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Greetings!
I hope that you will join us on Wednesday, August 26th for our General Membership Meeting, featuring a special briefing from Chairman Ed Untalan on Project Prosperity, the Chamber's nonpartisan voter education initiative.
As our island approaches the general election, Project Prosperity is designed to encourage our island's registered voters to consider all the candidates and what they will bring to the office if they are elected. Considering the state of the island today, what qualities do we want to seek in candidates who will be anxious to roll up their sleeves once in office and work towards improving government services, supporting a stronger economy with initiatives that empower the private sector, which will lead to good jobs for our residents, improving the quality of life for all, and investing in Guam's future.
We should all encourage our employees, family members, and friends who are registered to vote to exercise their right to vote, whether during early voting from October 8th–28th or on Election Day, November 3rd.
We hope you'll join us for this important discussion and stay engaged as we work together to support a strong, informed electorate. Please scroll below for details and use the RSVP link to save your seat. I look forward to seeing you there!
Until then, have a restful weekend!
Sincerely,
Catherine Castro
President
| | Upcoming Events | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | | |
AUG 26
General Membership Meeting
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
RSVP Required
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AUG 27
Get to Know Your GYP Mixer
Tumon Sands Plaza
RSVP Required
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SEP 7
Labor Day Holiday
Chamber Office Closed
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Congressional Delegation Visit
Saturday, August 15, 2026
The Guam Chamber co-hosted a reception last weekend with Congressman Moylan's office in honor of the visiting Congressional Delegation from the U.S. House Committee on Education and Workforce, led by Congressman Tim Walberg, Chairman of the Committee. The group visited Guam for a day to meet with representatives from the government and educational institutions to discuss education funding, workforce development, and career and technical training. These issues directly impact how we prepare Guam's next generation of workers.
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Brigadier General Charles D. Cooley, Commander, 36th Wing, AAFB
Members of the Chamber's Executive Committee & AFC Steering Committee welcomed Brigadier General Charles D. Cooley, Commander, 36th Wing, AAFB, to the Chamber office on August 20th.
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General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
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Your Guam Chamber of Commerce General Membership is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, at the Micronesian Ballroom, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. This month's meeting will feature Chairman of the Board Ed Untalan. He will discuss the 60-Day Chamber's voter initiative and public engagement plan, From Promises to Performance.
Members are encouraged to RSVP by clicking the button below and to make advance payments by contacting your Chamber Team to secure your seat for a swift and smooth entry on the day of the event! Check-in will begin at 11:15 am.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, August 26, 2026!
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Get to Know Your GYP Mixer
Thursday, August 27, 2026
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Join the Guam Young Professionals (GYP) for an evening of networking, conversation, and fun on Thursday, August 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tumon Sands Plaza.
Whether you’re a current GYP member or new to the GYP community, this is a great opportunity to expand your professional network, meet new people, and connect with fellow young professionals on Guam.
Come ready to mingle and make meaningful connections in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. RSVP today and bring a colleague or friend!
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, August 27th!
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GCC Seeking Businesses to Host Practicum Students
Guam Community College’s Supervision and Management Program is seeking local businesses and organizations interested in hosting practicum students.
A practicum is an internship-like workplace experience that gives students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their program in a professional setting. Students complete 120 hours of supervised workplace experience, which may be paid or unpaid, and work with their host organization on a meaningful management-related project.
For Fall 2026, GCC is currently seeking a placement for a Supervision and Management student interested in gaining hands-on experience in organizational coordination, business operations, and digital communications. An ideal placement would allow the student to strengthen management skills through activities such as planning, coordinating projects, communicating with stakeholders, supporting organizational initiatives, and creating digital content.
GCC is also establishing a list of local businesses and organizations interested in partnering with the Supervision and Management Program for future practicum opportunities. Businesses do not need to have an immediate opening to express interest. If your organization may be interested in hosting a practicum student in a future semester, we encourage you to reach out so we can include you as a potential practicum partner.
Interested in hosting our Fall 2026 student or becoming a future practicum partner?
Please contact:
Courtney Denight Agualo-Mummert, MAT
Instructor | Supervision and Management Program
Guam Community College
courtney.mummert@guamcc.edu
General program inquiries: leadtheway@guamcc.edu
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JDTC Opportunities
The Guam Chamber has been a proud partner of the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program since its inception in Guam in 2002 and has seen firsthand how this collaborative approach to addressing drug addiction and recidivism has positively impacted the lives of thousands of youth and family members and made them productive members and loyal employees in and among our community.
Guam Chamber JDTC Life Skills Workshops
We are seeking support from Chamber members to provide one-hour life skills workshops. There are four categories: Work- or Job-Oriented Skills, Life Skills or Personal Interests, Self-Esteem and Goal-Oriented Skills, and Sports & Health Development-Oriented Skills. We are seeking member partners to provide these all-important life skills workshops throughout the year.
