Rota Chamber seeks to revive business community after twin typhoons

The Rota Chamber of Commerce is preparing to regroup after months of inactivity following super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, as businesses on the island continue to struggle with sluggish sales, limited tourism, and the departure of federal disaster response personnel.

Acting Chamber president Juan Pan Guerrero said the organization will hold its first board meeting since the two typhoons on Friday, Nov. 6, to discuss business recovery, available financial assistance, and the Chamber’s future.

Guerrero said several Chamber members were themselves affected by the storms, which contributed to the organization's inactivity.

“I think our membership kind of stagnant now because there were a lot of businesses that were our member of the chamber were also affected,” he told Marianas Press in an interview last Oct. 31.

The Chamber currently has approximately 23 members, although Guerrero acknowledged the number could be lower.

He said Rota businesses initially benefited from the influx of Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers workers, and contractors who arrived after Bavi struck the island in July.

According to Guerrero, the presence of approximately 50 to 60 additional people temporarily boosted business at hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments.

However, business activity has since slowed considerably following the departure of most federal personnel and contractors.

Guerrero, who also owns Island A-Heart Retail in Songsong, said the difference has been noticeable.

“People were dining out. People were dining out. I see a lot of activities, whereas now I don't see those activities,” he said.

The slowdown has added to the challenges facing Rota's business community, which continues to contend with storm damage, high operating costs, and the island's limited tourism industry.

Guerrero said the Chamber’s upcoming meeting will focus on helping members identify available recovery assistance, particularly through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

He encouraged businesses that have not yet applied for assistance to explore Small Business Administration disaster loan programs to help repair damaged facilities and sustain operations.

“Explore what's available that can help you out in your business,” he said.

Guerrero acknowledged, however, that the Chamber itself has limited resources to assist struggling businesses.

“Hopefully after this board meeting, we will have an announcement of what we can do to help. Unfortunately, our resource is very limited,” he said.

Another issue expected to be discussed is the chamber's leadership and long-term sustainability.

Guerrero indicated that he may eventually step aside as acting president but stressed the importance of keeping the organization operating as Rota confronts continuing economic challenges.

“I'm not particularly inclined to stick around with the Rota Chamber, but we need to keep it afloat,” he said.

He also pointed to Rota's inadequate infrastructure and lack of consistent tourist arrivals as obstacles to a meaningful business recovery.

Guerrero said tourism remains a potential source of economic activity for Rota, but visitor traffic has yet to reach levels that could provide sustained support for local businesses.

For now, he said the Chamber's immediate priority is to reorganize, reconnect with its members, and determine how it can help businesses recover from the successive typhoons.