(SCC) — The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the five distinguished award categories for our 2025 Annual Business Person of the Year & Board Installation Gala, beginning with the prestigious award, the 2025 Business Person of the Year Award, following the Chamber awards with the following, 2025 Chamber Member of the Year Award, 2025 Non-Profit of the Year Award, 2025 Small Business of the Year Award, and 2025 Public Agency of the Year.
The Chamber’s signature event will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Kensington Hall, Kensington Hotel. Annually, the Gala brings together business leaders, partners, and community stakeholders to celebrate excellence in our business community while supporting the Chamber’s year-round programs and initiatives that advance economic growth, workforce development, and community engagement. Below are further details of the awards that will be honored at our gala.
• The Business Person of the Year or BPOY Award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and a strong commitment to advancing the economic and social well-being of Saipan. The BPOY nominee must be a current Saipan Chamber of Commerce member and a resident of Saipan, they must be actively involved in the community, support the development of local workforce, actively participate in chamber programs and/or events, and must be in good standing with the chamber. Traditionally, the awardee is selected by the past BPOY recipients. However, this year we are proud to announce a newly introduced process that will involve the past BPOY recipients as well as the Chamber members. The process includes a weighted system where 60% of the votes will come from the past BPOY recipients while the remaining 40% will come from the Chamber membership. The awardee will be presented with the Chamber’s perpetual trophy and recognized at the annual gala.
• The Chamber Member of the Year Award recognizes a Chamber member who has shown outstanding dedication, active participation, and meaningful service to the Chamber’s mission and initiatives. The nominee must be a current Chamber member, active in at least one chamber committee, have assisted with at least one Chamber event/program/project, must have been a member for at least one year as of December 31, 2025 and in good standing. The awardee will be presented with a Chamber Member of the Year trophy and be recognized at the annual gala.
• The Non-Profit of the Year Award recognizes a non-profit organization that has provided exceptional service and demonstrated significant positive impact within the community. The nominee must have a local or federal 501(c) documentation, must have been operating on Saipan for at least one year, and must have provided services to the residents of Saipan. The awardee will be presented with a Chamber trophy and be recognized at the annual gala.
• The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a small business that exemplifies innovation, success, and strong commitment to serving the people of Saipan. The nominee must have fewer than 20 employees or under $1 million in gross revenue which will be verified by a third-party CPA, must have a valid business license, must have been operating on Saipan for at least one year as of December 31, 2025, if the nominee is a Chamber member, they must be in good standing. The awardee will be presented with a Chamber trophy and be recognized at the annual gala.
• The Public Agency of the Year award recognizes a CNMI government entity that demonstrates exceptional service and innovative practices that positively support the local economy. The nominee must have consistently provided efficient, courteous, and high-quality service to the business community, show strong commitment to Saipan’s growth and community well-being, and set a high standard for public service by effectively addressing the needs of residents and businesses. The awardee will be presented with a certificate or chamber trophy, be offered one-year honorary Chamber membership and will be recognized at the annual gala.
The gala will also honor all past Business Person of the Year recipients, and the 2026-2027 Board of Directors Installation.
Join us for a night dedicated to unity, recognition, and the shared commitment to building a stronger business community together.
To purchase individual tickets or reserve a table, go to https://bit.ly/3KH8QmF
Tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 per VIP table (seating 8).
For more information, call (670) 234-7150 or email contactus@saipanchamber.org/.
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, visit www.saipanchamber.com/, call (670) 234-7150 or email contactus@saipanchamber.org/.
