T - Pacific Daily News

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n May 12th, 1947, Executive Order 19-47, issued by then Naval Governor Charles
Pownall ratified The Guam Congress’s suggestion, by repealing Prohibition. Although Prohibition ended in the United States in 1933, Prohibition Officially Ends
on Guam in 1947.
On that same day, Mid Pacific Liquor Distributing Corporation Inc was born.
Sixty-Five years later, I don’t think the early members of the Guam Congress and original founders of Mid Pacific Liquor Distributing Inc. would have imagined that they had
given birth to an Industry in our region of the Pacific Ocean. This Industry grew to further
impact the growth of the Island’s economy and supported the growth of the Tourism-Hospitality Industry.
Eduardo Torres “Jake” Calvo was elected to the Guam Congress in 1934 and served
for 22 years. As a businessman he was a driving force in starting Mid Pacific Liquor Distributing Inc. and developing the Industry in Guam. He was later joined by his sons Paul,
Eddie (my father), and Jerry…who helped acquire new product lines and expand the business.
There have been Four generations of Calvo Family members involved at Mid Pac and
many more to contribute in the future. Our company has grown from humble beginnings
in a small warehouse in Anigua, Guam to four Distribution Centers throughout Micronesia and an Import office in Manila, Philippines.
Our motto has changed through the years, but Mid Pac will continue to be…
The Company that Delivers the Best of What People Enjoy!
Sincerely,
John T. Calvo
President and CEO
E
dward M. Calvo played an instrumental role in building the empire that exists today. As a youth, he witnessed his father
forge a business selling insurance out of their house. It was this drive instilled in Eddie at such a young age that put him on the
path to success.
Upon the death of his father, Eduardo “Jake” Calvo in 1963, Eddie, along with his two brothers, Paul and Jerry, inherited the
family business. At the time, Paul was heavily involved in Guam’s political scene, and Jerry was still a bit too young, so it was
Eddie who spearheaded and sustained the growth of the Calvo family businesses.
Through his leadership and guidance, the Calvo family businesses grew tremendously. At the beginning of his tenure, Eddie
acquired Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co., the first of many great accomplishments for the patriarch.
Eddie was prominent not only in business, but heavily involved in the local community as well. He was a member of the 14th Guam Legislature, a Republican National Committee representative, member of the Knights of
Columbus, and an active participant in several Government of Guam boards and committees. In 1996, he was
named Guam Business Executive of the year and was inducted into the Guam Chamber of Commerce Hall of
Fame.
Sadly, in 2004, Eddie lost his battle with cancer. Following his death, his family established the Edward M.
Calvo Cancer Foundation in hopes of bringing a level of care that those affected on island, would otherwise not
be able to receive.
Eddie lived out his last days at home, surrounded by family and friends. His final words were, “I love you,
Mom. Guam is good.” These few words speak volumes about the character of the man who helped build our island, a leader who worked to better the lives of our people. He is truly missed.
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W
orld War II in the Pacific is over on September 2. Guam comes under U.S. Navy
martial law.
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idPac receives San Miguel appointment; the Harmon brewery is built; Olympia beer is turned
over to the Getz Brothers.
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F
eb. 1. The White Horse Agreement granted
exclusive distributorship of famous scotch
liquor to MidPac.
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ay 12. Mid Pacific liquor Distributing
Corp. Inc. is incorporated. H-2 laborers
from the Philippines are brought over to reconstruct the island following the war.
he Organic Act is signed into law, which
designates Guam as an unincorporated
territory. It also gives U.S. citizenship to
Chamorros.
he United States lifts a 21-year security ban
in Micronesia. Chinese Kuomintang nationalists leave their CIA Training in Capitol
Hill, Saipan Supertyphoon Karen strikes Guam,
leaving much devastation
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ulf of Tonkin Resolution signals the start
of American involvement in Vietnam
conflict. Guam is used as a staging ground.
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ug. 30. Mid Pac receives Brown-Foreman distribution appointment; Guam
Visitors Bureau coins new slogan – Where
America's Day Begins - and ushers in a new
surge of tourism.
idPac gains Phillip Morris distribution appointment.
fire engulfs MidPac warehouse
is Anigua, burning a large
amount of alcohol, as well as many
documents; company moves to a
new location in Harmon.
uly 2. Miller Brewing gives MidPac their distribution appointment;
the Vietnam War ends.
upertyphoon Pamela
levels Guam.
