Chamber marks 50 years, looks to collaboration to tackle CNMI economy

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce marked its 50th anniversary with president Dr. Joshua Wise paying tribute to the business leaders who built the organization while pointing to collaboration as key to helping the CNMI climb out of its current economic difficulties.

Speaking during the Chamber’s anniversary celebration held last Sept. 18 at the Micronesian Air Cargo Services hangar, Wise recognized past presidents, board members, executive directors, staff and current leaders who helped shape the organization over the past five decades.

“All of you here have helped build the chamber to what it is now,” Wise said. “We’ve come a long, long way in 50 years.”

But Wise also used the milestone to look ahead, saying he hopes the Chamber can help establish a roadmap for addressing the Commonwealth’s economic challenges.

Reflecting on what he would like people to remember about his tenure as president, Wise said he hopes they will see “the roadmap we’ve built” by working with other private-sector partners and the government.

He said such collaboration would be needed “to get us out of the economic holes that we’re in because there’s a lot that needs to be done.”

Wise stressed that any progress would not be attributable to one individual but to the broader community.

“That’s not necessarily a reflection on me but it’s a reflection on the collaboration of our community,” he said.

Wise then kept his remarks brief and invited Chamber members and guests to enjoy the anniversary celebration.

“Enjoy the venue, have a drink, and let’s have a good time tonight,” he said.