U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, 5th right, poses with the officials of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce during a recent meeting
SCC photo
(SCC) — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce was honored to meet with U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds to discuss critical concerns within the CNMI’s business community and broader economic landscape. This important dialogue covered a range of pressing issues, including business closures, economic diversification, and federal advocacy efforts.
During the meeting, SCC Board of Directors engaged in discussions surrounding the economic challenges facing the CNMI. Among the major topics addressed were the closure of 27 businesses over the past year as reported by CNMI Department of Labor, immigration and visa waiver concerns, securing federal relief funding, and the need for improved air service connectivity.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to meet in person this week with our U.S. Delegate, Kimberlyn King-Hinds. We appreciated the chance to learn about the many initiatives she is pursuing and to discuss how the Chamber can support policies that enhance business development in the CNMI.
“We were pleased to hear about her efforts to secure Essential Air Service eligibility for CNMI airports, streamline SBA loan programs for small businesses, improve healthcare access and services for veterans, and ensure continued access to a foreign workforce to help grow our economy. At the same time, we both recognize the importance of investing in workforce training to maximize employment opportunities for local residents. King-Hinds’ push to include the CNMI in the Wagner-Peyser Act would be a significant step forward for workforce development.
“We look forward to collaborating on these and other key priorities during her first term,” said SCC President Joe Guerrero.
Another critical issue addressed was air service and connectivity, highlighting the complexities of Annex 6 and the urgent need to develop viable airline strategies for all markets such as Taiwan, Korea, and Japan that improve transportation options for residents and businesses. Economic diversification was also emphasized, with participants exploring opportunities in captive insurance, broadband infrastructure improvements, attracting tech and financial industries to the CNMI, cabotage exemption and Jones Act opportunities. Additionally, policy and legislative action were key points of discussion, focusing on plans to engage Washington, D.C. leadership through letter drafting, congressional visits, and holding information hearings to gather valuable data from the private sector.
The SCC expresses its gratitude to Delegate King-Hinds for her commitment to addressing the pressing concerns of the business community and looks forward to continued collaboration in achieving sustainable economic growth.
About the SCC
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve its members as a resource, enhancing the quality of business and life on Saipan. Its vision is to create an island where businesses, families, and communities succeed as one. To learn more about the Saipan Chamber of Commerce visit www.saipanchamber.com/, call (670) 234-7150 or email contactus@saipanchamber.org/.
