DFS invests in the CNMI’s progress

DFS has been part of the Saipan business community for over 40 years and its involvement in the CNMI’s progress and development has been vital.

Investment in people—both employees and the CNMI community—has brought DFS success.

Investing in employees

The DFS employee population is—at over 80 percent—consistently made up of local employees over the years. With the help of these employees, DFS has been conducting a generous giving program to the community.

DFS’ employee engagement program includes incentives to motivate people to do exceptional work. This includes being a part of the Long Service Club, Employee of the Year recognition, annual family picnic, annual Christmas party and relay, beach cleanups, pay for employees to participate in local sports events as part of a wellness program, monthly and quarterly recognition programs, and participation in Konqer as part of their team building program.

DFS encourages all employees to participate in their personality development training programs such as taking up a new language- from Mandarin classes to becoming a Journeyman- the best of the best.

DFS takes employee promotion seriously to motivate employees to aspire to become better in their career. DFS’ employment benefits are second to none and given to all employees.

Investing in the community

The Governor’s Tournament of Champions is DFS’ biggest annual CSR event. It has been running 1996 and has raised over $800,000 for CNMI beautification efforts. Part of the funds of the Governor’s Tournament of Champions, amounting to $50,000, was given to CARE for Typhoon Soudelor victims in 2016.

DFS supports the Make-a-Wish Foundation to help grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich human experience with hope, strength, and joy. Each year, DFS sponsors a Wish child and employees come together to raise money in creative ways to make the child’s wish come true.

DFS has been a consistent banner sponsor of the Marianas March Against Cancer and the American Red Cross since the establishments of these organizations in the CNMI. DFS donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross for the benefit of Typhoon Soudelor victims.

For four consecutive years, DFS, has been a sponsor of Project Prom and has provided make-up services for their fashion show.

DFS believes in the empowerment of young women, believing in their talents, learning, leadership, achievements and radiance, which is why the efforts of Stellar Marianas is recognized by DFS for four years now. DFS conducts make-up workshops for their candidates and give in-kind donations.

DFS hosts a Halloween trick-or-treat for more than 800 children from Garapan Elementary School every year.
Enriching and showcasing the creativity of the youths in the community is encouraged by DFS. During the holidays., DFS hosts contests where schools can participate to display their creativity, spread holiday cheer, and win money for their school.

DFS believes in ivesting on the future of tourism industry as one of the founders and consistent supporters of Marianas Tourism Education Council (MTEC).

Investing in culture

DFS has supported a lot of different events to help promote cultural activities.

For its re-branding several years ago, DFS picked the Carolinian Utt as its event location, refurbished an existing building and building an ancient Chamorro House and the traditional Carolinian Canoe House. This venue has since been widely used for musical/cultural events throughout the years.

Many years ago, DFS helped renovate the Chalan Kanoa social hall and turned it into a youth center.  Today, it is still being used by the village.

Investing in technology and history

DFS helped jumpstart the computer library at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library many years ago and provided fixtures to the Saipan Museum at Sugar King Park.

DFS was very active with the Development Advisory Committee of the National Park Service many years ago. This resulted in the American Memorial Park as it is today, with the museum, amphitheater, walkways, etc.

Investing in surroundings development

Funds from the Tournament of Champions have funded beautification projects throughout the islands over the years.  The existing medians from Garapan to San Roque, for example, were built in part by these funds, with the Marianas Visitors Authority providing the landscaping.

DFS partners with local vendors, i.e. 670Rock Steady and Hermans, to name a few, to showcase and sell their products in DFS stores.

Investing in the future

DFS takes its responsibility for the community seriously. DFS is committed to making a positive impact on the community where they do business in.