2015 Okinawa First Vendor Showcase

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen G. Eigel
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  An 'Okinawa First' Vendor Showcase, coordinated by the 18th Contracting Squadron in coordination with the American Consulate General, was held from May 29 at the Schilling Community Center.

The annual event allowed Okinawan vendors to showcase locally-made products to the Government Purchase Cardholders, unit resource advisors and Airmen in management positions.

With the help of 18 CONS, units could find products to purchase locally, rather than having similar items shipped from the United States, which could save both money and time.

"We're trying to showcase the local vendors' products," said Hiroshi Higa, 18th Contracting Squadron contracting officer. "We want to see squadrons get what they need quicker and even cheaper as well."

The vendor showcase will also help Okinawan business owners connect with the U.S. government while building local economic growth.

"We are hoping that this is an opening for us that will allow us to have a better partnership," Col. Deborah Lovette, 18th Mission Support Group commander, said during opening remarks. "We would like to enable more programs like this to help you find us, and us have a little bit of a bigger pool of places to go."

The showcase has been a recurring event for more than 10 years to provide a 'win-win' situation for both Kadena and the local vendors.

"This is a good chance for them to see the products directly and how they work," Higa said.

Local vendors offered many things this year, from new building locks to alternate light sources that reduce energy cost by up to 75 percent.

Lovette said she hopes the event will continue to prosper in the future.

"We want to see the Okinawan economy grow and prosper," said Lovette. "I hope we will see them all again at future events."