Chamber celebrates success at CESI Program luncheon

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Department of Labor’s Workforce Investment Agency Office and the CNMI Public School System, hosted the Career Exploration Summer Internship End-of-Program Appreciation Luncheon last Aug. 16.

This event, held at the Kensington Hotel’s Kensington Hall from 11:30am to 2pm, honored the student interns and industry partners who participated in this initiative to strengthen the local workforce.

The luncheon featured an award ceremony to recognize the dedication and commitment of both the interns and the industry partners involved in the CESI Program. Notable attendees included Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Camacho, associate commissioner of Administration Eric Magofna, Senate President Edith DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan), House vice speaker Rep. Joel Camacho (Ind-Saipan), and Chamber secretary Ron Smith and director Brad Ruszala.

During the ceremony, each intern was individually acknowledged alongside their industry partner and received a certificate of appreciation from the Chamber, the Department of Labor, and PSS for their contributions to the 2024 Career Exploration Summer Internship Program.

“The CESI Program is a vital step in bridging the gap between our students and the local workforce. By providing these young individuals with real-world experience, we are not only empowering them for future success but also strengthening our community as a whole. We are committed to continuing this program annually and look forward to seeing it grow in the years to come. We are grateful for our Chamber membership for opening their doors to our youth to assist in molding and growing their professional development,” said Chamber executive director Kimm Camacho.

“Our partnership in the Summer Career Exploration Internship program exemplifies our shared commitment to empowering students. Together, we provide meaningful opportunities for young individuals to explore diverse career paths and develop the skills necessary for their future success,” said DOL Workforce Investment Agency director Frances Torres.

“On behalf of the CNMI Public School System, we are very delighted to not only provide internship opportunities for our students through our partnership with DOL WIA and the Chamber but also building and expanding partnerships so that together we can serve more students and help them reach their fullest potential,” said PSS Career and Technical Education Program director Dr. Jessica Taylor.

“The event was a remarkable success, and Chamber looks forward to making the CESI Program an annual event together with our partners CNMI PSS and DOL WIA, with hopes of achieving even greater success in the future. Congratulations to all the interns, and best wishes for continued success in your future endeavors!” said the Chamber’s Camacho.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the economic growth and development of the CNMI. With a focus on supporting local businesses, fostering collaboration, and driving community initiatives, the Chamber serves as the leading voice of the business community on Saipan. (PR)