Pierce: It’s best time to execute economic plans

Newly hired special assistant for trade relations and economic affairs Richard A. Pierce acknowledges that the CNMI is facing its most challenging times economy-wise but said now is also the best time to introduce and execute plans.

Pierce, who stepped down last month as executive director of Saipan Garment Manufacturing Association, is now with the Governor’s Office on a $50,000 annual salary package.

“I’m not over the salary cap,” said Pierce.

He said the position he is assuming now is what has been lacking with the government.

Although the Commonwealth’s two major industries—garment and tourism/airline—are struggling, he said it is never too late to come up with strategies.

“We’ve got a garment industry with back-to-back months of less than $2 million in user fees to the CNMI, which is a first, and the threat of a major airline pullout due to a market they feel is no longer lucrative. Now, more than ever before, this is a time to execute,” said Pierce.

He said he brings with him his long years of experience in business and international trade.

“I look forward to bringing my 20 years of international trade and business experience within the CNMI for the benefit of an economy that’s in dire need. With a garment industry in decline and new challenges in the tourism industry, there’s serious work to do. I am grateful for the opportunity to be of public service,” said Pierce.

He said he had actually lobbied the past administrations to hire an economic advisor.

” I had lobbied both the Froilan Tenorio and Teno [Pedro Tenorio] administrations for the placement of a trade position at the level of the Office of the Governor,” he said.

Pierce’s new job requires him to assist and advise Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente on matters pertaining to policy development regarding industry and commerce in the CNMI, legislation affecting industry viability and revenue enhancement through policy formation and revision; and full implementation and utilization of the CNMI Free Trade Zone Board Authority and the Commonwealth Development Authority’s Qualifying Certificate Program.

As governor’s special assistant, he will mingle with his former business associates as he attends the meetings of the Governor’s Strategic Economic Development Council, Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Hotel Association of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Saipan Contractors Association, the Marianas Visitors Authority, the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association, the CNMI Free Trade Zone Board, the CNMI Wage Board and other trade and economic entities and forums.

His duties also include advising the governor and the lieutenant governor on the development of policy regarding the CNMI minimum wage law, tax and fee structuring, investment incentive platforms and other economic incentive programs and industry development/enhancement packages; trade relations and commerce/economics with federal policy and enforcement offices, federal legislative and administrative offices, and local/federal partnerships to better economic and workplace conditions and longevity.

Pierce said that while his position is new, he is essentially taking the slot that will be vacated by governor assistant for special projects Galvin Guerrero, who is set to resign from the office this year to join the private sector, most likely Mt. Carmel School.

Pierce was president of a major manufacturing firm, Saipan Manufacturers Inc., in 1983-1990; owner and president of Safety 1st Systems from 1991 to 2005; president of Saipan Chamber of Commerce in 2001 and 2002; co-chair of Northern Marianas Alliance for Safety and Health; executive director of SGMA from 1990 to1995 and from1998 to 2005; board member of the CNMI Free Trade Zone Authority; and board member of Minimum Wage Review Board, among other boards.