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Chamber of Commerce officers sworn in
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Posted on Jan 11 2006
Wearing suits and formal wear, the CNMI’s businessmen gathered in at the Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Hibiscus Hall Tuesday night to witness the official installation of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s new batch of officers for 2006.
Government officials led by Deputy Assistant Secretary David Cohen and Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Palau president Tommy Remengasau, and Saipan Mayor Juan Borja B. Tudela, among many others, graced the occasion. Former Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente and his wife, former Marianas Visitors Authority executive director Vicky Benavente, also attended.
Superior Court Associate Judge Ramona Manglona administered the oath-taking of the Chamber’s new set of officers led by president Charles V. Cepeda.
The other officers include Alexander Sablan, vice president; Michael S. Johnson, treasurer; and Jay B. Jones, secretary. The chamber’s board of directors includes James T. Arenovski, Kathryn H. Barry, Harry B. Blalock, Juan T. Guerrero, and David M. Sablan, Sr.
In his speech, Cepeda said the Chamber’s officers have strong business characteristics and would offer different business perspectives on what the government can do to improve the business environment in the CNMI.
“The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will continue to be vocal, and critical, when we believe government policies adversely, and unnecessarily, impact the business community, because we believe the responsibility to steer the Commonwealth out of its economic straits is not anyone’s responsibility—it’s everyone’s responsibility,” Cepeda said.
“Our criticism will be focused, proactive, and constructive; it will be solutions-oriented and based on sound and calculated analyses; and it will be delivered with due respect, acknowledgment and sensitivity to the respective roles and responsibilities of government and the business community,” he added.
Guests to the installation dinner enjoyed fine dining at the Hibiscus Hall. The Chamber also auctioned some products donated by DFS galleria, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Herman’s bakery, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Pacific Islands Club, Pacific Trading Co., and Saipan Sunset Cruise.
