7 nominees for 2016 Business Person of the Year

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce announced Friday the seven nominees for its annual Business Person of the Year award: Donna Krum of Friends First Marketing; Hans Michelson of IT&E; Jim Arenovski of Island Training Solutions; John Compton of IT&E; Michael S. Sablan of Triple J Saipan; Tyrell Pauling of Hyatt Regency Saipan; and W. Andrew Ashburn of N15 Architects

Of the seven nominees, only Arenovski is a prior recipient of the award, in 2011, in his capacity as head of Delta Management Corp.

The winner will be kept secret until the announcement on Jan. 28 at the Chamber’s annual installation dinner at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.

The dinner, from 6pm to 9pm, will see the Chamber’s new officers assuming their new roles. Business managers and owners, government officials, and young professionals gather for a fabulous dinner. The Chamber will also induct its new board directors and recognize outgoing directors.

Each nominee for the 2016 Business Person of the Year must be a Chamber member and must reside on Saipan. Qualifying criteria includes active participation in the Chamber’s meetings, programs and activities; community involvement and contributions; and support for our local workforce.

The nominations will be judged by prior award recipients: Alex Youn of AC Pacific (2015), Vicky Benavente of Pacific Islands Club (2014), Marcie Tomokane of Bank of Guam (2013), Arenovski, Robert “Bob” Jones of Triple J Corp. (2010), Vicente “Ben” Babauta of DFS Saipan (2009), Kathryn H. Barry of KB Communications (2008), K.J. Kim of Asiana Airlines (2007), Juan T. Guerrero of Herman’s Bakery/MITA Travel (2006), David M. Sablan Sr. of Century Insurance (2005), Mark Erwin of Continental Airlines (2004), Jerry Tan of TanHoldings (2003), Alex A Sablan of Saipan Shipping Company (2002), Jay B. Jones of Triple J Motors (2001), Wendi S. Herring of Pacific Islands Club (2000), Marian Aldan-Pierce of DFS Saipan (1999), Joe C. Ayuyu of McDonalds of Saipan (1998), Edward Camacho of Pacific Financial Corp (1997) and Efrain F. Camacho of EFC Engineers and Architects (1996). The late Anthony Pelligrino of Saipan Sea Ventures was a recipient in 2012.

The 2017 board will be sworn in by Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph James N. Camacho.

A silent auction fundraiser will feature a large variety of valuable prizes, donated by member businesses. Proceeds of the auction will support the programs and activities of the Chamber such as its annual scholarships, educational workshops, employment training seminars, military vessel welcomes, and Saipan Young Professionals activities.

Seating is limited. Ticket prices are available by advance purchase only and are $65 per person.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization consisting of private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Call 234-7150 or visit the third floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe for more information. Website: www.saipanchamber.com. Facebook: Saipan Chamber of Commerce.