SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AFT Holdings, Inc., today updated its stakeholders on the growth and advancements of its two signature San Diego-based investments, Intesa Communications Group, LLC, a PR and government affairs firm, and The Global Fleet (Ocean Global, Sea Global, and Pacific Global) the largest tuna fleet operating in the region with 14 purse seiner vessels harvesting more than 100,000 tons of tuna per year.
Long-delayed South Pacific Tuna Treaty Ratified
December 3, in Nadi, Fiji, the U.S. Government signed an extension of the 30-year-old South Pacific Tuna Treaty with 16 Pacific Island Nations. The finalized treaty was the product of the seven years of negotiations between the parties. It grants the fleet access to the critical fishing areas with the nations’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), while providing needed flexibility and continuing to promote combined interest of all. Max Chou, partner in The Global Fleet, attended the Treaty ceremony with representatives from all the Nations involved and Industry.
“This was a tireless effort between U.S. Department of State Office of Seafood, Congressional leadership, and Tuna Industry leaders,” Chou said. “The treaty represents the best of all of us to come together and ensure the future of our Distant Water Tuna Fleet. Personal thanks go out Bill Gibbons-Fly and Michael Brakke of the U.S. State Department Office of Seafood, who supported the challenge over a long period. We also wish to thank the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations committee, chaired by Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Bipartisan Congressional leaders for their support, including Representative Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.).
Intesa Communications Group Builds Government Affairs Practice
Another key investment within the portfolio, Intesa Communications Group, announced the completion of the restructuring that began in early 2016 with the addition of Maddy Kilkenny as a partner in the firm. This completes Intesa’s realignment to provide not only strategic communications, but also lobbying and public affairs council to companies doing business with San Diego city and county governments.
Kilkenny has extensive experience working with local government at all levels in San Diego. She spent six years as Vice President of Government Relations at The Clay Company where she worked with Microsoft, Motorola, Kaiser Permanente, and many others clients in a variety of areas including land use, healthcare, and public safety.
Prior to her work at The Clay Company, she spent 11 years at the County of San Diego, where she was a Senior Policy Advisor to Supervisor Greg Cox, focusing on health and public safety policy issues, community outreach and special events.
“The addition of Maddy, working alongside Intesa co-founder Margie Newman, shows tremendous promise for Intesa’s ongoing expansion throughout the San Diego market and nationwide,” said AFT CEO J. Douglas Hines. “In an era of instant action and reaction, there is increasing demand for thoughtful planning to set the stage for efficient and effective communication and advocacy when it matters most.”
About AFT Holdings, Inc.
AFT Holdings, Inc. is an international investment and management group with a diverse portfolio including commercial and residential real estate, sustainable foods development, global fishing fleets and technology. More at www.aftholdings.com.