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StarKist Co. CEO to make first visit to territory on Thursday

EO, Chae-Ung Um
Meetings with government and Fono leaders planned
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a brief statement issued yesterday morning from the headquarters in Reston, Virginia, StarKist Co., confirmed that its president and chief executive officer, Chae-Ung Um will visit American Samoa tomorrow, Thursday, Mar. 30.

Um, on his first visit to the territory as CEO, will spend time with the StarKist Samoa leadership team and also plans to meet with government and Fono leaders.

“This visit provides an opportunity to discuss critical issues that are impacting StarKist’s business in American Samoa,” Um is quoted in the statement.

“StarKist Samoa has been a proud member of the American Samoan community for 60 years,” he said. “There are many challenges working against American Samoa, but we are committed to working with local leadership to ensure a globally competitive and viable economic environment for conducting business in the territory.”

The company didn’t provide any specific details on the dates of meetings with local leaders — or specific issues set for discussions —  as well as when Um will depart the territory.

It does says that: “In honor of StarKist Samoa’s  60th Anniversary, the company is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Flag Day celebration.”

Samoa News notes that Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga and his delegation were hosted to a luncheon last December by Um and other StarKist Co., officials at the company’s headquarters in Virginia.

Samoa News understands that StarKist Samoa has already been invited to participate in various flag day events including the parade.

For its 60th Anniversary, StarKist Samoa has been holding various events, including a sports tournament and singing competition.

StarKist Samoa, the largest private business in the territory, is currently closed for major upgrades at the Atu’u-based plant. It plans to resume production on Apr. 03.