Coping Strategies for Manufacturers' Agents-Remember your customer

GET, LLC is a proud member of the Manufactures Agents National Association (MANA).  With a mission to educate, protect and promote the multi-line outsourced sales function, we felt it would be an opportunity to share some advice today on being prepared in the ever changing economy-kind of like a "boy scout" for the sake of our respective customers and a better advocate for the manufacturers we represent.

Because of expansion in buying channels from the internet and companies emerging all around our region and world, it’s only normal that price competition by sellers is becoming tougher, particularly on commodity products. Who benefits here? The buyer.

We are being looked at for good quality, on-time delivery and competitive price. Customers and principals are now placing a tremendous amount of weight on the value of service that you and I, the manufacturers’ representative, can offer them. This includes the unique, problem solving solutions that we bring. Remember-that if you’re just like everyone else and fail to distinguish yourself in terms of service, you’re not going to succeed. Simultaneously, the customer is demanding such value added service, including the principal who is also a “customer” for the rep.

In a special report by MANA, "at the same time customers and principals place all this emphasis on service and value add, the ways we used to conduct business have gone by the wayside. Few customers, principals or reps for that matter, have time for the traditional golf game or lengthy lunch. Instead, when participants in the channel get together face-to-face, the aim is to maximize the benefits of that “face time.” It seems that a rep who can demonstrate ways to help the customer increase his business or improve the customer’s productivity is now the supplier that gets the most access to the customer!"

MANA adds that these changes in the business environment have also combined with a number of developments that are perceived by many as threats to the rep method of going to market. Look at these threats as opportunities to differentiate your firm from that of your competition.

Guam-A Different Perspective

Rhetoric out of North Korea recently have focused attention back on the Guam Military Buildup Program.  Yesterday North Korea's Supreme Command said that  it was putting its long-range rocket units on the highest possible combat-posture level.  The "Foal Eagle" Exercise between the U.S. military and the South Korean military which is in full swing has once again re-ignited Pyongyang's  defiant voice against peace in the region.  Tensions are high.  Nothing new. But something different has been sparked locally.

With the advent of the Internet and 24-hour news channels, Guam's residents had no problem being drawn to the North Korean State Run Media and throwing out our island as a potential target for their weapons of mass destruction.  The passion from the newsreader's voice and the translator's tone when pushing out the propaganda of President Kim Jong Un is something this writer has never seen before.

The message sent a flurry of press releases from the WashingtonDelegate's Office, the Office of the Governor and the Guam Legislature denouncing the threats to American security in the Asia-Pacific Region.  Department of Defense briefings and COMNAVMAR were steadfast in their words committing to our national defense and stability in the region.  The "spin" was complicated by local media seeking the "man-on-the street" interviews with some fearful and others completely oblivious to the growing tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

The tirades also pushed out criticism of the recent omissions of substantive funding to move the III Marine Expeditionary Force to Guam from Okinawa, called for a speedy process to begin construction efforts for a new base in Northern Okinawa and renewed efforts to add a missile defense program to DOD Guam.

This barrage of words and passion reminded me of a lesson from my high school days.  Back in 1989, a high school civics teacher/football coach Bob Cole introduced a San Leandro High School Senior and others to a discussion on a type of speech that leads to violence.  When life was a Rubix Cube, Mountain Mike's Pizza, the next football game at Burrell Field or a concert at the Oakland Coliseum, we learned that the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims through speech was something we all should be concerned with and the significant impacts it can have on society as a whole.  Little did I know that 24 years later, I would recall that lesson as a means of further understanding  the "saber rattling" occurring some 2,200 miles north of our Paradise Guam.

Why take time to write about this form of hateful speech?  It is to point out that saying or writing one thing so far from our shores reverberates halfway around the world with the power base of our great Nation.  There is no question that we should be concerned.  But from experience, such reactions were overkill.  The quotes, hit the web like wildfire.  Talk around the village sports fields to the shopping malls related to a potential military face-off either elicited a joke or a very serious question of possible contingencies. 

As a community we need to dampen down the impacts of words of a crazy man and focus our attentions on more important matters of this isolated American community.  We should focus on the impacts of Obamacare on the small businesses of Guam, growing more jobs in a flattened economy and engage debate on laws that reduce-not increase-local mandates. 

Words need to be used to solve problems and not to create more conflict.

