The 2024 Guam Industry Forum, hosted by the Society of American Military Engineers’ Guam Post, illustrated Guam’s growing role in regional security and infrastructure, with participants eager to make meaningful connections and explore potential collaborations.
The forum was held at the Dusit Thani Resort on Nov. 14 and 15. The event offered a platform for participants to learn about and discuss current and upcoming military projects.
Paul Tuncap, president of Ambiance Distinctive Interiors in Guam, saw the forum as a chance to drive growth for the island. “Opportunities for more growth and for a safe island,” he said. Tuncap expressed interest in learning about how artificial intelligence might shape business in Guam. “In the age of AI, I’d like to learn more. I’m hoping to learn more about how AI could provide more opportunities either way,” he said.
Caner Ajcay, branch manager for Uxell Construction LLC, traveled from Turkey to attend the forum. Uxell, which has an office in Tamuning, is working on a few U.S. Department of Defense contracts “We are kind of a new company trying to establish our business in the Pacific. We are doing three projects… in Camp Blaz and another project in Palau,” Ajcay said. “We are trying to get connections, networking, learn from other companies, whatever is available on the island, for the upcoming projects.” He also hoped to learn more about the company’s competitors as well as connect with other subcontractors and manufacturers.
Daniel Moore, representing New York-based Framaco International in sales and business development, said, “We do a lot of procurement materials for the large contractors here on the island. We felt that more than anything it was important to show support for our partners,” Moore said, “We wanted to strengthen our presence and our capabilities. We are actively supplying on the island already, but we really wanted to show support for our current partners and to identify and discuss potential partnerships with other contractors in the future.”
The focus on networking resonated with Moore, who said, “A lot of networking. A lot of showcasing our capabilities and our areas of strength. And then to create more relationships moving forward.”
Representing Red River Technologies, Trisha Averill and Madison Ruther also shared their perspectives. Red River, headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, provides IT solutions across sectors and has a strong commitment to supporting military and local agencies in Guam. “We are an IT solutions integrator. We work through the entire IT stack of technology,” Averill, based in Honolulu, said. “We have been supporting the Department of Defense and State, Local education government agencies, for the last 30 years.”
Averill explained that Red River’s presence at the forum was an extension of their commitment to the island. “I think this week specifically is more about education and offering our own resources to the island. Whether that’s customer education, opportunity business development, or delivering IT solutions, we’re prepared and just want to show our investment on this island.”
Madison Ruther, based in South Carolina, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing Red River’s dedication to both local and military projects. “I think Trisha said it best. We’re here to support both the DOD and local agencies in any way we can,” Ruther said.
Graeme Ridley, vice president of Smithbridge Guam; said, “Being local, a lot of the presentations we’ve seen, but the networking is ideal – superb.” mbj