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eb. 23. Sapporo Brewery appoints MidPac as their distributor
followed by Paul Masson wines on
December 1, 1989.
P
ersian Gulf War begins.
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id-Pac receives Kendall Jackson
Appointment.
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id-Pac receives Hansen's Beverages
Appointment.
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from page 6
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eb. 1. Welch's distribution appointment to MidPac. April 1. Ozeki State
distribution appointment; Supertyhoon
Omar wreaks havoc on Guam.
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pened PTC Majuro. Celebrates 6Oyear anniversary on Guam.
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id-Pac receives Hawaiian Sun and
Voss appointments.
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une. An 8.1 earthquake rocks Guam.
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D
ecember. Purchased Atkins Kroll
Wines & Spirits; established Island
Wines & Spirits.
FL starts back up, Palau Trading Company
Opens, Mid-Pac receives Dos Equis appointment. UNO Guam launches.
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oved into new corporate offices on
Bello Road.
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elebrates 50-year anniversary on
Guam.
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id-Pac celebrates 65th Anniversary.
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oved into Dededo location.
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id-Pac receives Jim Beam Brands
Appointment.
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Mid-Pac’s shiny new
facility is future-friendly
A
fter more than a decade at their
prior location, Mid-Pac’s leaders have tailored a
new facility, one that can handle everything they
do and much, much more.
“We thought, next time, let’s do it better.
We’ve taken everything into account. We upgraded everything from the distribution center,
to the amount of loading docs, and added all the
bells and whistles,” says Assistant General Manager E.J. Calvo.
“We’ve added more loading docks and have
already more than doubled the number that
we had before. Because we’ve added heat insulation, the warehouse is much cooler. This means
a lot to certain temperature controlled areas. Our
wine room is almost 10,000 square feet and
needs to stay cool for its quality to be upheld.
This goes for some higher-end products as well
– we have to order inventory for the year on
some wines up front.”
Calvo says they took the opportunity to deliver a modern feel when designing the office
side of the facility.
“We really set ourselves up the right way.
With assistance from an interior designer
as well as an architect, we were able to do
things with class.
The design was created leaving a lot
of flexibility for growth, and the knowledge that things will change. In terms of
setup, we built a large space for marketing and production. There is an area
where we can print a lot of banners and
signs. This was one of the key elements
taken into consideration during planning.
The design was also built around our various
sales teams, we wanted to give them their own
bullpens and unique areas, but we wanted the
overall feel of one office. We have also incorporated a dedicated sales room, so no one has to
ever wait in line or in the executive conference
room.”
Calvo found that employees are happier
when there is a nice break room dedicated to
them. Company morale has definitely increased
since they built a luxurious break room, outfitting it with a couple of flat screen TVs and ping
pong table. It also doubles as a venue for company events.
“We are a company with foresight. We understand that the island is in a state of growth and
spending on luxury items is tied in to the economy and certain occasions. There is an expectation that as things get better in the economy, our
company will grow and diversify,” he says.
“We always have to be keen on brands and
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tion that as things get better in the economy, our
company will grow and diversify,” he says.
“We always have to be keen on brands and products that we represent. We continually look at
brands that are on the rise, especially since our
non-alcoholic beverages are continuing to grow.
The consumer trend is ever-changing and if we
can’t beat that trend, we at least have to meet it
and provide the product to the consumer.”
Calvo says that staying on top requires constant
interaction with his customer base.
“We like to talk to the community we do
business with. We understand that
being a part of the community is
important in the success of a business.
A good example is import beers.
We’ve identified the flavors in this region to be
a little more adventurous. Although some of the
same big names are still leading the market –
Dos Equis, Tecate’, San Miguel, Red Horse,
Heineken, Amstel light – all of these options are
still out there. And sizes and packaging are always changing because people want options,
says Calvo, especially with wine and vodka.
All of the best practices in effect today, came
from learning experiences encountered in the
past. On a daily basis, they call upon experience
that experience and everyone is happily heading in the right direction.
