The Saipan Chamber of Commerce will host its most anticipated annual event, the 2025 Business Person of the Year & Board of Directors Installation Gala, on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Kensington Hall in the Kensington Hotel Saipan.
The annual celebration brings together leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors for an evening dedicated to recognizing excellence, strengthening community partnerships, and celebrating the spirit of business in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Each year, the Chamber honors individuals and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to the local business landscape and the broader CNMI community. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the prestigious Business Person of the Year Award, recognizing an individual whose leadership, innovation, and commitment have made a lasting impact on Saipan and the Commonwealth.
In addition to the Business Person of the Year Award, the Chamber will present the 2025 Chamber Member of the Year, 2025 Non-Profit of the Year, 2025 Small Business of the Year, and a newly created category, the 2025 Public Agency of the Year.
The Business Person of the Year Award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and a strong commitment to advancing the economic and social well-being of Saipan. Nominees must be current Saipan Chamber of Commerce members, residents of Saipan, actively involved in the community, supportive of workforce development, and in good standing with the Chamber. This year introduces a newly enhanced selection process. While traditionally selected solely by past Business Person of the Year recipients, the final awardee will now be chosen through a weighted voting system, with 60% of votes from past recipients and 40% from the Chamber membership. The honoree will receive the Chamber’s perpetual trophy and formal recognition at the gala.
The Chamber Member of the Year Award recognizes a member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the Chamber’s mission through active participation in committees, events, or programs. Nominees must have been Chamber members for at least one year as of December 31, 2025, and be in good standing.
The Non-Profit of the Year Award honors a nonprofit organization that has delivered exceptional service and demonstrated a positive and measurable impact on the Saipan community. Eligible nominees must hold valid 501(c) documentation and have operated on Saipan for at least one year.
The Small Business of the Year Award recognizes a locally operating small business that exemplifies innovation, success, and commitment to serving the people of Saipan. Eligible businesses must have fewer than 20 employees or under $1 million in gross revenue verified by a third-party CPA, possess a valid business license, and have operated on Saipan for at least one year.
The new Public Agency of the Year Award recognizes a CNMI government entity that demonstrates exceptional service, innovation, and positive support of the local economy. The awardee will receive a certificate or Chamber trophy, one year of Honorary Chamber Membership, and recognition at the gala.
The evening will also include the official Installation of the 2026-2027 Saipan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, elected by the Chamber membership to guide the organization’s mission, advocacy, and strategic direction for the year ahead. All past Business Person of the Year recipients will also be formally recognized.
As the Chamber’s Annual Membership Meeting, the gala promises a memorable evening filled with recognition, inspiration, celebration, and meaningful connection.
Tickets are $100 per person or $1,000 per VIP table seating eight guests. To purchase tickets or reserve a table, visit https://bit.ly/3KH8QmF. For more information or RSVP assistance, contact the Saipan Chamber of Commerce at (670) 234-7150 or email contactus@saipanchamber.org.
