Wise named Chamber ’25 Biz Person of the Year as new board, officers installed

Dr. Joshua Wise, general manager of PHI Pharmacy, was named the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Businessperson of the Year during the Chamber’s annual awards and board installation gala held last Jan. 31 at the Kensington Hotel.

Accepting the award, Wise thanked his family, staff, and business partners, crediting collaboration and trust as central to his work in the CNMI business community.

“I really don’t know what to say,” Wise said. “Being in a category with people who are just rock stars in their field makes me feel like a rock star with you guys.”

Wise thanked his staff at PHI Pharmacy, saying, “You guys are the ones that make me look good,” and acknowledged the support of his wife, Jamie, and children, Jordan and Gemma, while fighting off tears.

He also outlined the business principles inculcated by his father that guide his leadership—taking care of employees, delivering strong customer service, and building partnerships grounded in trust and loyalty.

The Chamber also announced its other 2025 award recipients, naming Project Buddy Check 670 as Non-Profit of the Year; Kumoi Farms as Small Business of the Year; the CNMI Small Business Development Center as Chamber Member of the Year; and Northern Marianas College as Public Agency of the Year.

Gov. David M. Apatang, who addressed the gathering, congratulated the honorees and the newly installed board, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between government and the private sector as the Commonwealth works to strengthen its economy.

“I am very critical of the support and generous contribution of the excellent ideas from the private sector to keep us afloat in our current state of affairs and to improve our chances of recovery,” he said.

Outgoing Chamber president Joseph C. Guerrero reflected on seven years of service on the board, including five as president, describing a period marked by economic disruption and recovery efforts. Stepping aside as president, Guerrero said he will continue serving in advisory roles focused on economic and tourism recovery.

“My resolve, the Chamber's resolve, is unshakable to work tirelessly for our CNMI, and like so many of you, to continue to share your time and your talents for our home, the Marianas,” he said, while urging unity as the islands navigate ongoing challenges and an election year.

Guerrero is a member of the Marianas Visitors Authority board of directors, Tourism Recovery Task Force, and Governor's Revenue Council. He is also the vice chairman of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisers

During the gala, the Chamber also installed its board of directors. Newly elected or re-elected members include Amier C. Younis (Marianas Variety), Dr. Nelson Krum (Paradise Dental Spa), and Wise and Ruszala.

The Chamber announced its officers for the new term with Wise as president, Janice Tenorio as vice president, Ron Smith as treasurer, and Ruszala as secretary.

In his inaugural address as Chamber president, Wise acknowledged the persistent headwinds facing local businesses, including declining population, reduced visitor arrivals, foreign currency volatility, and airline capacity constraints. However, he noted that resilience and cooperation remain the defining strengths of the CNMI’s business community.

“Even in uncertainty, employers remain committed to their teams, services continue to be delivered, and businesses continue to adapt,” Wise said.

He said the Chamber will continue to serve as a forum for open dialogue and collaboration, including among those with differing views.

“I believe that meeting and having a conversation with someone you disagree with can be more productive and fruitful than meeting with those you know will just agree with you,” said Wise.

Kagman High School graduating student, CNMI Youth Congress speaker, and incoming Columbia University freshman, Vinnie Sablan Jr. served as emcee.