Favorite Wood for Casegoods-Cherry is "Cherry"

There are a number of wood species that are great for casegoods. 

Many would argue that the Hawaiian Koa wood is the best for chests, dressers, bookshelves and cabinets.  Koa is colorful but is perhaps the most expensive.  What about hickory?  Grain, color, inclusions like knots, burls, figure, bird peck, worm track and other unique attributes also offer the lovers of this wood  some examples of hickory's identification.  Red Adler.  Pine.  Birch.  Take your pick of wood for your next project.

But one stands out.

Cherry.  Underrated by many.

There are those in the casegood industry that praise the wood's wide number of applications including paneling, flooring and furniture. Need a great look in your kitchen or other areas of your home or building? Cherry is the top choice for fine furniture.”

One designer/salesman of custom cabinetry shared a perspective of selecting a type of wood for your next project:  select a wood that presents the best finish. With cherry, this hardwood has attractive grain character, and stained finishes on cherry have a depth and luster not found on most other cabinetry woods.

Additionally, keep in mind choice of wood and sustainability.  This idea is not lost by our friends at Savoy Furniture.

With the rise in steel prices and the sensitivity to being “green”, Savoy Furniture believes that wood  is the smarter choice for your furniture needs. Wood is a renewable resource and requires less energy than most to process into finished products. Wood is also low in toxicity and completely biodegradable. Wood enhances thermal performance and interior acoustics while providing long-term performance and durability.

Additional advantages of wood products include: Readily Available, Strength and Rigidity Properties, Cost-Competitiveness Relative to Other Products, Long-Term Performance and Durability, Environmental Merits.

Give GET, LLC a call or drop us a line to discuss sustainable casegood furniture solutions that best fits your organization's needs. 

Independence LED to Light Up Slovakia; "Made in America" has its benefits

Our friends at Independence LED Lighting hit yet another significant mark in their efforts to grow their international business base.  Recently, Independence LED received confirmation from the Republic of Slovakia  that the company won the 30,000 tube order on a major bid. Slovakia is a high-income advanced economy with one of the fastest growth rates in the European Union. This account in the Central European country is worth over $2 Million USD and took six months to complete negotiations. 

Independence LED was among five LED manufacturing finalists world-wide for the work with the Slovak Republic Government. GET,LLC has learned that the buyers said that Independence LED won the bid, because the other finalist (one of the largest lighting companies in the world) had an internal driver and only a three year warranty. Independence LED has the more robust external driver technology with the deep fin aluminum heat sinks and a five year warranty.

The benefits of an Independence LED Lighting solution are significant.  The Slovakia job and others were won for a number of reasons.  Independence LED has reached Class A-10 status this past year. Also, the Pennsylvania-based company produces some of the most efficient lights in the market, have a 50,000 hour rated life or higher that has been validated by third party LM80 testing and holds Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Classified Certifications among many others.

For Independence LED Lighting Chairman and CEO Charlie Szoradi and the rest of the Independence Team, they are true professionals who want to see the best solution for their customers and provide lighting guidance that is second to none. The Slovakia news and potential opportunities across the Pacific is exciting for the International Team.

If you have questions or would like to bring an Independence LED solution to your respective building or facility, please contact GET,LLC to set up an appointment to discuss this further.

Let's Talk About Money-An Ambit National Consultant Shares his thoughts about getting more

National Consultant for Ambit Energy Carlos Marin shared some interesting thoughts on money.  He reminded GET, LLC and other consultants this past weekend that whether you have a whole lot or barely enough to get by, the information shared is going to help us all break through barriers that are holding us back, and transform and empower each of us to live our dreams and find the success we deserve:

" Do you honestly believe that there’s enough money for everyone? Do you believe that if you have more, somebody else has to have less? Do you believe that there’s a limited amount of money that everyone has to divide? Are you afraid that there won’t be enough left for you after everyone else takes their share? Do you believe that if you have a lot of money, your friends won’t like you or will try to take advantage of you or will only want to hang around with you because of your money?

Do you believe that money corrupts people? Do you think money is good or is it evil? Do you believe you have to take advantage of other people to be rich? Do you think rich people are evil? Do you believe that all rich people are going to hell? Would you feel guilty about having a lot of money? Do you think it’s wrong to be materialistic? Would you feel guilty about having a luxurious home, exotic automobiles, taking luxury vacations, buying designer clothes, buying expensive jewelry and watches? What limiting beliefs do you have buried in your subconscious regarding money, wealth and riches?

