AT the most recent general membership meeting of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce at Kensington Hotel, SCC President Joe Guerrero announced that the governor’s council of economic advisors has been reactivated under the Apatang administration.
Guerrero, along with Chamber member and certified public accountant David J. Burger, also announced the formation of Marianas USA, an organization now accepting membership and financial support to lobby for CNMI economic policies in Washington, D.C.
Guerrero said the council of economic advisors was originally established by then-Gov. Ralph DLG Torres in 2020 to replace the strategic economic development council.
He added that the council will provide “a way for the business community to engage with our government, share ideas, and execute [plans].”
“Now more than ever, the Chamber — through my involvement and that of others within the organization — will volunteer time to assist in pursuing these plans,” Guerrero said. He called on Chamber members to lend technical expertise, volunteer their time, and advocate in the legislature if needed.
“The governor’s council of economic advisors is back in business, and there will be many ways for all of you to participate,” he said.
Guerrero also explained that Marianas USA, LLC has been formed as a limited liability corporation to hire a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., on behalf of economic policies that could benefit the CNMI.
The organization “will comprise members who commit to contribute for at least a year, if not longer, to help fund advocacy efforts,” he said. Its mission is to “help drive federal policy in Washington, D.C.”
“I know it takes more than our delegate and Guam’s delegate,” Guerrero added. “It often takes the effort of private businesses to come together to explain and advocate for these policies. It really makes a big difference.”
Guerrero also discussed his conversations with U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, noting that Congress treats delegates and constituents differently.
“She would always say, ‘Please come to Washington. It makes a big difference,’” he said. “It’s like night and day, she says, when they are speaking to a business owner who is struggling as opposed to a congressional representative. Policymakers want to hear directly from stakeholders like you.”
Burger said Marianas USA is seeking a financial commitment of $6,000 for one year of support.
The policies the organization plans to pursue have been in the news regularly, including Annex VI, CW-1 visa issues, and EVS-TAP.
Chamber members have already met with a lobbyist who “has been working with the CNMI for decades,” Berger said. “The firm is willing to take on the CNMI’s lobbying issues, but it comes with a cost. That’s why a collective effort is needed.”
“The way things work in Washington, D.C., you need a lobbyist,” he explained. “The lobbyist goes to officials, arranges meetings, presents the case, and pushes issues along so we can achieve outcomes.”
Burger, who serves as the managing partner and CEO of Marianas USA, emphasized that the organization aims to benefit the CNMI as a whole.
“This is not a single company or industry pushing this. No, this is the CNMI’s economy. This is serious business,” he said.