Awards, media coverage and recognition for local businesses making names for themselves in the region and beyond

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor of Guam
Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero inducted as fellow in the Academy of Nursing
Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Nursing, becoming the first nurse governor in the United States to receive this recognition. Induction into the AAN highlights an individual’s nursing accomplishments and collective contributions to the profession.

Photo courtesy Gunnery Sgt. Rubin J. Tan, USMC.
JRM to maintain saplings of Guam’s last S. nelsonii tree
Joint Region Marianas will be continuing maintenance of saplings of Guam’s endangered Serianthes nelsonii tree after the last mature tree died at Ritidian Point.
A total of 207 saplings will be under JRM care. Marine Corp Base Camp Blaz Mason Live Fire Training Range Complex will house 99 of the saplings, Andersen Air Force Base will grow eight, and 100 saplings will be out planted at the MCB Camp Blaz Caiguat Forest Enhancement Site.

Photo courtesy GRMC
GRMC achieves TJC Recertification
Guam Regional Medical City has been recertified as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center through the Joint Commission. TJC conducted a two-day survey of GRMC which was focused on all areas of hospital care related to stroke prevention and care and found that the hospital meets the criteria to assist stroke patients with specialized resources and treatments.

Photo courtesy Triple J Enterprises
Triple J Rentals named Hertz Asia & Pacific Islands Franchise of the Year
Hertz awarded Triple J Rentals the Franchise of the Year title for the Asia & Pacific Islands region for its exceptional growth, operational excellence, and commitment to customer service.

Photo courtesy The Judiciary of Guam
Chief Justice Torres to chair 2025 AJEI Summit
Chief Justice Robert J. Torres was selected to chair the Appellate Judges Educational Institute Annual Summit in 2025 as a recognition of his leadership in advancing appellate judicial education. The AJEI Summit is the top forum for appellate judge education in the United States.

Photo courtesy Yap Visitors Bureau
YVB, Japanese Navy, and US Navy Seabees restore Yap’s heritage sites
The Yap Visitors Bureau, the Japanese Navy, and the U.S. Navy Seabees collaborated to restore and clean up key World War II heritage sites in Yap. Efforts began in July with the Seabees restoring sites around Colonia and the old airstrip.

Photo courtesy Northern Marianas College
CFCC launches sustainability project in Koblerville
The Coral Coast Foundation Corp., Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services, and the CNMI Green Growth Initiative partnered to launch the Sustainable Fresh Greens project in Koblerville, Saipan. According to the CFCC, the hydroponics farm will help promote sustainable farming and local food production which will grow salad greens and seasonal produce for school meals.

Photo courtesy Guam Customs & Quarantine Agency
Guam Customs officer first to graduate from FBI National Academy
Capt. Barbara C. Tayama became the first Guam Customs officer to graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy on Dec. 12.

Photo courtesy GPA
GPA general manager receives AGA Government Accountability award
Guam Power Authority’s General Manager John M. Benavente received the Association of Government Accountants Guam Chapter Government Accountability Award.
The award honors government professionals who demonstrate exemplary leadership, high ethical standards, and innovation in public service.
Benavente has worked nearly 40 years at GPA and more than 26 years as its general manager.
GWCC announces new executives for 2025
The Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce board elected four to serve as executive officers for 2025. They are Dena Rendon-Pangelinan, president; Michaela Pangilinan-Gogue, business development officer, Title Guaranty of Guam, vice president; Marie Calvo-Monge, CEO, KUAM Communications, secretary; and Samantha Taitano, treasurer.
Suzanne Lobaton appointed to GMHA Board of Trustees
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority confirmed the appointment of Suzanne D. Lobaton, occupational health nurse supervisor, Naval Hospital Guam; to the hospital’s Board of Trustees. Lobaton has more than 16 years of nursing experience and will serve as the Nursing Board representative for the next six years.
MCOG re-elects five officers for the next two years
The Mayor’s Council of Guam re-elected five mayors to serve as the council’s executive officers. Piti Mayor Jesse L.G. Alig, will serve as MCOG president; Sinajana Mayor Robert RDC Hofmann, vice president; Tamuning Mayor Louise C. Rivera, secretary; Hågat Mayor Kevin J.T. Susuico, treasurer; and Barrigada Mayor Jessie P. Bautista, sergeant-at-arms.
Saipan Chamber announces officers
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce named the officers of the 2025 board.
They are Joseph C. Guerrero, owner of Naked Fish Bar and Grill and Transcends Consulting, president; Ron Smith, president of Angil Design, secretary; and Janice Tenorio, senior manager, Government/Community relations IT&E, treasurer.
John Z. Arroyo, president and CEO, Bank of Saipan, Nicole Babauta, senior consumer sales manager at DOCOMO Pacific; Alexander A. Sablan, vice president of Tan Holdings, Velma Palacios, executive director, IT&E Saipan; Joshua Wise, general manager/pharmacist, PHI Pharmacy and Brad Ruszala, marketing manager, Triple J Saipan; are holdover directors.
Guam Chamber announces officers
The officers of the Guam Chamber of Commerce for 2025 are Tae Oh, vice president of Vantage Advertising and PSI Holding LLC, chairman; Juan Carlos Benitez, president and owner, Washington Pacific Economic Development Group Inc., vice chairman; and Christopher Duenas, chief financial officer, Triple J Enterprises Inc., secretary-treasurer. Also on the executive committee are Ernie Galito, business development director, Atkins Kroll Inc., past president; Kim Anderson Young, president, Security Title Inc., special executive committee member; and Catherine S. Castro, president of
the Chamber.
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Photo courtesy University of Guam
New leaders elected for UOG Board of Regents
The University of Guam Board of Regents elected Lesley-Anne Leon Guerrero, chief experience officer with Bank of Guam; as its chairperson and Agapito “Pete” Ada Diaz, project manager with AECOM; as its vice chairperson.