8 nominees as 2018 Business Person of the Year

Members of the business sector have nominated eight individuals for the Saipan Chamber of Commerce “2018 Business Person of the Year” Award.

The winner will be named on Jan. 19 at the Chamber’s annual Business Person of the Year Gala at the Hyatt Regency Saipan Ballroom.

The nominees are Gloria Cavanagh of Pacific Islands Club Saipan; John Hirsh of the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter; Nola Hix of Xerox Corp; Glen Hunter of The Shack; James Lee of Marpac, Inc.; Velma Palacios of IT&E; Ron Smith of Angil Design; and Janice Tenorio of IT&E.

The winner will remain secret until the official announcement at the gala on Jan. 19.

The Business Person of the Year Gala, formerly known as the Chamber’s Installation Dinner, is the organization’s largest social event of the year. This year’s theme is “Silver Lining,” in reference to the resilience of the Marianas post-Typhoon Yutu, as well as the many leaders who have stepped up to further our community’s recovery.

Along with “Business Person of the Year,” the event will also recognize the “2018 Saipan Young Professional” of the year as well as the Installation of the 2019 board of directors.

The 2019 board includes Marcia Calvo (Calvo’s Insurance), Joe Guerrero (Joint Marketing), Perry Inos (Triple J), Mike Johnson (Deloitte & Touche), Velma Palacios (IT&E), Janel Pangelinan (Pacifica Insurance), Ty Pauling (Hyatt Regency Saipan), Alex Sablan (TanHoldings Corp.), and Shayne Villanueva (Aon Insurance).

Seats to event are limited and available for advance purchase for $100 per person. Tickets include a sit-down dinner, networking, and a night celebrating the movers and shakers of the community. Dress attire is formal. The event will be held from 6pm to 10pm.

The Chamber hopes to see all Chamber members, potential members, government officials, and all individuals in our community for this night of celebration.

Each guest will have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction that will feature a variety of prizes donated by Chamber members. Proceeds of the auction will support the future initiatives of the Chamber including workforce readiness, educational advancement, business development, and sustainable economic development.

The nominations for Business Person of the Year will be judged by the prior recipients of this award and by the four officers of the Chamber board.

Each nominee for Business Person of the Year must be a member of the Chamber and must reside on Saipan. Qualifying criteria includes active personal participation in the Chamber’s committees, events, programs, and meetings; active community involvement and contributions; and being widely recognized for his/her area of expertise.

The Chamber is a non-profit organization To order tickets, email administrator@saipanchamber.com, call 234-7150, or visit the third floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe for more information. (PR)