StarKist Samoa celebrates 60 years in Am Samoa — spotlighting its dedicated workforce
Pago Pago, AMERICN SAMOA — “Employee Appreciation” is the focus of StarKist Samoa’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, with an Employee Day, set for tomorrow, Saturday, at Veterans Memorial Stadium, according to a statement from owner, U.S based StarKist Co.
And the StarKist president and chief executive officer, Chae-Ung Um, along with Young Choi — vice president finance, chief operations officer and chief financial officer — arrived in the territory on Aug. 28, to honor the anniversary celebration, marking 60 years since the cannery was founded in American Samoa. Um and Choi depart the territory later next week.
Upon arrival in the territory, Um participated in both the Day and Night shift prayer services, which are a daily tradition observed at the cannery before each shift begins, held in the StarKist Samoa Packing Room.
"As we celebrate this anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to, and share this celebration with, our outstanding workers, our StarKist Aiga (family). Your hard work, dedication, and support have been integral to our journey. Thank you for all you do,” Um emphasized in his address to workers, according to the company statement.
While the StarKist Samoa team has been conducting anniversary activities over the year, the celebration will culminate with a special weekend of festivities. The focus of these events is to shine a spotlight on the dedicated workforce of more than 2,300 at StarKist Samoa.
As the largest private sector employer in American Samoa, StarKist Samoa said it is taking significant steps to show its appreciation, with a variety of activities planned in honor of the 60th Anniversary.
Among the activities — today, Friday, Sept. 1, StarKist employees will receive a day off in honor of the Anniversary. And this evening, the company will host a 60th Anniversary Dinner, “expressing gratitude to government and business partners who have contributed to its success over six decades.”
Then tomorrow, Sept. 2, Saturday, the focus shifts to employees and their families as they take over the Veterans Memorial Stadium for a day of camaraderie and spirited competition. The stadium will become a hub of sporting events, games, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
In the spirit of community outreach, StarKist Samoa General Manager Injoo Ha presented $25,000 in donations equally divided between five distinct charities, as well as the LBJ Medical Center. These contributions were made possible through the proceeds of the StarKist 60th Anniversary Golf Tournament held on August 19, 2023, according to the StarKist statement.