WHEN WESTERN UNION Palau opened its first branch last June 2005, it only had four transactions in its opening month. But after a year and aggressive marketing strategies, that humble beginning resulted into three more branches with average monthly transactions of more than 2,000.

With success like that in such a short time, it was fitting that Western Union Palau celebrated their 1st year anniversary with much fanfare and excitement last June 15, 2006. The anniversary also coincided with the opening of the third Western Union outlet located in downtown Korror.

During the celebrations, promotional items were given to clients sending or receiving money through Western Union. Western Union bags were also handed to motorists driving yellow vehicles by the main road of Korror. Free breakfast was also given to those who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the third outlet where the anniversary was also held.

Attending the anniversary/opening were Palau President Policarp Basilius, Palau Finance Minister Elbuchel Sadang, Philippine Ambassador to Palau Ramoncito Mariño and CTSI Logistics/Western Union OIC Ronnie Giman.

In the past year, Western Union has been involved in many community projects, which helped boost the company’s visibility. Among those projects were in the areas of sports (in coordination with the Palau Olympic Committee) and tourism.

With a third outlet on the island, the future for Western Union Palau looks very promising. For starters, the new outlet is located right at the heart of Palau’s business and commercial district, which is sure to increase Western Union’s exposure. Moreover, the location makes the outlet more accessible and convenient to all.

In his speech during the celebrations, Ambassador Mariño said that “Western Union is in the process of expanding its network of branches all over Palau in order to provide good service, especially to the Filipino community here. We extol this kind of undertaking.”