Lets All Celebrate Women in Construction Week in Guam and Across America!

GET, LLC is a proud member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and even prouder member of the Guam NAWIC Chapter.  

This week is a special one for us and NAWIC as we are celebrating Women in Construction Week (WIC).  

From March 3-9, 2013 we are joining with other women-owned businesses in this important industry to enhance the success of women in the construction industry. 

The focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.

WIC Week provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country including here in Guam to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.

"While there are more than one million women employed in the construction industry, women only comprise approximately ten percent of the construction workforce.  These women, whether they are administrative specialists, general contractors, subcontractors, trades people, or professionals, are vital elements to the construction process,” said President of NAWIC President Cindy Johnsen. “'Women in Construction Week' is simply a time set aside to thank those women for all their efforts toward successful construction projects, bring attention to the industry and encourage others to realize that construction is a viable, profitable career field.”

For the NAWIC Guam Chapter #381 the week's events culminate with a Chartering Anniversary Party to be held next Saturday night, March 9, 2013 at the Marriott Resort and Spa.  

We hope you will join Tricia and the other members of the NAWIC Guam Chapter at this great event to celebrate and support Women in Construction Week.

NCI wins AMA Marketer of the Year Honors

GET, LLC, through our relationship with Metal Construction Resources, LLP and MCR Guam want to congratulate Texas-based NCI Building Systems who was named recently as Marketer of the Year by the Houston Chapter of the American Marketing Association.  MCR is a Ceco Builder who is key part of the NCI Family.  

This is a big deal.  

NCI was chosen for the honor ahead of 145 companies.  The reason for the honor:

"NCI Building Systems stood out due to its impressive results and measurable accomplishments throughout 2012. Despite lackluster economic conditions and nominal growth in the U.S. non-residential construction market last year, NCI and its 20 brands significantly out-performed market growth, generating year-over-year revenue growth of 20 percent. Much of this growth is attributed to a focus on market segmentation that has effectively aligned sales and marketing in support of well-orchestrated growth initiatives."

As a fan of the top marketing efforts of the Nation's leading companies, I think NCI's initiatives that led to the winning of the award are pretty innovative including there efforts this past year in conducting customer research to develop a new "Preferred Customer Financing Program," and developing a customized marketing forecast management system that came within four percent accuracy by year end.

This says to me that the steel buildings industry is doing very well.  As an alternative to concrete in this part of the world, I would suggest taking another look at steel.  It is more economical. It meets the wind and seismic codes for the Western Pacific.  It is a great building solution.  Good job NCI.

Guam-A Different Perspective

Washington DC in February is always a hotbed of activity.  The Nation's Governors are in town.  Lobbyists are busy getting their issues before as many decision makers on the Hill as can be fit into a 24-hour day.  Congressional members are working frantically to complete constituent work ahead of the Easter Break.  Don't forget the occasional mid-term fundraiser or two.  This year though is a bit different.

Sequestration is the focus in our Nation's Capitol and in statehouses all across America including Guam.  Today, President Barack Obama called for Congressional leaders to meet to resolve $85 Billion dollars in across the board cuts to the Federal Governmentexpected to go in effect at 3pm Friday Guam time.  There has been well-publicized plans by the U.S. Senate to reprogram the cuts-but they may not have enough votes to pass.  Realistically, the last minute activity may not result in anything positive. 

The cuts will happen and they will be deep.

For Guam what does it mean?  Government of Guam staffers and Executive Branch Agency Directors are asking their federal counterparts for a breakdown of what to expect over the remainder of this fiscal year.  The information has been slow in coming.  Real slow.  Even Guam Governor Eddie Calvo, who is in Washington DC at the writing of this post is sitting ringside for this battle between the White House and Congress, can't even get the details on the impacts to Guam -a serious, yet predictable, oversight by federal appropriators.  Guam Congresswoman Madeline Bordallo is in the same boat-the senior stateswoman left asking more questions and unable to get back solid details either of the impacts of the mandatory federal cuts to the Insular Areas.  Even Guam Legislative Speaker Judy Won Pat is reportedly trying to rally staffers to get  information that may impact Guam General Fund-funded programs and services into the final two quarters of FY 2013.

Locally, there is plenty of speculation of what may happen in the days and months to come.  COMNAVMAR is saying there will be an impact, but no official word on a detailed process to reduce costs-mainly personnel.  The list of discretionary and mandatory programs impacted by cuts is huge and touches the broadest section of the Guam community.  Federally funded activities from housing to conservation to healthcare on island will not be spared pain from the lack of federal action by Congress.  This is not a good sign for an isolated American economy that was turning a corner with the surge in our number one economic engine-tourism. 

What plays out between the Obama Administration and Senate and House Leaders will be telling.  But I can tell you-this has been coming for years.  With no real budgets passed during the President's first term, did we really believe that Continuing Resolutions would keep America going?  Is this the new normal in the United States?  I think this whole Sequester thing  is more of a lesson in decision making-or lack of it.  Elected leaders were given the mantle of leadership by the electorate. Each elected to do their jobs to run the business of our Great Nation. They have nothing to show for their effort.  In the end, it is the electorate that will ultimately suffer for the inaction of nearly five years.  

We should all be concerned about the actions in Washington DC in the coming days.  We should have been concerned four years ago with the election of the Democrat President and majorities in the House and Senate.  Though the balance of power is somewhat different, Washington DC is still working full steam ahead like nothing is wrong with our economic and social well being.

