Kresge takes over Chamber

With the constant threat of a federal takeover and continuing economic difficulties confronting businessmen, newly-appointed Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Gregg Kresge yesterday urged members to be more involved in the association and help the CNMI recover from the slump.

The Chamber’s board of directors voted Kresge to succeed Kerry M. Deets, who resigned from the presidency four months ahead of the end of her term.

“Members should aim to become an officer of the board and from there, their network of opportunities will improve every step they take. I wouldn’t want to see people joining the Chamber without doing anything because it is a good tool for advocacy, ” he said.

Asked if Deets’ resignation had something to do with disagreements within the Chamber, Kresge said it was just expected that people would have different opinions on issues affecting their businesses.

“It does not matter if everybody agreed with her all the time. I would be more scared if she agreed with everybody. I am actually glad that she stood up for what she believed in,” he said.

According to Kresge, Deets’ resignation came as a shock to board members, who expected her to finish her term.

Deets, who was installed as Chamber head in January 1999, cited her new job with GTE Pacifica and her family as main reasons for her decision in quitting the job.

Immediately after she assumed the post, Deets got the ire of her peers when she issued a statement taking back her earlier position opposing the three-year limit on the stay of nonresident workers.

In the same way, Kresge said he did not expect everyone to share his views as head of the business group. He said he expects all his actions to be scrutinized by the board.

“I find nothing wrong with that. It is the nature of the board. I would like to see more discussions and arguments within the board,” he added. The job of the Chamber president, Kresge said, is to facilitate discussion and help come up with a consensus.

In a statement issued by the Chamber, the board members thanked Deets for her “hard work” and the time she had devoted for the organization.

Other officers of the board are Lynn Knight, vice president; Bill Romanowski, treasurer; and Linda Cabrera, secretary.