“Some things may not have worked in the
past, but times change and we may
have to re-examine strategies.
It truly is all about timing,”
he says. “I think my
grandfather, the late
Edward M. Calvo,
would really be
pleased with the
company’s current state. We
took the seeds
that were planted
and have grown
into something
much bigger. Yet,
the best news is
that the growth is
just the beginning
- we still have tons of potential.
“He’d be excited.”
Calvo says he not only hopes for growth, but is
confident that it’s just around the corner.
“Even our suppliers are shocked. They can’t believe how diverse our community is, and also the
amount of volume we consume. We know Guam
is diverse and the people demand options,” he
says. “The variety of our products speak to that;
we have 20 different beer brands, 32 different
non alcoholic beverages, numerous different
wines, champagnes, and liquors.”
Calvo says reflecting on the company’s history
makes him realize how resilient they have always been.
“We take our hits just like the rest of them. Depending on what products are affected, we have
to adjust. Sales of some items went up when
times got tough, others were eliminated from
portfolio completely. But there was never a
thought that we wouldn’t get through it. Sometimes, it’s easier to roll with the punches,” he
says.
“And talking about tough times, we don’t always
get it right. There are instances where we miss
the timing. In that case, we continue to refine
message in hopes we connect with consumers.
Because of where we live, sometimes we are
faced with more challenges to get through,” he
says.
“Still, it’s an amazing feeling to say, ‘We’ve
done it, now prepare to do it again.”
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CORE VALUES:
Teamwork, Diversity and Respect
OUR MISSION:
To foster a spirit of teamwork, diversity and respect within our company.
To provide a means of interaction
and communication among our fellow co-workers
To provide a means through which
our employees may be represented
and have a voice in making decisions
which affect them directly.
To consider methods and means by
which policies and overall working
conditions may be improved, operating efficiency increased and to make
recommendations to administrative
officers and faculty.
To promote a positive public image
of the company and our employees
throughout the community.
OUR MEMBERS:
Danny Daniel, Special Projects
Manager • Cyndi Cepeda, Human
Resources Manager • Jessica Opinion, On-Premise Sales Manager •
Michelle Rosario, Sales Supervisor •
Davina Benavente, Marketing Coordinator • Diane Aguilo, Administrative Assistant • Athena McCarrel,
Customer Service Representative •
Shawn Materne, Warehouse Operations Representative
T
he Mid Pac Distributors Employee
Council is a team of full-time employees
from each department made up of a diverse
group, representing multiple levels within
our organization. Each hand-selected member attends a meeting every other Wednesday and is tasked with disseminating the
information received to their respective departments.
The purpose of the Council is to provide
a forum for employees to meet, explore elements of importance that affect our workplace and offer solutions that concentrate on
the growth and development of our employees and organization. The ultimate goal of
the Council is to develop dedicated personnel thru programs focused on camaraderie,
sense of community and respect.
Just over two years ago, employees
were polled to change the name of our
Council.
The winner - Metgot Hale’, inspired by
the history and legacy of our company, literally translating to “strong roots” in English. The name Metgot Hale’ embodies our
commitment to teamwork, respect for tradi-
tion and values and the promise of solidarity
for the future.
Some of our employee-centric activities
include sending care packages to our deployed colleagues, pulling together to serve
at family rosaries and inter-office team
building exercises. We promote health and
wellness by sponsoring employee teams in
basketball, football, paddling, volleyball
and rugby.
Inspired by co-workers who have been
stricken with cancer, we support awareness
thru involvement with the Edward M. Calvo
Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, SPPC’s Paddles For a
Cure and United Airlines’ Plane Pull to
name a few.
Like our name implies, we are a
strongly rooted organization dedicated to
teamwork, diversity and respect. We provide a means of open communication, resounding the voice of our fellow coworkers
on issues, policies and working conditions.
We are the face of Mid Pac Distributors
among our family, friends and to the public.
We are Metgot Hale’.
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P
N ot j u s t p r od u c ts , M i d - Pa c of f e rs
a g r e at w o r k e n v i r o n m e n t
art of Mid-Pac’s success over the last 65 years can be attributed to a happy workforce, for a happy employee is a productive employee.
