Greetings!,

As I write this, the weather folks are saying that Tropical Storm Sinlaku is strengthening and is expected to approach the Marianas with the potential to cross near or over Guam as a Category 3 typhoon around Monday night into Tuesday. Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 3, and according to one media source, is expected to go into COR 2 by Sunday. Officials are urging the community to complete storm preparations this weekend in case of a strong typhoon impact.

Talk to your Teams to clarify staffing and closure procedures - this is extremely helpful, informative, and reassuring. As we prepare our businesses, homes, and families, let's continue to stay vigilant and safe.

For the latest information, please rely on official sources: Guam Homeland Security / Office of Civil Defense and the Joint Information Center, the National Weather Service Guam office, and local media updates. The Chamber will share any significant government announcements affecting business operations, including COR changes, closures, and post‑storm recovery resources, as information becomes available.

Please note that the Guam Young Professionals' (GYP) General Membership Meeting has been moved from Tuesday, April 14th, to Tuesday, April 21st. Details are addressed below in this newsletter.

The Armed Forces Committee's (AFC) Conversation with J9 is still scheduled for Thursday, April 16th. We will advise AFC members of any changes or adjustments in the planned event if they occur.

Scroll through the newsletter for Chamber news and updates from the Department of Revenue & Taxation and more. Stay safe and dry this weekend and over the next few days! Keep connected with us via email and the socials for storm-related updates.

Onward together,

Catherine Castro

President

General Membership Meeting

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Our April General Membership Meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 29th, at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. Our guest speaker is Roseann M. Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Economics, SBPA Dean. Given the current economic climate and evolving global geopolitical landscape, Dr. Jones will speak on the impacts on Guam's economy and business community.

RSVP and make advance payments by contacting your Chamber Team at (671) 472-6311/8001 for a swift and smooth entry on the day of the event! Click the button below to get started!

Guam Chamber's 102nd Anniversary Gala Celebration

Saturday, May 2, 2026 • Dusit Thani Resort Guam

Join us as we celebrate the Guam Chamber of Commerce's 102nd Anniversary Gala Celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Dusit Thani Resort Guam.

This special evening marks an important milestone as we honor Members celebrating milestone anniversaries and the Chamber's 102 years of service, leadership, and commitment to Guam's business community, recognizing both the achievements of the past and the vision of the present.

This annual event is marked by a special VIP reception for Member anniversary recipients, a delectable five-course meal, entertainment, milestone recognition, and two distinct after-party opportunities. One that keeps the party going and the other that features whiskey and karaoke! Both events will feature specialty food and drinks to keep the fun going.

Mark your calendars for a memorable night of honors, celebration, and connection as we also commemorate America's 250th Anniversary with an evening dedicated to history, progress, and community spirit.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available!

DAVE J. SANTOS SCHOLARSHIP

Applications Now Being Accepted

Juniors or Seniors enrolled in the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration are invited to apply for the Guam Chamber of Commerce Dave J. Santos Scholarship. This scholarship is made available to outstanding business majors of the University of Guam. The scholarship will award one student in the 2026 Fall Semester $1,000.00 plus a paid internship with the Guam Chamber of Commerce.

This scholarship is sponsored and funded by the members of the Guam Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the achievements of the late Dave J. Santos, an entrepreneur, past Chairman of the Guam Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the 1993 Small Business Person of the Year.

For students (juniors or seniors) who are interested in applying for the Dave J. Santos Scholarship, the digital form is available on the Guam Chamber of Commerce website, or you can click here. An advanced reminder that the deadline to submit applications

For additional information, contact the Guam Chamber of Commerce at 671-472-6311/8001 or email info@GuamChamber.com.gu.

View Application

Artemis II Lifts Off and Takes U.S. Industry with It

Big national wins are built by private sector ingenuity.

The Artemis II mission is on its way to the moon—and it’s built on American industry. From the companies that designed and assembled the spacecraft to suppliers of all sizes in communities across the country, this mission is a real-world proof point that when our innovators get a clear runway, they deliver.

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Why it matters: This isn’t just a “space story.” It’s a jobs-and-opportunity story. Artemis II reflects the kind of high stakes work our manufacturers, software makers, materials specialists, and test operators do every day.

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Our take: “Artemis II embodies the power, ingenuity, and strength of American industry,” said U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark. “At a time of growing global competition in space, this mission sends a clear signal: America always finds a path forward, and American industry is at the center of that capability.”

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Looking ahead: Returning to the moon and a sustained lunar presence will mean new business opportunities in communications, energy, robotics, manufacturing, and entire sectors that are yet to be imagined.

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Bottom line: Artemis II is a reminder that bold, national achievements are built on the strength of free enterprise. American industry has built the foundation of entirely new capabilities that will unfold for decades to come—and it's just getting started. READ MORE

U.S. Chamber Bets on Fearlessness as Businesses Navigate "Black Swan World"



In a wide-ranging interview on The Deciders podcast with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Brody Mullins and veteran DC strategist Lisa Camooso Miller, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark laid out a one-word mandate for American business in 2026: fearless.

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• Drawing a direct line between today's economic uncertainty and the historic inflection point of 1976, Clark says the country faces another "time for choosing," and free enterprise is the answer.

Why it matters: Public policy risk for businesses has surged. With threats coming from Washington, Brussels, and state capitals simultaneously, businesses can’t afford to ignore what's happening in government.

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Big picture: The U.S. Chamber's global footprint is an engine for growth. We advocate for better market access to help American companies reach new markets and support U.S. workers.

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• We also work to encourage investments in the U.S. Recently, Indonesia’s president visited the U.S. Chamber’s headquarters, where nearly $40 billion in export deals were signed. “That took years of relationship building and understanding the market,” Clark said.
• The Chamber's work is strengthened by volunteer leaders like Chairman Ross Perot Jr., whose global business perspective and political instincts enhance the organization’s mission to advance free enterprise and drive growth. 

What she said: With thin congressional margins reshuffling alliances on every issue, Clark said bipartisan relationships aren't optional—they're essential. "Every time there's a new issue, it's a new coalition. Having friends on both sides of the aisle who believe in business and job growth is really important."

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Be smart: Clark flagged an under-covered threat: frivolous lawsuits that cost the average American household $4,200 a year, clog courts, and drive up insurance costs. Florida's recent tort reforms brought insurance prices down almost immediately—a model the U.S. Chamber wants replicated nationally.

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Bottom line: Clark’s message was clear: the same free enterprise playbook that pulled America out of the 1970s can do so again.

Department of Revenue & Taxation Updates

DRT'S Moratorium Update: Business License Extension & Waiver

Businesses affected by the DRT moratorium are eligible for a business license extension along with a waiver of late fees. If your license has expired, you may still renew without penalty. To take advantage of this waiver, all renewals must be completed by May 1, 2026. View the flyer more information.

DRT Moratorium Update: Business Privilege Tax Extension

The deadline for February 2026 returns with full payment has been extended to April 20, 2026. Businesses may submit payment by this date without late penalties. View the flyer more information.

DRT's System Restored, Partial Capacity for Driver's License and Examination Branch

The Department of Revenue and Taxation announced that its system was restored. Normal operations for the Business License Branch and Vehicle Registration Branch have resumed, including online renewal services.

The Driver's License and Examination Branch has had partial restoration.

Email or call for specific inquiries. Click on the graphic to view the full release.

Hilton Guam Resort & Spa April Happenings

Hyatt Regency Guam April Happenings

2026

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View Guams SBDC'S

2026

Training Events!

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