Embedded Files
01/27/25 - Triple J Human Resources director Frank Ada shone the brightest in Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s “Under the Stars” 2024 Business Person of the Year & Board Installation Gala held last Saturday night at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.
“Just in case, the day I found out that I was nominated was my mom's birthday. This is for you mom. Fifteen years ago, I went to a job interview and I met Mr. Robert H. Jones. Thank you for taking a chance on me and you know we had better luck tonight than this morning when we went fishing. You know, everything I know about business, Mr. Jones not only is my boss, my friend, but just been a very towering figure in my life in the last 15 years and continues to be and continues to teach each and every one of us at Triple J. Thank you, Mr. Jones,” he said after winning the award. Jones is Triple J’s chairman and CEO.
Ada, who won the award over Paradise Dental Spa president Donna Krum, Century Insurance Co. Gol Corpuz, Naked Fish Bar & Grill owner Joe C. Guerrero, said he’s really an unsuspecting nominee for the prestigious award.
“Thank you for this incredible honor of being named Business Person of the Year. I'm truly grateful for this recognition, which I believe reflects not only on my work, but also the collective efforts of my amazing team, my HR team and Triple J corporate office.”
Ada said Triple J has focused on creating a culture that balances collaboration. “I've been hearing a lot in our community about collaboration. So, we need to collaborate. Grow and embrace all people. HR embraces all people. As HR director, I've always believed that our people are a great example. This award is important to the importance of investing in our workforce and the environment where everyone is expected to succeed and thrive.”
He also thanked Triple J vice president of Finance and Administration Michael Sablan. “I am proud of the initiative we implemented that prioritized employee well-being and development. I would like to thank Mr. Mike Sablan and my colleagues and my mentors outside of Triple J and everyone who has supported me on this journey. This achievement inspires me to continue striving for excellence in human resources and to advocate for the people who made our organization successful.”
Other winners hailed during the 2024 Business Person of the Year & Board Installation Gala include Island Training Solutions as Chamber Member of the Year, Northern Marianas Sports Association as Non-profit of the Year, Plumeria Steakhouse as Small Business of the Year, Marianas Press as Trailblazing Start-up of the Year, Transit CNMI as Agency Star, and IT&E assistant sales manager Paul Guerrero as Emerging Leader Star Award.
Meanwhile, Guerrero was again installed as president of the Chamber, while Joshua Wise of PHI Pharmacy and Ron Smith of Angil Design, Inc were sworn in as vice president and secretary, respectively. The Chamber board members installed were IT&E’s Janice Tenorio, Bank of Saipan’s John Arroyo, Docomo Pacific’s Nicole Babauta, Tan Holdings’ Alex Sablan, and Commonwealth Communications’ Brad Ruszala, who served as the event’s emcee.
Deacon Tony Yarobwemal delivered the invocation message, while Soundhire, The South Trio Band, and Sons of Harmony provided the evening’s entertainment. There was a silent auction sponsored by Chamber members.
-----
Story and photos by Mark Rabago
Video shot and edited by Thomas Manglona II
This story is brought to you in partnership with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce
Report abuse