Take a few more minutes to brainstorm all of the limiting beliefs, thoughts and ideas you have about money. Don’t hold back. If there was ever a time to let all the negatives hang out, it is now. It will definitely serve you to find them so we can transform them to empower you!"

Be empowered: Take a look at http://getllc.myambit.com/start-a-business/energy-526.

GET, LLC asks that you take a look for yourself, give us a call and email us ASAP on this important opportunity.

Trish and I appreciate all the questions to find out how to turn on the cash flow whenever someone uses electricity and gas in your city and state!

The Most Appropriate Aerial Work Platform Equipment for the Work to be Performed-Workplace Analysis

The International Powered Access Federation has published The Statement of Best Practices for Workplace Risk Assessment and Aerial Work Platform Equipment Selection. It is an industry initiative to develop an educational document regarding workplace risk assessment and selecting the most appropriate aerial work platform (AWP) equipment for the job at hand. It was developed for use in the US and is based on ANSI standards.  

The guide offers some great insight and directions to ensure your people are safe on your lift or when you are using a aerial platform to perform a job or job-related function.

This post will focus on Workplace Analysis when selecting the most appropriate aerial lift equipment to use on your respective job-site.

When selecting the most appropriate AWP equipment, the Statement says that a workplace analysis must be conducted to determine how the work is going to be safely accomplished. The workplace analysis should begin by addressing what is the required elevation needed to reach? Questions to ask regarding elevation include:

• How high does the worker need to reach?
• What is the task that needs to be performed?
• How close does the worker need to be to the work being performed?

The height required will help in selecting the specific size range of AWP equipment. According to the Statement, be aware that the height of AWP equipment can be expressed in two common ways — platform height and working height.

• Platform height is the vertical distance from the surface upon which the AWP equipment is being supported to the floor of the platform.
• Working height is the reach of a worker (generally 6 feet) added to the platform height.

Next-what is the required horizontal outreach?

Questions to ask regarding horizontal outreach include:

• How close can the worker get to the work that needs to be performed?
• What is the height of the object that needs to be reached over to access the work?
• What horizontal outreach and height is required to safely perform the work?
• Are there any obstacles on the ground that will determine where to position the AWP equipment?

Don't forget to take a hard look at the required capacity of the lift, suitable support and driving conditions, hazardous atmosphere conditions, access to the work area and work located inside.

These Best Practices are part of The Statement that was launched in February 2013 by the American Rental Association (ARA), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA).

If you have any aerial lift needs and would like to discuss potential solutions, please drop GET, LLC a line or give us a call.

Guam-A Different Perspective

For the first time in many years, the world is able to see Guam in such a unique and beautiful way-through a masterpiece of a video on Guam as part of a high quality promotion of the island for the 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts to be held here in 2016.  Many have dubbed the cultural fair as the "Pacific Olympics"  for the high level of competition in recent years in the traditional chanting and dancing categories of the FESTPAC and scores of displays of the wares of the Chamorro society and the other indigenous peoples of the Pacific.

 

The 6:46 video takes the viewer through a brief history of Guam touching on the first contact with Explorer Ferdinand Magellan, Spanish rule and U.S. administration into the current day on island.  The video also uses spectacular graphics to show its place in Micronesia and Oceania.

Most importantly the video showcases our island culture intertwined with shots of the ultra-modern international airport, popular tourist sites activities and the stunning crystal blue waters and white sands that surround our 250 square mile Paradise Guam.  My favorite part of this video is the showcase of the Southern part of our island-unfortunately my home village Talofofo was not in it.

With all the fuss about delays in the Guam Buildup Program, the exaggeration of the prevalence of the brown tree snake and quirky local politicians, this video does such a great job to show a side of Guam not seen in many years.

I am not sure who produced this video, seen on the You Tube channel of Guam Legislative Speak Judy Won Pat.  It has local production company Shooting Star Productions finger prints all over it-job well done folks. The old Guam Postcard video, seen by many on VHS, did its best to showcase the island-but nothing like this.

Creativity.  Honesty. Passion.

