Chamber awards NMC, ASCNMI, Caravan of Food

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2023 Chamber Member of the Year to the Northern Marianas College; Non-profit of the Year Award to the Autism Society of the CNMI; and their new award, the Sustainable Business Award to the Caravan of Food last Saturday at the Chamber’s Annual Business Person of the Year Gala last Saturday night at the Kensington Hotel Saipan.

The Autism Society of the CNMI beat out four other nominees to win the award, much to the organization’s shock. Clarise Arriola, president of the Autism Society of the CNMI, told Saipan Tribune that they are “humbled and honored” for being selected the winner. The organization provides support, promote, and advocate for individuals with autism and their families.

“The Autism Society of the CNMI was shocked to have been nominated, let alone being selected as our organization consists of a small but committed group of volunteers. This recognition is a testament of our efforts to continue to spread autism awareness in our community,” said Arriola.

Arriola said their journey has been a remarkable one, as they had just stepped up with their efforts last year with more events and exposure for their cause. She said the award “is an affirmation that our commitment to fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusiveness for individuals on the autism spectrum has not gone unnoticed.”

This journey has been a remarkable one, said Arriola, “especially since we stepped up our efforts just last year by providing more events and exposure for our cause.

“As a small group, this recognition is a powerful encouragement that motivates us to continue our mission with even greater enthusiasm. This award reflects the efforts of our members and our community’s support in embracing our cause. We will continue this momentum to amplify our efforts, reach a broader audience, and make an even more significant impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by autism,” said Arriola.

She then thanked the Chamber for acknowledging the impact of their work, and to those that have supported the organization.

As for the Chamber Member of the Year, the winner was NMC who has been a member for over 20 years.

Its president, Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, said they’ve been a Chamber member for a long time because they “remain committed to partnering with business leaders to cultivate our workforce, develop our economy, and improve the lives of our people.”

He said the award is a “reflection of and a testament to the diligence, skill, and commitment of our Proa Tribe in working closely with the business community to meet the workforce needs of our islands and help revive our economy and livelihoods.”

On how he felt about NMC getting the award, he said, “I am just incredibly proud of everyone that helped make this possible, especially the hardworking employees and students of the college who have done so much with so little.”

In collaboration with the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, the Chamber awarded Caravan of Food with the Sustainable Business Award. It bested one other business—Artman Trash Corp.

Caravan of Food in Garapan offers authentic Palestinian cuisine, founded by the late Abed E. Younis. The restaurant implements sustainable practices in sourcing their ingredients, reducing plastic waste, and practicing energy conservation.