Charlene Ogo installed president of Rota Chamber of Commerce

04/02/25 - Business owner Charlene Ogo is the new president of the Rota Chamber of Commerce.

Ogo assumed the presidency of the business organization after former president Steven McCoy resigned from his post. She said the Chamber plans to hold an election in December 2025 with the nomination process starting in November 2025.

“I will continue to serve in this capacity as we work toward strengthening the Chamber.”

Aside from Ogo, the Chamber’s other officers include Juan Pan Guerrero as vice president, Dana Calvo as secretary, Jackie Manglona as treasurer, and board of directors McCoy, Pedro de la Cruz, and Diana Hocog.

The master’s in administration graduate, who owns a bakery focusing on cakes and party favors on Rota as well as Saipan, said her first order of business after assuming the leadership in the Chamber is strengthening its membership base. 

“A larger membership allows us to better understand the unique challenges that the businesses face, ensuring that our efforts address real needs. The more members we have, the stronger our efforts will be. Our goal is to really amplify the voices of our businesses here on Rota and work together to create meaningful change. The more members we have, the better it is for us.

By expanding the Chamber’s network, Ogo believes they can work together to tackle economic barriers, support business growth, and create a sustainable future for the Rota business community. 

Ogo believes her experience as director and business advisor to the Small Business Development Center on Rota will come in handy in her new position at the Chamber.

“I am working closely with business owners here on Rota, helping them navigate challenges, access resources, and develop strategies for growth. So, this experience has definitely strengthened my commitment to advocating for our local businesses.”

Asked what’s the most pressing issue facing the Rota economy right now, Ogo said there’s a myriad of problems not only besetting Rota but neighboring Tinian and Saipan as well.

“I think that right now the business community here is going through very tough times. I'm sure many businesses in Saipan and Tinian feel that as well. The first one being shipping costs. They're extremely high because goods take multiple routes before reaching Rota. So, by the time it arrives here, the added transportation and handling fees make our products significantly more expensive for both the businesses and consumers.”

Another barrier, which is tied to the first, is limited air transportation, especially the lack of weekend flights to and from Guam, according to Ogo.

“It makes travel very difficult and costly and this not only affects residents, but also tourism. Rota has a lot to offer, but we don't see a lot of visitors because airfare is just too expensive. And it doesn't help that we are competing with the destinations like South Korea, where they offer cheaper flights right from Saipan.”

Ogo said the last stumbling block to economic recovery is the brain drain currently hemorrhaging Rota’s already short-in-supply workforce.

“Right now, we are seeing a lot of families moving off-island. So, the decline in population can be felt in our community. Fewer residents mean fewer customers for local businesses. And without enough people or tourists to sustain them, many struggle to stay open here.” 

She also wants Rota to develop its agriculture sector to complement its tourism industry.

“I think farming is definitely like a big thing here on Rota. We are known for our sweet potatoes and I think being able to transport them would kind of help our economy. But again, shipping would come into play. It is very costly to ship goods.” 

Ogo said she hopes to overcome the above-mentioned challenges by collaborating with private and government entities in a multi-sectoral approach. 

“We are really committed to being part of the conversation to help find practical and sustainable solutions. Again, I don't think we're able to find a solution on our own. It requires collaboration at all levels.”

Ogo said the Chamber is also open to everyone’s suggestions and people with ideas can email them at info@rotachamber.com or visit their website at www.rotachamber.com. 

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Story by Mark Rabago