This video shares these threeimportant values of our people to the rest of the world and of the efforts ofthe organizing committee preparing to welcome the FESTPAC to the island.  The road ahead over the next three years is going to be tough.  10 thousand plus participants will be on Guam for the event.  There are expected to be even more folks here to experience the Pacific culture like never seen before.

This is exciting stuff that we as an island community should get behind.  I have not seen such interest in one single community event since Guam hosted the South Pacific Games in 1999.  While still a long way out, please considering giving to the effort or plan to volunteer time to make this event a very special one for Guam and islanders across the region. Our culture will be showcased.  

The activity will do such much for the island that we won't truly know the social and financial impacts until way past the final song is sang on the FESTPAC Main Stage.

We are all ready. Thanks for the video. And finally-Good Luck Guam!

"Reasonable Cost" for LED Lighting

It is a little known fact that lighting accounts for nearly 15 percent of the energy consumed in buildings across America's 50 states and five territories.  This has pushed building owners to seek out  more energy efficient lighting systems for their respective facilities. This places the spotlight on Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting.  

Why?

According to a recent report by global corporate research and growth services firm Frost & Sullivan,  due to its reasonable cost, technology improvements and long life the LED lighting market is poised to grow significantly over the next five years.

In their analysis of the North American LED Lighting Market, Frost & Sullivan found that the market earned total revenues of $1.15 billion in 2012 and estimates this to reach $3.63 billion by 2017.

The market is primarily segmented into indoor and outdoor LED lighting.  Analysts surmised that the need to conserve energy by upgrading older systems to LED lighting is a key driver for the market and found that there is higher adoption of energy efficient lighting in the outdoor segment due to government funding for lighting upgrades in exterior applications.

Additionally, the report noted that the North American LED lighting market has also got a leg up from supportive legislation, such as the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which mandates greater energy efficiency of general service incandescent lamps. The legislation also pushes the market introduction of efficient and high performing solid-state lighting (SSL) products, including LED lighting.

While the U.S. federal government is pushing hard to incorporate these upgrades in buildings from Pennsylvania to Guam, the higher initial costs of LED lighting products compared to that of competing technologies are beating back full implementation. Not helpful as of late, is the economic downturn of the last few years that has tightened the grip on funds by building owners as they demand cost effective systems that also offer energy savings.

There is an upside.

The Frost & Sullivan report noted that while the operating costs of an LED lighting system are low, the capital expenditure or "first cost" of LED lighting products is often prohibitive to end users that do not have a clear vision of the short- to medium-term return on investment from energy savings. 

In the islands where $0.26 per kWh is the norm and rising, this idea is certainly turning heads of even the most conservative of owners here and across the Western Pacific. We can take away from all of this that the technology will experience wider acceptance as ongoing research helps lower costs of production, making LED lighting more affordable.  If we can continue to educate customers, including those reading this blog, about the life-cycle cost benefits of installing an LED lighting system and demonstrating the energy savings that are achievable with these systems-there will be market success.

To learn more about the LED products that GET, LLC provides, please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or call us to discuss solutions for your important lighting needs.

Ambit Energy National Consultant Asks "Are You Stuck?"

National Consultant for Ambit Energy Carlos Marin posed an interesting question to GET, LLC and other consultants this past weekend:

"...We've noticed lately that some of you may be feeling stuck and frustrated in your business.  Now is definitely NOT the time to give up or give in! Quite the contrary - It is time to step out of your comfort zone and DO what you have NEVER done. It's time to push harder, have more heart, and prove to yourself what you're really capable of!

If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got! It's time to break free from whatever cycle is happening in your life. If you truly desire from the depths of your heart to succeed in this business and attain your dreams and desires - you absolutely MUST do things that feel uncomfortable.

Maybe it's picking up the phone and making calls, or showing the business plan, - regardless of what it is - NOW is the time to take MASSIVE action! We build confidence and feel good about ourselves when we're making progress and growing. How dare you not step out and show the world what you're made of?!... It's time to SHINE YOUR LIGHT!

Trust us, you'll feel SOO much better once you do. - Do the things you fear and the fear will disappear! "

Thanks to this blog I can ask you,

 "CLICK NOW ON THIS LINK- http://getllc.myambit.com/start-a-business/energy-526."

Take a look and give us a call or email us ASAP on this opportunity.  Trish and I appreciate your questions to find out how to turn on the cash flow whenever someone uses electricity and gas in your city and state!

