Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/3020/-1/130/
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Business & Finance: Comp. Nation Anguilla Formally Opened
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Comp. Nation Anguilla Office Products, a joint-ownership business with partners in Anguilla and the United States, held a grand opening ceremony at its new building on the Farrington main road on Tuesday, November 22.
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L-R: Jim Thomas, Kenneth Harrigan, Mark Filaroski, Victor Banks and Claude Smith
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Welcome remarks were given by Managing Director, Claude Smith, who chaired the proceedings which followed the opening prayer by Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Utilities, Kenneth Harrigan.
Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Victor Banks, congratulated the management and staff on the new venture and welcomed to Anguilla the President and CEO from Comp. Nation in Brentwood, Tennessee, Mark Filaroski, and Chief Operating Officer, Jim Thomas.
“It is important that in an economy like Anguilla the benefits from business generate more fully within the island,” Mr. Banks stated. “This venture is a courageous step both on the part of the principals of Comp.Nation from the United States as well as by Mr. Claude Smith, his family and Mr. [Calvert] Fleming because it takes a great deal of hard work and determination to make a business work.”
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Principals and staff of Comp. Nation Anguilla
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He noted that because of the small size of the Anguilla market it was difficult to obtain certain products and services. He was therefore pleased with the courage that the principals of the company had put to this task. “It is important that the workers understand their responsibilities to make this business work,” the Minister said. He advised the technicians working in the field were expected to ensure that the community was served well for the products purchased from Comp. Nation Anguilla as well as from other sources.
He observed that the company intended to use Anguilla as a regional hub with expansions to other islands in the Caribbean. “The Government of Anguilla in particular would like to give this business as much support as possible in facilitating that,” Banks affirmed. “When we see new businesses begin and they have great ambition, a great business plan and genuine persons at the helm to direct it, we have to give them our support. I am looking forward to great things from Comp.Nation Anguilla Office Products because I believe it is a dream which the principals have had is now being realised.”
Both Mr. Filaroski and Mr. Thomas expressed thanks to the staff and the people of Anguilla for welcoming them to the island. “We feel honoured, and like we are at home, and we look forward to build this business based on trust, service and quality products,” said Mr. Filaroski. His colleague echoed those words saying “the people I have come to know and enjoy here feel like family. Everyone we have across in the community represents Anguilla with the utmost pride and kindness. We appreciate you allowing us to get involved in this venture.”
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The company’s building on the Farrington main road
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Mr. Smith was grateful to all for attending the opening ceremony. “We are attempting to satisfy all your needs which I know will not be an easy task…but we will be able to fulfill most of them” he assured his listeners. “Comp.Nation Anguilla Office Products have been around for four years now as two separate entities, but we decided to combine forces to better serve Anguilla.”
He introduced the US principals and the 14 members of staff and pledged to serve the Anguillian community to their best ability.