Business Person of the Year Gala on Jan. 25

Velma Palacios, IT&E Network Operations and Engineering director, will be one of the board members to be inducted this Jan. 25 in the Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year Gala. (Contributed Photo)

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2019 Business Person of the Year. This prestigious award will be announced at the annual Business Person of the Year Gala slated for Jan. 25, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Saipan Ballroom from 6pm to 10pm.

The Chamber is also ringing in the new year by honoring one of the most memorable, fun, and fashionable decades—The Roaring ’20s.

In addition to the BPOY award, the Chamber will also be presenting the 2019 Saipan Young Professional of the Year Award, 2019 Non-Profit of the Year Award, 2019 Small Business of the Year Award, and 2019 Chamber Member of the Year Award.

Another highlight of the event will include the installation of the 2020-2021 board of directors. The 2020 board includes re-elected Alex Sablan (TanHoldings), Mike Johnson (Deloitte & Touche), Velma Palacios (IT&E), newly elected Glen Hunter (The Shack), and incumbent members Marcia Calvo (Calvo’s Insurance), Joe Guerrero (Joint Marketing), Janel Pangelinan (Pacifica Insurance Underwriters Inc.), Ty Pauling (Hyatt Regency), and Shayne Villanueva (Aon Insurance).

Seats to event are limited and available for advance purchase for $100 per person. Tickets include a formal sit-down dinner, networking, and a night celebrating the movers and shakers of our 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. Prior BPOY awardees include: Velma Palacios of IT&E (2018), Ivan Quichocho of TanHoldings (2017), Mike Sablan of Triple J (2016), Alex Youn of AC Pacific (2015), Vicky Benavente of Pacific Islands Club (2014), Marcie Tomokane of Bank of Guam (2013), Marcia E. Ayuyu of R.J. Corp. (2012) and +Anthony Pellegrino of Saipan Sea Ventures (2012), James Arenovski of Delta Management Corp. (2011), Bob Jones of Triple J Corp. (2010), Ben Babauta of DFS Saipan (2009), Kathryn H. Barry of KB Communications (2008), K.J. Kim of Asiana Airlines (2007), Juan T. Guerrero of Herman’s Bakery/MITA Travel (2006), David M. Sablan Sr. of Century Insurance (2005), Mark Erwin of Continental Airlines (2004), Jerry Tan of TanHoldings (2003), Alex Sablan of Saipan Shipping Co. (2002), Jay B. Jones of Triple J Motors (2001), Wendi S. Herring of Pacific Islands Club (2000), Marian Aldan-Pierce of DFS Saipan (1999), Joe C. Ayuyu of McDonald’s Saipan (1998), +Edward Camacho of Pacific Financial Corp. (1997), and Efrain F. Camacho of EFC Engineers and Architects (1996).

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 community is invited to submit their nominations to SCC Executive Director, Maxine Laszlo at executive@saipanchamber.com on or before Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 5pm.

To order tickets, email Mercilynn at administrator@saipanchamber.com, call 234-7150, or visit the third floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe for more information.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower our enterprises as a resource, advocate, and connector for Saipan’s private sector. Its vision is to create an island where businesses, family, and community succeed as one. For more information regarding Saipan Chamber of Commerce updates, please visit our website at saipanchamber.com, call (670) 234-7150 or visit us on the 3rd floor of the Marianas Business Plaza, Suite #315. (PR)