SAIPAN — The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College has announced its Advisory Council and convened its inaugural Annual Advisory Council Meeting, bringing together leaders from business, government, and education to help guide small-business development efforts across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Council membership includes Saipan representatives Dr. Barbara Hunter, interim director of NMC’s School of Business; Derek Sasamoto, executive director of the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority; Jamika Taijeron, managing director of the Marianas Visitors Authority; Leila Staffler, secretary of the CNMI Department of Labor; Thomas John Manglona, congressman in the CNMI House of Representatives and chairman of the House Committee on Commerce in the 24th CNMI Legislature; and Vickie Izuka, vice president and branch manager of First Hawaiian Bank. Tinian is represented by Alexis Hofschneider, owner of K-Town Coffee, and Allen Perez, chief of staff in the Mayor’s Office of Tinian. Rota is represented by Diana B. Hocog, interim director of the NMC Rota Center, and Jennifer Yalung, owner of BBQ Beast / The Happy Place.
Council members elected Sasamoto as chairman and Hocog as vice-chairwoman for the coming year. The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with Tinian-based members participating virtually via Zoom.
Also in attendance were NMC president Galvin Deleon Guerrero and Frankie Eliptico, senior vice president of administration and advancement. The network said the council is expected to meet annually and plans to convene again in July as preparations continue for an accreditation review with the Association of America’s SBDC, with council members expected to contribute to the network’s strategic plan.
The CNMI SBDC Network provides no-cost, confidential advising, training, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses across the Commonwealth.
