FOUNDING MEMBERS: Brock Jumanya, Divastone

OVERVIEW: The CCG (Contract Commerce Group) is a grey zone, underworld trade/ smuggling operation that has been in existence since well before the outbreak. After over a year of massive death and collapse of society the established network of both suppliers and clients has caused the CCG to diminish in size and capability. The CCG still maintains one mid-sized cargo barge and runs regular scavenging and salvaging missions in the waterways off the west coast. Brock and his most trusted and loyal members extracted from the densely populated west coast cities and made their way to Arklay Island and settle into a sustainable co-existence with the Island peoples. The CCG has historically been quite adept and finding a "need" then formulating an efficient way to meet that need for profit, no matter how niche or legal the enterprise. With over a decade of experience running shipments of various nature between rivaling gangs, groups and government organizations, the CCG offers a way for groups of conflicting nature or political standing to engage in fair trade, serving at times as a neutral trade broker. In recent times the CCG has found their ability to interact with different sides of conflict is of a greater value and far easier to sustain viability than to present themselves as a mainstay supplier of trade goods independently. CCG prides themselves in their reputation as an honorable and trustworthy broker that is able to interface with all types of organizations, regardless of background, morality, corruption or intent. With a hand selected group of highly trained members that range in specialties developed through natural background and region from beekeeping to military service, the CCG is poised and capable of providing a wide range of specialized services. The one coveted and highest value skill for selection and induction into the CCG is the ability to negotiate. A “silver tongue” and the gift of gab is the one thing that often levels the playing field, allows for free flow trade and negotiations and can often defuse the all too common “pissing contest” that seems to be so natural in this new world of survival. The CCG has little interest is taking power or putting people and resources at unnecessary risk for the sake of ego or pride however, they will defend their own fiercely if all other options are exhausted.

POTENTIAL ENEMY: The members of the CCG have been inserting themselves passively into strategically targeted conversations and dealings with people selected as high informational value since their quiet arrival on the far end of the fringe. They know they need to operate outside the purview of any powerful enforcement groups such as the named “Keepers” as well as remotely from the sometimes idealistic or defiant crusader groups such as the known “rebels”. The need to remain out of the control or territory of such organizations allows the CCG the ability to maintain a neutral if not positive relationship with both sides and do so without having to be seen fraternizing with the other side of a brokered exchange. Any group that either has a valuable supply or a desperate need can and should be seen as potential ally. The only enemy the CCG would recognize would be those of temporary nature and situational. If and only if a group proves to be a valueless disruptive force in an otherwise profitable or developmental deal or arrangement between otherwise cooperative parties OR a group that directly threatens or aggressively seeks to harm and target the CCG and its people.

EXPERIENCE:((RL)) I am a former U.S. Marine and have held various managerial and executive titles in my career post military. Leadership has always been a required skill set for my success. ((SL)) I have been an RP sim owner for years back in my days roleplaying in GOR and have led a number of other small groups in different roleplay environments after that. I also manage a live singer in SL and must maintain the schedule, bookings, payment logs, budgeting and promotional responsibilities. I am on the board of directors for a second life magazine and take a more directorial role in helping strategize and set editorial direction. I am also a builder and maintain my own store in world and on market place, enjoying the stress relief and small economic boost from my little build projects. ((general)) I am a fairly easy person to get along with and love collaboration when the people I am dealing with keep an open mind. I feel if I can keep my own ego in check (no small feat!) then so should others. I am often clear and blunt when I speak about things of importance however, i attempt to always remain respectful and sometime even tactful!

IDEAS:This question of how do I plan on engaging new players on the sim is one I have put a fair amount of time thinking. The answer may not be what is expected of me however, I implore you to read on and keep an open mind. “How do you plan to engage new players on the sim or who sign up for your band?” The simple answer: WE DON’T The purpose of the CCG is that of a trade broker and supplemental provider of specialized trade goods and provider of optional, often smaller amounts of existing supplies. The CCG is not geared towards massive induction of new residents. The group will need to grow however. Growth should be through member selection after the potential member has been observed and show themselves to be of CCG quality. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to help drive the goals and politically neutral profile needed to survive in our market. The major factions and groups already on the island would be a much better fit for new players to get their feet wet and learn the world. Staying under the protective shelter of the main factions is a much better option for new players. The CCG offers an option, a different roleplay direction as a smaller third party faction. What the CCG is not, is a shelter, soup kitchen, or charity.