So it’s no surprise that more than 20 percent of Mid-Pac employees
has been around for more than 10 years — and in some cases two or three
times longer than that.
“If you have experience in what we do, if you are good at doing what
we do, then we could be the employer of choice,” says Assistant General
Manager E.J. Calvo. “We are committed to our employees morale and we
were really pleased to give them the best we had to offer with our new facility.”
While employees have much more room to do their jobs at their new
home, Mid-Pac management also built a spacious, comfortable employee
break room. It came furnished with a couple of refrigerators and flat-panel
TVs, as well as several tables and chairs, and for those who want to blow
off some steam — an area to play table tennis.
“Our break room keeps their workspaces cleaner, but it also doubles as
a place where we can have corporate functions, or entertain our off-island
guests,” says Calvo. “We’ve got all the bells and whistles, and our new facility left a lot of flexibility for growth because we know that things will
change. What won’t change is our commitment to the hard-working employees here at Mid-Pac. They are like family.”
WHY do you enjoy
w o r k i n g at M i d p a c ?
“Even after 15 years it still continues to be challenging. I love the environment, I love
people I work with and I think that makes a big difference. Even after all these years.
Aside from all the fun – the beer, the events, stuff like that. I’d have to say it’s
really the people. It’s tough to do the job if you don’t have a good team and
here we are very very fortunate that we have some very good people. I’d
have to say that’s the best part.
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It’s just the business. It’s diverse, it’s never the same thing every day. I
do tobacco, I do liquor, I do wines and spirits so there’s always something different to do. Working with the new market trends and things
like that … there’s always something to do and as far as Mid-Pac, it’s
very good people to work for – you’ve seen the office – and the owners
give us room to grow ourselves, they trust us and let us move forward.
One, we’re a family-oriented business and two,
we’re locally owned! We’re supporting our
own kind.
We got great group of people, the management team is great, and we have a
lot of stuff to keep you happy. All our products … you’re not happy, just take
one of our products and it’ll get you happy.”
I like the environment. And the workers, the family … it makes you feel at
home. You won’t find it anywhere
else. This is been my first job for
seven, eight years, and I’m sticking
with it.
It’s a great company with the best
product. For the last 16 years, I’ve enjoyed working here.
I like coming to work here at MidPac because of the bosses, and the
people we work around with. We all
enjoy putting our products on the
market, and it’s something we get to
do every day.”
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B
orne from good business sense and a great love for
music and entertainment, Tropical Productions
has emerged as the island’s premiere event manager.
While no job is too small for the Mid-Pac’s powerful promotions division, Tropical Productions is also behind some of
Guam’s most memorable events for more than two decades.
“It was formed by my dad 20-plus years ago,” says E.J.
Calvo, General Manager and son of company President
John Calvo. “He had invested in a lot of expensive concert equipment because these off-island entertainers demanded certain standards – that weren’t available on
Guam.
Tropical Productions bought the big stuff: Lighting systems and infrastructure. Stages. The best in sound.
Costly items, yes, but items that paid off over the
years, and not just financially.
Most recently, Tropical Productions was responsible for offering Guam its first taste of Broadway when it brought in the exhilirating
percussion act, “Stomp.”
“Some entertainers won’t even consider you
if you can’t handle their equipment needs.
“But as part of the big master plan, it was a
great step in proving that we can definitely
handle some of the biggest and best acts –
even Broadway shows.”
TROPICAL PRODUCTIONS INC.
370 Mendioka Street, Dededo, Guam 96929
PO Box 192 Hagatna, Guam 96932
Office (671) 635-2339 • Fax (671) 637-5832 • www.tpiguam.com
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T
he entertainment arm of Mid-Pac started sponsoring and producing concerts in 1984 with rock band Quiet Riot, a sold-out event that packed the University of
Guam field house. More importantly, it showed thousands of music fans that Guam
could indeed handle some of the biggest names in entertainment.
The company has made good on that debut for almost 30 years, presenting some of
the industry’s top names from the U.S. and region. There have been more comedy
shows than they can count, but recent names include Anjelah Johnson, Jo Koy, Tommy
Davidson and Ralphy May. If that weren’t enough, Mad TV star Bobby Lee performs
June 29.
