The Rota Chamber of Commerce convened for the first time in years amid rising concerns over the cost of doing business in the islands. The membership is back after decades and with a strong mission to be heard.

Chamber president Steven McCoy said, "A lot of the frustrations that we have had doing business out here we shared with other business owners and managers and they seemed to have the same concerns...We feel like if we come together as a community we have a bigger voice when it comes to concerns such as lack of shipping or cost of shipping."

The Rota Chamber of Commerce holding its first general membership meeting this month. It's seven-member board of directors welcomed at least a dozen businesses on their first day back.

Jackie Manglona, Rota Chamber treasurer, "We are excited about the number of enrollment for members that we have had already considering we just started accepting applications. It makes us hopeful that more of the local businesses will decide to become members."

The chamber hopes to be part of finding solutions and plans to host events and programs to benefit its members and Rota residents. Rota mayor Aubry Hocog and Saipan Chamber of Commerce leadership were the first guest speaker, sharing their insight to the business community.

Manglona continued, "We encourage members, not just businesses, to join. We encourage individuals, government agencies, to join to help with our plans to help the community. The more members we get the bigger voice we have."