MANA Offers Advice: Taking a Simplified Office Deduction

GET. LLC is a proud member of the Manufacturers Agents National Association (MANA).  There sole mission is dedicated to educating, protecting and promoting the multi-line, outsourced sales function.  They offer so much to its members, we thought we would share this piece of advice from MANA on taking an simplified office deduction:

"The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a simplified option for taking a deduction for the costs associated with the office if you have a business office in your home. If you have a business office in your home, you know that the process for preparing the form to claim a deduction has been a painful one.

The new optional deduction, capped at $1,500 per year based on $5 a square foot for up to 300 square feet, should reduce your paperwork and recordkeeping burden. 

Currently, you have to fill out a 43-line form (Form 8829) often with complex calculations of allocated expenses, depreciation and carryovers of unused deductions. Under the new option, you cannot depreciate the portion of the home used in a trade or business, but you can claim allowable mortgage interest, real estate taxes and casualty losses on the home as itemized deductions on Schedule A. These deductions need not be allocated between personal and business use, as is required under the regular method.

Business expenses unrelated to the home, such as advertising, supplies and wages paid to employees are still fully deductible.

Current restrictions on the home office deduction, such as the requirement that a home office must be used regularly and exclusively for business and the limit tied to the income derived from the particular business, still apply under the new option.  

The new simplified option is available starting with the 2013 return most taxpayers file early in 2014. Further details on the new option can be found in Revenue Procedure 2013-13, posted on IRS.gov."

We strongly recommend if you have any additional questions, please seek guidance from your tax professional. Deductions from your respective home offices are important to your bottom line. Keep good records and keep on building your business. 

Guam-A Different Perspective

It was a event at the Vatican that is steeped in tradition.  

The 266th Pope selected by the College of Cardinals is from the same order who brought Christianity to Guam about 300 years ago.  Jorge Mario Bergoglio emerged from the Conclave earlier today as Pope Francis.

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first to happen some 400 years before the very first mission to Oceania, the eyes of the world's 1.2 billion faithful have been focused on Rome over the past week and in prayer of who will head up the Catholic Church.    

Pope Francis is a Jesuit.  

In June of 1668, Diego Luis de San Vitores arrived in Guam with five other Jesuits.  This Mission marked the first contact between the Society of Jesus and the Chamorro people of the Marianas.  The 20 year conversion yielded much bloodshed during the early years of Spanish colonial rule including the deaths of 20 martyrs that later yielded the Beatification of San Vitores and the Beatification and Canonization of Pedro Calunsod.  This is how the start of the Catholic Church and the Jesuit influence began in Guam.

Much has evolved in that time.  Peace mainly has reigned.  The strength of the teachings remain evident across each of the island's villages through the celebrations of their respective patron saint, the scores of Catholic Schools spreading the word of God and the perpetuation of ideals that has a positive impact on many other parts of this island society.

The Jesuits and their teaching have had a profound impact on so many people here.

The news of a new Pope-a Jesuit-was welcome to many here in Guam. 

“This is a joyful day!," said His Excellency Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap. D.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana. "We give great thanks to Our Lord for the beautiful gift of this most humble and holy man, our newly chosen shepherd on earth, Pope Francis."

It brought to an end an event not expected to be seen in our lifetime-though this writer was witness to the three previous. 

When the white smoke emerged from the stacks above the Sistine Chapel, a holy man of the people stepped forward on the balcony above St. Peter's Square selected by 118 Cardinals.

Father Jorge of Buenos Aires is the successor of the Apostle Peter-a hero of the faith. 

Many look to Pope Francis to stay the course and maintain the "rock" of the church that has been through much for over 2000 years.    

Savoy Furniture says "American Made – It Matters!"

GET, LLC is proud to be a partner with Montoursville, Pennsylvania-based Savoy Furniture.  What we like about their Government Sales and Marketing Manager Jason Saylor and the rest of the team at Savoy Furniture is that they are a women-owned business focused on serving the needs of their customers-first and foremost.  

And even more importantly, that they manufacture products that are made in the heartland of America.

Does this fact really matter?

Just one look at the Company's website and you will find this tidbit that explains this pretty well:

"Often, one of the first things noticed when entering a building is the seating.  That first impression reinforces the image of the school.  Students expect their lounges and community rooms to provide comfort, versatility and function – all wrapped up in a stylish design.

