Saipan Chamber of Commerce board of directors installed

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce installed its new board of directors and board officers during the Chamber’s Annual Business Person of the Year Gala last Saturday night at the Kensington Hotel Saipan.

Joseph Guerreo, owner of Naked Fish Bar & Grill, was reelected as its president, Joshua Wise of PHI Pharmacy is the vice president, Janice Tenorio of IT&E is the treasurer, and Donna Krum from Friends First Marketing is the secretary.

The rest of board includes Alex Sablan of TanHoldings, Velma Palacios from IT&E, Ron Smith of Angil Designs, John Arroyo from Bank of Saipan, and Brad Ruszala of Triple J Saipan. The board members have staggered terms of two years each until 2026, while Guerrero, Tenorio, Krum, Smith, and Arroyo are serving until their term ends in January 2025.

Before the awardees of the Business Person of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Sustainable Business of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, and Non-Profit of the Year were announced, Guerrero gave his remarks.

He thanked those who have answered his call to help last year in volunteering their time and talents into the formation of policies that affect businesses in the CNMI as they welcomed the Palacios-Apatang administration and the 23rd Legislature.

Guerrero said this year, the work continues and is humbled to be the president of the Chamber once again. “Your Chamber continues to be proactive, working with our government leaders, sharing our concerns as well as ideas and offering help to move us forward. Your Chamber continues to offer training and other opportunities to help you succeed,” he said.

He said they continue to collaborate with the Northern Marianas College, the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network, Island Training Solutions, and others; and is part of an informal working group with Secretary of Labor Leila Staffler and Northern Marianas Technical Institute CEO Jodina Attao to address local labor needs.

Guerrero listed the ongoing projects and investments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare, and said that it should give CNMI hope for the future.

He then pleaded with everyone, as the CNMI continues to rebuild its No. 1 industry—tourism. “Please continue to be a part of the change before us, get involved, show interest, share your ideas.”

Guerrero went on to congratulate the board of directors and the award nominees.

Chamber executive director Kim Camacho, at the end of the night, said, “Our annual gala is not just an event. It’s a celebration of unity, collaboration, and unwavering support we receive from each and everyone of you.” She thanked the volunteers, Kensington Hotel Saipan, and the event’s guests, the board of directors, sponsors, donors, and supporters.

“Your contribution plays a vital role in sustaining the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, which allows us to fulfill our mission and thrive as a force for positive change in our local and business community… let’s carry the spirit of collaboration, support and good vibes into the new year. We have so much planned this year,” said Camacho.

One awardee, Caravan of Food owner Abed Salam C. Younis, who won the 2023 Sustainable Business of the Year, was not present to receive the award, and instead was represented by his sister, Suaad.

In an email, he said about winning the award, “We are incredibly humbled for being recognized. For me, my team at Caravan, and my family, this award carries significance. It symbolizes the impact of our collective efforts and the recognition of our mission to serve simple, honest and traditional Palestinian food while creating positive change through sustainable practices. Over the years, we have implemented various sustainable practices, including compostable packaging, energy-efficient operations, and support for local conservation initiatives like saying adios to the plastic straw!

He then thanked the Saipan Chamber of Commerce for the honor; his dedicated team at Caravan of Food “whose hard work and passion have been instrumental in achieving this award,” and the customers and the community “for embracing and supporting our ocean-friendly restaurant initiatives.”