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Greetings!
As we head into Thanksgiving week, I hope that your plans are well underway for your holiday gatherings. If you plan on doing any holiday shopping, supporting our local businesses will definitely keep the lights on for many.
I'd like to take a moment to thank this year's nominating committee, led by Kim Anderson Young. The Committee put together an excellent slate of candidates who vied for nine open seats on the Board. We congratulate the nine highest vote getters and send thanks to our members who voted in the election. If you cast your ballot, I'd like your feedback. Send me a message about your voting experience. Your votes help shape our organization’s direction, and we look forward to working with our Board and all our members as we navigate the days and months ahead.
Last week, I mentioned in this space that the Chamber is seeking your thoughts on any impact an increase in the minimum wage on island would have on your company. We are putting together a quick survey, so be on the lookout for it in your inbox. You, of course, can still email me your thoughts directly on this issue or other issues of concern.
The Toys for Tots campaign is wrapping up on December 1st, but there’s still time to make a meaningful impact for children in need this holiday season. Members are urged to bring their toy contributions to the Chamber office on December 3rd and December 5th, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you time your drop-off just right, you’ll have the opportunity to snag a festive photo with Santa—and some friendly U.S. Marines will be on hand to join in the fun. Scroll through the newsletter for details on this and other activities. Let’s pull together and make this year’s Toys for Tots collection a memorable success!
I hope you take some time to scroll through the newsletter for updates and activities. Have a rest filled weekend!
Onward together,
Catherine Castro
President
| | Upcoming Events | NOVEMBER & DECEMBER | | |
NOV 27
Happy Thanksgiving!
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DEC 1
Last day for toy collection
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DEC 3 & 5
Drop off your toys at the Guam Chamber office
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Annual Membership Meeting Recap
November 19, 2025
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Your Guam Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Membership Meeting today at Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. Chairman Tae Oh delivered his special end-of-the-year remarks, and President Catherine Castro presented the annual report on the state of the organization. An additional highlight included the results of the Chamber Board Elections. 61% of eligible members cast their ballots over a one-week voting period.
We thank all our thirteen candidates for stepping up to fill nine available seats on the Chamber Board. We send a big Congratulations to all who were elected, and we thank our members for your continued support and active participation in the Guam Chamber of Commerce!
| | Welcome To Our Newest Members! | | |
ASHLEY HUGHES CONSULTING
Owner/President
Email: ashleyhughesconsulting@gmail.com
IMPROVE & SOLVE
Walaa Wahba
Founder & CEO
Email:walaawahba@improveandsolve.com
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GYP’s Mental Mastery for Market Dominance – November 18, 2025
Congratulations to the Guam Young Professionals (GYP) for successfully planning and executing a full-day professional and transformative leadership conference at the Hyatt Regency Guam.
This immersive event featured world-class speakers, including internationally renowned NeuroCoach and keynote speaker Luc Cardinal, Dave Farrow, Guinness World Record Holder & Memory Expert and Dr. Luan Nguyen MD, FAIHM, Family Medicine & Integrative Medicine.
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Media Invited to Meet Speakers of the “Mental Mastery for Market Dominance” Conference – November 17, 2025
The Guam Chamber of Commerce's Guam Young Professionals (GYP) invited members of the media to a press conference to meet and interview the featured speakers for the Mental Mastery for Market Dominance conference. The event provided the media an opportunity to engage with industry experts who shared insights on mindset, leadership, and strategies for success in today's competitive business landscape.
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VOLUNTEER CALL OUT!
We are reaching out to our Guam Young Professionals network for volunteers to help sort and inventory toys for the annual Toys for Tots program. Even Santa needs his elves to make sure that every child doesn't get left out on the most important holiday of the year!
Please view the following opportunities and let us know which dates work for your schedule. We appreciate your assistance and thank you in advance for your terrific support!
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Volunteer on Thursday,
December 4, 2025!
Volunteer at the Guam Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, December 4th, to sort & inventory the Toys for Tots gifts between 2:00 pm-5:00 pm.
Register to Volunteer!
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Volunteer on Friday, December 5, 2025!
Volunteer at the Guam Chamber of Commerce on Friday, December 5th, to help sort & inventory toys between 2:00 pm-5:00 pm.
Register to Volunteer
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Volunteer on Saturday, December 6, 2025!
Volunteer at the US Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. To volunteer, you must be a US citizen and complete the form below. The event will take place between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Completed form must be submitted by Tuesday, November 25th, and sent to ella@guamchamber.com.gu
Please note that the form can only be read by the latest version of Adobe Acrobat.
Complete the Form
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Tariffs Lifted on Coffee, Beef and Other Staples
The Trump administration removed tariffs last week on coffee, bananas, beef, and other imported goods not produced in the U.S.
Why it matters: Tariffs are having real and harmful impacts on American families and businesses. Removing these tariffs will help lower the cost of imported food and put downward pressure on grocery prices.
Be smart: Between April and July, the federal government collected $1.5 billion more in tariffs on food and agriculture items that will be exempt from future tariffs. This marks a 647% jump compared to 2024, according to a U.S. Chamber analysis.
Looking ahead: The administration can provide additional tariff relief for other products not easily available in the U.S. and where tariffs threaten American jobs.
- “We encourage the administration to build on this announcement…We also urge the administration to provide tariff relief for the more than 236,000 small businesses who import into the United States,” said U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley.
- “Combined with President Trump’s significant accomplishments on tax and deregulation, relief from burdensome tariffs will help create the conditions for strong economic growth that will lift American wages.”
What we’re doing: The U.S. Chamber has called on Trump administration officials to deliver tariff relief, including for items not produced in the U.S.