What they see when they walk in the door also includes the wear and tear of daily student life.  The best way to minimize this is to make sure your furniture is constructed in a way that withstands the real test – the student test.

Savoy Contract Furniture is 100% American Made right in the heart of Pennsylvania. Our design team and engineers work together to construct furniture with lasting beauty.  Beginning with raw materials,  and finishing with ready-to-ship furniture, quality checks occur at each stage of the process.  In many cases, Savoy even manages the installation of new furniture and packaged rooms, ensuring that the entire process runs smoothly.

We provide value-driven solutions that will save your department, and your school, money for years to come.  Reduced maintenance and replacement costs are always great to look forward to – but the value you’ve created by having a lasting GOOD first impression – as they say, priceless."

In a day where value is becoming more and more important to our customer's bottom line, it is this drive of a company like Savoy Furniture that is a reminder that such top notch customer service is not dead in America.  They are some of the most responsive professionals in the business today.  You gotta like their attitude.

Give us a call or drop us a line today to find out more about the Savoy solution that is best for your respective organization.

Independence LED Lighting Sponsors ACR Prize

GET, LLC commends Independence LED Lighting on the recent announcement that they will be a  major sponsor of the American Campus Efficiency Prize (ACE Prize).  On the heels of the recent securing of a U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule, our friends in Pennsylvania are taking another leadership role in the whole "Green Jobs" effort to move the U.S. Economy forward. 

The ACE Prize is dedicated to educate a new generation of students that will play an integral role in the new Global Energy Economy, and to reward them with scholarships when they succeed at helping their schools reduce energy consumption.  Independence LED have committed up to $10 Million in Scholarships for the A.C.E. Prize initiative. The amount of money is less core to this green job creation path than the innovation of the joint academic and business initiative to provide “Learn and Earn” benefits.

“Independence LED has already seen the value come in several ways," said Independence LED Lighting Chairman Charlie Szoradi. "We have recently identified two of the students in the program that exhibited particularly high potential, and they are now trained in lighting energy auditing and on Return on Investment (ROI) Savings Report software."

Independence LED believes that the next generation of their green job employees are the students that are currently enrolled in college and about to graduate. The LED tube company has started to mentor students to create what they call a “career launch pad” with practical business experience as a compliment to the students’ academic work. Independence LED then provides the scholarships as retrofit projects unfold on the students’ own campuses.

Kudos to Charlie and the team at Independence LED Lighting.  If you are a college student and interested in participating, please email your resume to holloway.155@buckeyemail.osu.edu and li.1178@buckeyemail.osu.edu. 

Undergraduate or Graduate Students are invited to participate with the majority of interest to date has come from students with a focus on engineering, environmental science, and/or business. The Learn and Earn Scholarship program is ideal for students that are highly motivated since the scholarships are performance based. 

You can give GET, LLC a call or drop us a line and we can assist you with participating in this important program.

Unlimited Potential-An Ambit Energy Perspective

National Consultant for Ambit Energy Carlos Marin spoke at the Association of Network Marketing Professionals recently and got to spend time with some of the movers-and-shakers in the industry. In fact , Carlos was voted onto its board-congratulations from GET, LLC.

He reminded the attendees and each of us you that we truly have UNLIMITED potential! Marin said that scientists are saying that ALL of the computers in the world are just now approaching the capacity of ONE single human mind.

Marin says, "You truly can Be, Do, or Have ANYTHING it is that you desire!"

He added If you have a burning desire to build an empire in your Ambit business - you can!

Carlos and I would like to tell you that It's time to stop playing small, get out there and attack the marketplace knowing that you can truly help people eliminate their bills entirely and earn a lucrative income in an industry that is BOOMING! 

Believe in yourself, because we believe in you!  Thanks Carlos and thanks Ambit Energy.

Again to find out how to turn on the cash flow whenever someone uses electricity and gas at http://getllc.myambit.com/start-a-business/energy-526-California is now Ambit Energy Country.  

Let's talk further about this exciting opportunity.

Successful Guam NAWIC Anniversary Event

The National Association of Women in Construction Guam Chapter #381 celebrated their Chartering last night and was such a huge success.  Our hats off to the Executive Committee for organizing the event that showcased this unique group of women.  Most of the Guam Chapter was in attendance-a sign that despite a downed economy and struggling construction sector each was willing to get together and honor the work of women in construction over the past year.

