By Candy Feliciano
For Variety
THE Saipan Chamber of Commerce completed a productive 2025 focused on advocacy, professional development, youth programs, networking, and community support. President Joe C. Guerrero and the board led efforts that strengthened the local economy and connected members across the CNMI.
Advocacy efforts
The Chamber submitted position letters to the 24th Commonwealth Legislature on key bills. These letters provided input on economic stability, efficiency, and business impacts.
In April, the Chamber recommended that rate-making decisions for the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation under S.B. 24-14 go through the Public Utilities Commission for proper review and long-term sustainability. It opposed S.B. 24-16 SD1, citing risks of overlap with the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority’s role and added burdens on the Department of Commerce without funding. Support went to H.B. 24-13 for modernizing Registrar of Corporations fees and removing daily penalties, with a request for clarification on the sunset provision. The Chamber also supported H.B. 24-4 to refine Qualifying Certificates under the Investment Incentive Act, adding community benefits like facilities on Tinian and Rota, excluding online gaming, and improving reporting and safeguards.
In May, full support was given to S.B. 24-09 for the CNMI Captive Insurance Act to offer risk management tools, reduce costs, and attract investment, with plans to consult Guam partners. Opposition followed for S.B. 24-23 on zoning changes, favoring a task force instead. Support came for H.B. 24-20 on betel nut warning labels to promote public health.
June letters supported H.B. 24-27’s excise tax on betel nut to fund an oncology clinic, recommended changes to S.B. 24-25 on CEDA loans, and opposed S.B. 24-22 on mandatory ID checks for card transactions due to business burdens. Later support went to H.B. 24-36 for a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. These positions appeared in General Membership Meetings with legislators like House Speaker Edmund Villagomez in February and Senate President Dennis Mendiola in May.
Professional development
Workshops helped members build skills. March featured “Creating a Customer Experience” at Island Training Solutions on marketing and service. April covered HR and legal compliance at Northern Marianas College with Polly Masga. June offered business development for entry-level employees. July focused on effective communication, September on strategic leadership, and November on navigating Gen Z in the workplace at Crowne Plaza with NMTech.
Youth and workforce initiatives
The Career Pathways Internship Program expanded in 2025. April started with work readiness training and Cohort 1 placements for high school students. Outreach reached Tinian and Rota in May, with Cohort 2 applications opening. June included preparedness workshops for 55 interns. Completion ceremonies honored participants in July and October. The annual scholarship program opened in May, held interviews in August, and awarded recipients in September, including college and Pellegrino scholars. The 16th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament in May at Coral Ocean Resort raised funds.
Networking and economic discussions
Events connected members. January’s Annual Business Person of the Year and Board Installation Gala at Crowne Plaza honored 2024 achievements and installed the 2025 board. The 4th Annual Economic Forum in April at Kensington Hotel covered tourism, workforce, infrastructure, and DoD opportunities with experts. General Membership Meetings featured topics like zoning in March, stable coin and CEDA updates in June, and tourism projections in December. A Rota networking mixer in February built inter-island ties. October’s Brews & Business mixer at Atkins Kroll added a casual Oktoberfest theme.
Military and community engagement
Plaque exchanges welcomed USS Higgins in April at Godfather’s Bar, USS Curtis Wilbur at VFW Post 3457, and USS Shoup in August. A meet-and-greet with Pacific Air Force Deputy Commander Lt. General Laura Lenderman in January opened business discussions. The Toys for Tots campaign ran from October to December, collecting 2,628 toys and $1,458.09 through weekly collections at Joeten stores and partner events. Volunteers sorted and packed items, distributing them on December 17 to agencies like PSS Early Intervention, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, and Karidat. September’s Field of Heroes event honored 9/11 victims at American Memorial Park.