We are also amplifying the voices of small businesses who have told us how tariffs have disrupted their supply chains, raised costs, halted growth, or worse. Read More
Defending American Companies in the International Arena
American businesses depend on international markets, exporting trillions of dollars’ worth of goods and services and earning trillions more via international investments.
Big picture: U.S. leadership roles in organizations including the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the International Labor Organization, and the World Trade Organization ensure that U.S. perspectives are reflected.
- “American interests are best represented when U.S. officials vigorously press for priorities established by the White House and Congress to be adopted by these international bodies,” writes John Murphy, U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President and Head of International.
Why it matters: American businesses depend on international markets, exporting trillions of dollars’ worth of goods and services and earning trillions more via international investments.
- Maintaining a seat at the table in international organizations is essential for protecting U.S. economic interests and ensuring American businesses thrive in a competitive global economy.
Bottom line: “If Washington stays silent—or worse yet, doesn’t show up—these organizations will take positions and actions that could reflect the ambitions of strategic adversaries,” Murphy writes. Read More
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LAST DAYS FOR TOY COLLECTION
It's almost time to wrap up our toy collection for the 2025 Toys for Tots Campaign. Please note that the collection date ends on Monday, December 1st.
Members are urged to contact the Guam Chamber of Commerce to schedule their toy drop-offs at the Guam Chamber office in Hagåtña from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on December 3rd (Wednesday) or December 5th (Friday). We received word that Santa will be on hand between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and maybe our friends from the Marine Corps will be on hand as well!
There are still a few days left so please consider picking up a toy or two during your holiday shopping between now and December 1st for the program. Toy contributions can be dropped off at any of the following fine establishments:
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American Medical Center
Atkins Kroll (All showrooms)
Agana Shopping Center
American Medical Center
American President Lines
BankPacific (All branches)
Burger King (Hågatna & Tumon)
Cruz Benefits Consultants
CTSI Logistics
Core Tech (In-house collection)
Calvos Insurance (In house collection)
Coast360
Docomo (Tamuning)
East Island Tinting/ Paradise Auto
East West Business Center
Fedex
Gilbane Federal (Construction)
GHD Inc
Grand Plaza Hotel
Guam Ink Hustle
Guam Chamber of Commerce
Guam Regional Medical City (In-house collection)
Granite Construction Company
Guam Pak Express
Guam Economic Development Authority
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Hotel Nikko Guam
Hyatt Regency Guam
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
IT&E (All locations)
International Distributors Inc.
KFC Guam ( All locations)
Matson Navigation
Mega Drug Pharmacy (All locations)
Moylan’s Insurance
Navy Federal Credit Union
PFC Finance (All locations)
Pacific Island Club
RIHGA Royal Laguna Guam Resort
Security Title
Sylvan Learning Center
The Guam Economic Development Authority
Title Guaranty of Guam
Triple J Enterprise (Tamuning and Dededo)
Triple J Five Star
Tommy Hilfiger
USO Guam (All locations)
UOG Endowment Foundation
Wyndham Garden
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Toys for Tots High School Challenge
The recent government shutdown has delayed the program; however, we are confident that we can still make a difference for children in need this year. Toy collection for the High School Challenge will take place until December 11, 2025, and pick-up will occur on Monday, December 15th, and Tuesday, December 16th.
Let’s make this year’s challenge the best one yet! 🙌🏽 Thank you again for your time and continued support!
Download the High School Challenge Flyer!
| | | Holiday Playlists Curated for You! | | |
It's the season of gratitude!
Enjoy this playlist blend, perfect for a gathering of friends or for moments of solitude.
| | Wishes do come true! Lend an ear to this playful holiday selection, and you, too, may start to believe! | | |
Sometimes you need a Christmas playlist with all the feels...
we got you!
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Chamber Member Spotlight Podcasts
Get to know your small business colleagues by listening to any of the podcasts produced to promote our small business members! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube! Click on any of the featured podcasts below and begin listening!
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Giving Tuesday Village to Village Drive
The KUAM Careforce is calling on our community to join them in Giving Tuesday Village to Village Drive!
Every Tuesday in November, KUAM will be at Kmart from Noon to 2 pm, collecting non-perishable food, clothing, toiletries, baby items, and toys to spread kindness and support to families in need via our village mayors, the backbone of our community.
Then on Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, your donations will be shared with each of our 19 villages - one mission, spreading hope and kindness.
| | | Click Flyer to View/ Download | | Click Flyer to View/ Download | | Click Flyer to View/ Download | | |
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS
For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3-9, and SBA will officially recognize their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and their contributions to the economy. NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN.
Submit your NSBW awards nominations by December 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
| | Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our Centurion Plus Sponsors! | | Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our Centurion Sponsor! | | |
Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our Centennial Contributors!
Ada's Trust & Investment, Inc. • Arnett Consulting, LLC • Assurance Brokers, Inc. dba: AB Risk Solutions • Bank of Hawaii • Black Construction Corporation
California Pacific Technical Services, LLC • Coffman Engineers, Inc.
Guam Insurance Adjusters, Inc. • Guam Music, Inc. • Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
HMI Guam • Hotel Nikko Guam • Island Skin Spa • Joe & Franks Auto
Jerold W. Filush, CPA • Marianas Steamship Agencies, Inc. • Matson Navigation Company
Micronesian Drivers Associations, Inc. • North Wind Group • Outback Steakhouse
Pacific Islands Development Bank • Phoenix Pacific (Guam), Inc.
Salt + Light Realty • SignKing, Inc. • Sylvan Learning Center
TNN Guam, Inc. dba: The Tsubaki Tower • Triple J Enterprises, Inc.
Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods, Inc. • Triple J Rentals (Guam), Inc. dba: Hertz Licensee
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