robinson, the other incoming officers for the new executive board are Taotasi Archie Soliai as vice chair; Charles ‘Chuck’ Warren, secretary and Tom Drabble, treasurer.

 

“We have a very balanced board for the new year with plenty of experience and enthusiasm, and I am pleased to say that we have a representative from each of the two canneries as Board members,” Robinson said — referring to Warren, who is comptroller of Tri Marine’s Samoa Tuna Processors Inc., and StarKist Samoa general manager Sangdong Kwon.

 

Asked about plans and focus for the new executive board, Robinson said they intend to raise the Chamber’s profile and attract new members to join, as well as encourage some of the previous members who have let their membership lapse to rejoin.

 

“We are focusing on developing our relationship with the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and with members of other Pacific island nations as well as the promotion of women in business,” he said. “We hope to be able to support the Administration in dealing with matters such as the proposed minimum wage increase and in finding ways to support our fishing industry, which is facing some difficult issues.”

 

Some of these issues were also discussed when the 8-member executive board met last Thursday. They are also seeking a meeting with the governor and making contact with a representative of Congresswoman-elect Aumua Amata.

 

Other issues covered include a follow up with Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, Esther Kia’aina for financial support via a technical assistance grant; and a follow up with the Commerce Department for office space at the business incubator planned for the Fagatogo Market Place.

 

(DOC is seeking funds to renovate space at the Market Place, in order to turn it into a business incubator center which will include office space for the local Chamber of Commerce. The spot was previously occupied by a restaurant. See Samoa News edition Oct. 3, 2014 for details.)

 

Additionally, the Chamber will seek support and assistance for the fish processing industries, small businesses, and development for women business entrepreneurs, Robinson said.

 

The board agreed to hold their next meeting on Jan. 5, 2015 and subsequent meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month at 5pm, with the location rotating between the central and west districts.