Greetings!,

As Guam continues its recovery, we recognize that restoration efforts are still underway. GPA, GWA, DPW, the Mayors' offices, along with our private sector folks, including our telecom companies, are working diligently to restore essential services so that businesses can resume operations. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those on the front line supporting the island's recovery. We also extend our thoughts and prayers to our friends and family in the CNMI and the FSM as they begin recovery efforts.

There have been a number of postponed events due to the storm, including the Armed Forces Committee's Conversation with J9 and the Guam Young Professionals General Membership Meeting. Both Committees will be working with the respective speakers and will announce a new date very soon.

We are pleased to announce our upcoming Small Business Seminar scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd, featuring the Guam Economic Development Authority at the Chamber office. More information is noted below. Please scroll to RSVP.

The Guam Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. We encourage you to reserve your seats and join us as our guest speaker, Roseann M. Jones, PhD, Professor of Economics and SBPA Dean, shares insights on the impact of current conditions on Guam's economy and business community.

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!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

American Oxygen Sponsor

First Hawaiian Bank

Party in the USA

Bank of Guam

America the Beautiful

Vantage Advertising

Living in America

Ada's trust & Investment, Inc.

American Honey

P.H.R. Ken Micronesia, Inc. dba: Ken Corporation

Made in America

Coast360 Federal Credit Union, Bank of Hawaii, Fedex, Sanford Technology Group LLC

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

Navigating the New Tax Law: What Small Businesses Need to Know

The big picture: With the April 15 deadline approaching, small business owners filing under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for the first time have more deductions and credits available than in years, but the clock is ticking.

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The headline wins:

• 20% QBI deduction is now permanent - with a new $400 minimum floor so even the smallest pass-throughs benefit.
• 100% R&E expensing is back - deduct domestic research costs immediately. Businesses under $31M in gross receipts can file amended returns for 2022–2024.
• Bonus depreciation restored - equipment, machinery, software, and even new U.S. manufacturing facilities placed in service since Jan. 20, 2025 can be fully written off.
• Child care credit got a major boost - up to $500K (from $150K) for small businesses covering 50% of qualified expenses. Businesses can now pool resources or use third-party providers.

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What else is on the table: The U.S. Chamber's employer tax guide catalogs 15 credits and deductions many employers overlook, including:

• Paid family leave credit (now permanent, with a new premium-based calculation method)
• $5,250/year tax-free educational assistance per employee (also now permanent and indexed to inflation)
• Up to 50% health insurance premium credit for businesses with <25 FTEs
• Credits for hiring military spouses, veterans, and workers in empowerment zones

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The bottom line: Between retroactive R&E refunds, permanent QBI deductions, and supercharged child care credits, reminding your small business members to make a quick call to their tax pro before Wednesday could pay for itself many times over. And if they need more time, file an extension, but don't skip the savings. READ MORE

Small Business Confidence is Sliding - and Hiring Plans are Tanking

What's happening: The U.S. Chamber's Q1 2026 Small Business Index fell to 67.0, down from 68.4 last quarter and well off its recent high of 72.0 in Q3 2025, marking a second straight quarterly decline.

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Why it matters: Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, and their growing pessimism is an early warning sign that broader economic momentum could stall.

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By the numbers:

• 53% cite inflation as their top challenge, up from 45% last quarter and the 17th consecutive quarter it's ranked #1.
• Only 28% say the national economy is in good health, a 10-point drop.
• Just 30% plan to increase staff, down 12 points from Q4 2025.
• 37% expect to boost investment, down from 44%.

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The catch: Despite the gloom about the macro picture, 69% of small business owners still say their own business is in good health, a striking disconnect between how they feel about Main Street vs. the national economy.

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The backdrop: The survey was conducted Feb. 25–March 11, largely after the outbreak of military conflict with Iran, adding a layer of geopolitical uncertainty on top of persistent inflation and affordability pressures.

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The bottom line: Small businesses aren't in crisis, but they're clearly shifting into defensive mode. If hiring and investment plans keep retreating, the broader economy will feel it. LEARN MORE

Department of Revenue & Taxation Updates

Governor Leon Guerrero Issues Executive Order Extending Tax Filing Deadline 30 Days Ahead of SuperTyphoon Sinlaku



Hagåtña, Guam — Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, with the concurrence of Lieutenant Governor Joshua F. Tenorio, has issued Executive Order No. 2026-02 providing temporary tax filing and payment relief for individuals and businesses in anticipation of the impacts of Typhoon Sinlaku. The Executive Order comes as Guam prepares for a potentially dangerous storm system expected to disrupt normal operations across the island, including government offices, financial institutions, and private businesses. “Right now, our priority is clear—protecting life, health, and property,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “This order gives our people the flexibility they need to focus on their families and their safety, without the added pressure of immediate tax deadlines.” Specifically, the deadline to file Guam territorial income tax returns—originally set for April 15, 2026—is extended by 30 days to May 15, 2026. The deadline to pay any income taxes due is also extended to May 15, 2026. During this 30-day extension period, penalties and interest for late filing and payment of income taxes will be temporarily suspended. Additional relief is provided for Business Privilege Tax (BPT) and other associated tax liabilities, with penalties and interest also suspended, provided filings and payments are completed by the adjusted deadlines. Lieutenant Governor Joshua F. Tenorio emphasized the importance of easing financial pressure during emergencies. “In moments like this, government must act with both urgency and understanding,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “This relief ensures that our people are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control as they prepare for and respond to this storm.” The Department of Revenue and Taxation has been directed to implement the Executive Order, issue public guidance, and coordinate with financial institutions and tax preparers to ensure a smooth transition to the extended deadlines. This action follows a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Guam related to Typhoon Sinlaku and reflects the administration’s commitment to proactive, people-first governance during times of crisis. Taxpayers are advised that all other tax obligations not specifically addressed in the Executive Order remain in full force and effect. For more information, residents and businesses are encouraged to monitor official Government of Guam channels for updates

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