The Guam Chapter will be nominating Geri Leon Guerrero of ADZtech Advertising and Public Relations for the Region 10 Vision of Excellence Award.  The firecracker-General Manager of the local PR firm has been a staunch advocate of the construction industry and has been an effective marketing voice of the Guam Contractors Association over the past year.  Chapter #381 Founder Jaylene Kent won last year's Regional Vision Award and Guam is poised to make it two wins in a row.

Also, Island Equipment used the time to thank their loyal customers for their business this past year.  I must say Matt Pothens and his team did a great job of bring the event all together. Dinner and dancing was complete with presentations on the Doosan lines of power generation equipment. 

Expect the Guam NAWIC to grow over the next couple of years.  There are some great ladies leading this bunch.  GET, LLC credits Irene Hicks and Rose Delvecchio for sharing this group with us.  It is so very important that we all take the time to push for more women to get involved in construction.  

Why?  

Self-employment will continue to rise.  The Construction Industry is projected to grow 10.2% into the next three years peaking at 15% by 2016.

Believe.  Persevere.  Dare. 


These are the core values that drive this group to enhance the success of women in the construction industry. Let's all do our part to grow this important industry.

Guam-A Different Perspective

The news from US Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel J. Locklear that the Guam Buildup will be delayed until 2020 sent shockwaves across the Pacific this week. Threats of an unstable nuclear Korea, a growing China military, violent extremism across the Pacific Rim and needed intelligence support to DOD Operations dominated Admiral Locklear's testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.  Also, the Admiral spoke of strengthening alliances and partnerships across seven island nations including that of Japan.  He mentioned the Guam Buildup and the needed resources.  But 2020 stood out. Part of a larger restructuring in Japan, there was yet another commitment to the move. But reference to Futenma remained largely status quo and PACOM's statements are showing that the US and Japan are still pretty torn on the moving the US Marines there in Okinawa to Dededo  Throw in a great line that ,"The Pacific Ocean does not separate the United States from Asia; it connects us", was a subtle way for Admiral Locklear to show his expertise in the region and further educate Washington DC bureaucrats and lawmakers that they must continue to support PACOM's vision for the future.

This is not the first time the feds kicked the proverbial buildup "can" down the road and expecting folks here to be attentive to the work needed to execute this $1.3 billion dollar program. In a GAO report dated June 27, 2011, there was statements made over efforts to get the Guam Buildup completed quickly .  But there estimates showed completion of full Guam Program implementation by 2022. 

News like this from Capitol Hill is not very encouraging. It shows that until we have some higher level of clout to get this effort to bring 6000 Marines to Guam , we should expect more rhetoric and more questions locally.

The Governor was marginally successful in understanding more about the efforts at the Pentagon to get the Guam Buildup underway.  In fact, his efforts to glean more from efforts to fund public sector mandates in the Sequester were met with a lot of platitudes and vague insight.  The Guam Delegate called for detailed briefings on the impacts of this critical congressional tool on money for the island and was met with a deafening silence from the Rayburn Building to the Capitol Hill Visitors Center.  Even the Speaker of the Guam Legislature, who met with federally funded agency employees in roundtable discussions last week and earlier this week got even less information that the Governor related to the Sequester impacts on Gov Guam now and into the near future. The 15 members of the Guam Legislature are not the most credible ambassadors of the Guam Military Buildup Program.

This is becoming very stressful for local civil service workers and federal contractors who are looking to expand business without a responsible federal funded response laid out for all to see-the Sequester or Guam Buildup alike.

I do not think Admiral Locklear's remarks were helpful to local businesses who are waiting for the green light to begin the Guam Buildup or even more pressing the Congressional budget process for this new fiscal year.  The end result.  No budget, no federal spend-at least not right away.  And while many construction related organizations bolted, a handful are waiting out what is next for Guam.  The rest of the economy is doing the same as well as the "New Normal" continues across every American community.  Please keep an eye on this important issue as it seems that there will be major impacts to every business sector in the Territory.

New Class A-10 Performance-Independence LED Lighting

GET, LLC is pleased to announce that our friends at Independence LED has completed new products in 2013 that are in line with their goal of continual improvement to develop, “The Best Built LED Tubes.”