The Sequestration issue will have long term affects on the delivery of public services from Maine to California and from Puerto Rico to theNorthern Mariana Islands.  Not a single American will be spared.  Each of us relies in some way or form on federal services and the corresponding impact on local government programs that serves our greater community. I say-keep an eye on this matter which could change the way America delivers services to its citizenry including those in Guam.  

Don't worry the rest of the world is watching too, as they will be impacted by America's budget fight and implications that will fall well into the months and years to come.  

Let's hope March is a better month for us all.

An American Company and Economy Poised for Growth

As I spent time preparing for this post, I thought it would be nice to point out a great article about our friends at Savoy Furniture that features the Montoursville, Pennsylvania company and their storied history.

With humble beginnings as a machine wood carving shop to a modern furniture manufacturing company, this feature spells out their business into 2011-when the article was written. 

Beds. Chests. Desks.  It is what they do best. They are an American success story surviving the ups and downs of our Nation's economy over the past six decades.  They also were "green" way before their competitors.  Savoy and their practices have been environmentally friendly-a model for other corporations in their industry to follow.  Take the time to read the Williamsport Sun-Gazette article-it is pretty good.

On a side note, I had a brief talk today with Jason Saylor of Savoy who was on the road in Georgia.  It was the reminder of just how busy the Savoy team is in developing business around the country and our important role with Savoy to grow their business where America's Day Begins.  Savoy's place with a GSA Schedule generally means a huge advantage to them with the federal government-this despite a Sequester that has many concerned about the fate of doing business with Uncle Fed in the near term. 

All eyes are on Congress and the Obama Administration on this important issue.

The fallout? 

Hopefully the policy decisions on Capitol Hill act as a catalyst for growth of the U.S. Economy which the U.S. Chamber of Commerce described in their recent outlook for 2013 as "solid but not spectacular". 

I say, "Hey Washington DC-Get your act together for the sake of Americans all across the globe!!!".

Lighting Giant Named One of Most Disruptive Companies in America

Not exactly a term of endearment for one of our country's leading technology firms and one led by the man who got me into the energy services business shortly after leaving government service.

Philips, the leader in LED lighting technologies has been identified in the field of Energy and Materials as one of 2013's 50 Disruptive Companies, MIT Technology Review's annual list of the world's most innovative technology companies.  The dubious honor will be highlighted in the March/April edition of MIT Technology Review that hits newsstands on March 5, 2013.

President and CEO of Philips Lighting North America Bruno Biasiotta interviewed me in February 2010 for a position with Johnson Controls when he served as the General Manager of Building Efficiency. Bruno joined Philips in July 2012.

Over the last year, Philips has worked to drive down the cost of LED light bulbs by introducing 88 ENERGY STAR qualified LED bulbs that allow these products to qualify for utility rebates and lower the cost to consumers, including equivalents for 60, 75 and 100-watt incandescent bulbs.  The company has also introduced disruptive lighting technologies such as the award-winning L Prize bulb and Philips hue, the world's smartest light bulb which can be managed from iPhone or Android devices.

Publisher and editor in chief of MIT Technology Review Jason Pontin said that the pace at which technology changes is astounding. "This issue celebrates organizations at the forefront, displaying 'disruptive innovation' that will prove to surpass the competition, transform an industry, and change our lives," said Pontin. "Philips is making efficient LED light bulbs more affordable and one new bulb can even be controlled by phones and tablets." 

The strategy is simple: As LED light bulbs use up to 85 percent less energy than traditional bulbs while lasting up to 25 times longer-get them in the hands of consumers.

Philips is striving to bring value through this effort.  In the process being praised or vilified for their efforts to advance a growing industry.

Directing Focus-An Ambit Energy Tip

National Consultant for Ambit Energy Carlos Marin has been spot on lately.  GET LLC and other members of the Ambit Energy family are happy to have him and his powerful insight into doing business.  This week he sent this to Consultants like us at GET LLC-short and sweet to say the least related to focus.

“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want.  No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.”  -Paulo Coelho

Carlos writes that when your thoughts and feelings are concentrated on a specific, clear, and consistent purpose nothing can hold you back from achieving your desires.

He adds that in today's world it's easy to be distracted... there's always stuff to do at home, at work, with 

family etc., however, it's up to you to make the decision to focus on your business and hold the vision of how it will feel when you're a National Consultant wearing a yellow jacket! : )

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.

Looking for additional income opportunities? Ask us how. Ambit Energy is now in California-just a heads up!

Emission-Free Powered Aerial Lifts Gaining Popularity

GET LLC has acquired a Genie TZ-50, a trailer-mounted and battery powered articulating boom lift.  This 4400 pound solution to your aerial lift needs is on Guam and ready for use on your respective job site.  As our competitors offer a similar solution with diesel, our emission-free lift helps bring a different and more environmentally friendly alternative to building owners and conscious contractors.  

And this effort is growing. 

A great article on this trend can be found at theconstructionindex.co.uk, one of the United Kingdom's leading construction based search engines.  Yes-Terex, the parent company of Genie, is based in Europe.  The article showcases the Genie-line of emissions-free lifts among others.  It appears that our friends across the pond are embracing this trend.  Will it catch here?

Yes. 

GET, LLC can address your sustainable lift needs, so please drop us a line or call us for more information and lift availability.

Some great news from Terex to add: Terex’s net profit for 2012 was up +134% on the previous year to US$ 106 million., while the company’s revenues climbed +13% to US$ 7.35 billion. “We made significant progress in 2012," said Terex chairman and CEO Ron DeFeo. "We are optimistic about our business as we begin 2013."  

Good job Terex from the newest member of your Terex Family in the Western Pacific.