Music stars? They’ve been here for years. Among them: Tony Bennett, Stylistics,
The Manhattans, Kool and the Gang, Martin Nievera, Tommy Chong, Freddy Fender,
Lea Salonga, Sugar Ray, Three Dog Night, Hoobastank, Michelle Branch, Manhattan
Transfer, Sammy Hagar, Natalie Cole, Spyro Gyra, Robert Palmer, Lee Ritenour, Coolio, Fiji, America, the Spin Doctors, Flock of Seagulls, Malo, Kalapana, Cecilio and
Kapono, Regine Velasquez, and many more.
And it’s not always about packing the field house. Sometimes hotel banquet rooms
offer a better environment, while some acts flourish in clubs or restaurants.
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E
ven Tropical Productions’ brands have taken on thriving life of their own. Pacific
Xtreme Combat, or PXC, has produced over 30 professional events and over 30 amateur
shows in Guam. In early 2011, PXC in affiliation with KUAM, partnered with Manila’s
TV5 to launch PXC Philippines on their new sports and lifestyle channel, AKTV.
PXC has experienced steady growth in both live attendance and television viewership,
from about 300,000 for PXC 24 in June 2011 three-quarters of a million just eight months
later.
With its recent expansion into the Philippines, PXC will continue to promote the development of local and regional athletes by allowing them to compete among the best international fighting camps in a world-class setting.
And, its magazine UNO Guam recently celebrated its second year in print. The bimonthly magazine is the definition, reflection, and celebration of modern Guamanian life
and culture.
But like its parent Mid-Pac, Tropical Productions is keen on growth. Calvo says they
recently got a great deal on circus equipment so expect to see more family-friendly acts underneath TPI’s very own Big Top.
“We want to raise the bar, keep engaging in the community, bring bigger and better
acts, educate people and give them value too,” says Calvo.
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Targeted
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To place your ad in the
Pacific Daily News,
call 479-0203
or email
advertising@guampdn.com.
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Mid Pac’s Off Premise Sales Manager, has been with the company since February 14, 1991. He started out as a Draft Technician
and after a year, was promoted to merchandiser for all categories.
That was just the beginning. He then moved up to Sales Representative and later became an Area Manager for the beverage department.
Bert says that there are always challenges when dealing with new
products, but looks forward to them. He finds it extremely satisfying
when he can say that one of Mid Pac’s products has become a household name.
Bert says that there are many memories that he has from his years
with the company, but the one that stands out the most is the moment
he met his wife Carol.
“As Mid Pac celebrates 65 years on Guam, I’d like to thank the
Calvo family for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this celebration, and the many more to come.
Who has been with Mid Pac’s payroll department since August
31, 1976. Carol says she wants to work harder in her current capacity
in the hopes of growing even more with the company.
“Even though we’ve faced some challenges along the way, I am
thankful for the stability and continuous growth of the company.
Has been a Controller with Mid Pac since January 15, 1970.
One of the most senior employees, Eddy appreciates the recognition he received for his loyalty during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Eddy has had the privilege of growing along with Mid Pac for
the last 42 years. He says he is thankful for the uninterrupted harmonious employment through three generations of the Calvo family.
Has been with the company since June 26, 1992. For Rene,
the most memorable moment he has from his years with Mid Pac
has would have to be the time now Governor Eddie Calvo told him
“You are a hard worker, and undoubtedly the best Fork Lift Operator
on Guam.”
As Mid Pac celebrates its 65th anniversary, Rene is thankful for
the friendships he has been able to forge in his years with the company.
Started his career with Mid Pac distributors on September 21,
1991. Marcelo is currently in Military Sales and says he “Loves the
challenges that come with being in sales.” Mr. Mendoza feels that
it keeps the job interesting and loves the feeling he gets when he secures or extends another contract.
He is grateful for the career that he has been able to build with
such a great employer. “I am thankful to Mid Pac for recognizing
my enthusiasm and trusting me with helping to grow their business,
I really enjoy the duties that come along with my job, and wish Mid
Pac another 65 years of prosperity.”
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