How did they do this? 

They have built an "American Made" product that meets the International Class-A “Advanced” LED Tube Standards which is made up of 10 Criteria (Class A-10 Status) that sets the benchmark for highest performance in the LED Tube industry:

#1: Efficiency: 100 lumens / watt or higher. Independence LED: 112  l/w at CRI 70 and 100  l/w at CRI 85

#2: Longevity: 50,000 hour rated life or higher with third party LM80 testing.  Independence LED: 50,000 hour life (L70) with LM80 testing.

#3: UL Certification: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Classified, not just recognized LED Driver. Independence LED: UL Classified.

 #4: CE Certification: Conformity European. Independence LED conforms to the following directives:

Artificial Optical Radiation Directive: 2006/25/EC

Low Voltage Directive (LVD): 2006/95/EC

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive: 2004/108/EC

Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS): 2002/95/EC

 #5: ISO-9001:2008 Certification: The International Organization for Standardization to foster consistency in LED Tube product delivery and quality assurance.  Independence LED: Certified: ISO-9001:2008

#6: Thermal Management: Heat Sinks with over 7” (17.78cm) of circumferential “perimeter” conductive surface.  Independence LED: 9.13” ( 23.19cm) of circumferential conductive surface via its deep fin aluminum heat sinks.

 #7: Power Supply: External Driver with multi-tube Driver Options for fixtures.  Independence LED: Single, Double, Triple, Quad, and Six Tube External Driver configurations.

#8: Warranty: 5 years or longer on both the Tube and Power Supply.  Independence LED: 5 year Warranty on the combined Tube and Power Supply System, plus extended warranty options on the tube for facilities with occupancy sensor systems.

#9: Rebate Ready Products: Performance Criteria across multiple regions and countries.  Independence LED: The company’ tubes were some of the very first to qualify and set  the rebate standards in 2011 through the industry leading Con Edison Commercial and Industrial Incentive program, administered by Lockheed Martin. An additional U.S. example: The DesignLight Consortium (DLC) Qualified Products List, ranging from Troffer fixtures to Industrial High Bay fixtures, sets minimum lumen output levels per fixture. The Independence LED multi-tube fixtures meet or exceed key levels. For example, the 2’x 4’ (4) Tube Troffer fixture emits 4,000 lumens and the 4’ (6) Tube High Bay fixture emits 19,000 lumens.

 #10: LED Tube Light Quality and Control: Color Rendering Index (CRI) options for 80 or higher + Dimming down to 20% or lower + Beam angle adjustment within existing tombstone end brackets.  Independence LED:  Offers all three of these light quality and control features.

What does this all mean? 

It means that the Independence LED Tube Lights are the Most Energy Efficient LED Tube on the Market and the brightest LED Tube on the Market.

To find out more, please give us a call or drop us a line.

What's the Problem? Advice from Our Friends at Ambit Energy

National Consultant for Ambit Energy Carlos Marin has once again passed along advice we at GET LLC wanted to share with you all.  

Carlos and his wife Cecy have been very successful with Ambit Energy and as part of his team, this blog post continues to drive Tricia and I to move ahead-inspired by such wisdom. 

Carlos recently wrote that we all know that challenges will come, - whether from competitors, economic conditions, customer demand, etc... but WE get to choose whether we view these challenges as problems or opportunities.

He said that problems actually ARE Opportunities, and Opportunities + Solutions equal riches!

Carlos added that nearly every great innovator has used this formula and as a result have become wildly successful and wealthy. But it doesn't just stop there. It's also about having the right mindset, the mindset of an Entrepreneur, a Business Owner, a True Professional, and the mindset of a Millionaire - in order to become one...

He said that many people believe in the "Have, Do, Be" method. They think, "Once I have something, then I can do something, and then I'll be who I want to be." ...

But the real secret is to reverse the formula. First, you must BE, then do, then have.

Carlos concludes in asking if we ever heard the quote, "what you seek is seeking you."? It's true. NOW is the time to believe in yourself, believe in your business, and believe in your profession, and maximize your compensation. 

Thanks Carlos and thanks Ambit Energy.

Again to find out how to turn on the cash flow whenever someone uses electricity and gas at http://getllc.myambit.com/start-a-business/energy-526.