Incentives
At the Judge’s discretion, incentives are handed out to JDTC participants as a response to progress in the program. Chamber members have provided gas cards, movie passes, meal coupons, and more. If you are interested in providing incentives for this program, your gift(s) will contribute to supporting the recovery of youth enrolled in the program.
As you can see, there are a number of ways to support the JDTP and our partnership with the Judiciary of Guam. When a business, community, or family supports a program such as the juvenile drug treatment court, the impact is felt by more than just one person. We ALL Rise.
Please call the Chamber office or reach out to Catherine Castro to learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of our at-risk youth.
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Save The Dates!
GYP Senatorial Forum Series & Mixer
October 1st & October 8th
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Join The Guam Young Professionals for their Senatorial Forum Series & Mixer event on Thursday, October 1st and October 8th held at the Guam Chamber of Commerce. This is your opportunity to meet and hear directly from the candidates advancing to the General Election.
📅 Thursday October 1st & October 8th
🕣 3:30pm Forum / 5:30pm Mixer
📍 Guam Chamber of Commerce
💵 $20 GYP Members / $40 Future GYP Members
Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more updates on these exciting events. We look forward to your participation and support!
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Guam Chamber's 102nd Anniversary Gala Celebration
Saturday, September 12, 2026 • Dusit Thani Guam Resort
RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
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We invite you to join us for the Guam Chamber of Commerce’s 102nd Anniversary Gala on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort. This signature event celebrates over a century of service, leadership, and commitment to Guam’s business community, while honoring member companies reaching significant milestone anniversaries. The evening reflects both our rich legacy and our continued vision for economic growth and partnership.
Guests will enjoy an elevated experience featuring an exclusive VIP reception for anniversary honorees, a curated five-course dinner, and live entertainment. The celebration continues with two unique after-party experiences - one designed to keep the energy high on the dance floor, and another offering a more relaxed atmosphere with whiskey tasting, coffee, and karaoke - each complemented by specialty food and beverage selections.
This year’s gala also coincides with the commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary, adding a meaningful dimension to an evening centered on history, progress, and community spirit.
Table registrations and sponsorship opportunities remain available. We encourage interested members and partners to contact the Chamber team for more information and to secure their participation in this premier event.
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THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!
American Oxygen Sponsor
First Hawaiian Bank
God Bless the U.S.A Sponsor
Marianas Energy Company
Party in the USA Sponsor
Bank of Guam
America the Beautiful Sponsor
Vantage Advertising
Living in America Sponsor
Ada's Trust & Investment, Inc.
American Honey Sponsor
P.H.R. Ken Micronesia, Inc. dba: Ken Corporation
Born in the U.S.A Sponsor
Citadel Pacific
Kids in America Sponsor
Coca-Cola Beverage Company Guam / Foremost Foods, Inc.
Made in America Sponsor
Coast360 Federal Credit Union
Bank of Hawaii
Federal Express
Sanford Technology Group LLC
South Pacific Petroleum Corporation
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Twenty-Fourth Annual Salute to the U.S. Armed Forces in Guam
Thursday, September 17, 2026
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The Guam Chamber of Commerce Armed Forces Committee is proud to announce the 24th Annual Salute to the U.S. Armed Forces on Guam.
This signature event will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Dusit Beach Resort Guam.
The Annual Salute is a meaningful tribute to the dedicated men and women of the United States Armed Forces who serve to protect our freedoms and ensure our security each day. Guests can look forward to an engaging evening and the opportunity to connect with fellow members of the military and business communities.
We invite you to join us in honoring our service members and celebrating this longstanding tradition of appreciation and partnership. We look forward to welcoming you to another memorable evening. Thank you for your continued support!
For registration, sponsorship or more information, please contact the Chamber team at
(671) 472-6311 or email accounting@guamchamber.com.gu.
| | THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS | | |
Ada's Trust & Investment, Inc.
AM Insurance
Bank of Hawaii
BankPacific
Black Construction Corporation
Cassidy's Associated Insurers, Inc.
Century21 Realty Management
Citadel Pacific Ltd
Docomo Pacific
Dragon Inc.
Duenas, Camacho & Associates, Inc.
Dusit Beach Resort Guam
First Hawaiian Bank
Guam Hearing Doctors
Hawaiian Rock Products
Hyatt Regency Guam
Jones & Guerrero Company, Inc.
Law Office Of Heather Martinez Quitugua PC
Leo Palace Resort Guam
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Landscape Management Systems, Inc.
Marianas Gas Corporation dba Island Equipment Co.
Matson Navigation Company
Micronesian Divers Association, Inc.
National / Alamo Car Rental
Nissan Motor Corp. In Guam
P.H.R. Ken Micronesia, Inc. dba: Ken
Corporation
Pinpoint Guam
RE/MAX Diamond Realty
Security Title, Inc.
Smithbridge Guam Inc.
South Pacific Petroleum Corporation
TeleGuam Holdings, LLC - GTA
Title Guaranty of Guam
TMG/ Sakman Logistics LLC
Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods, Inc.
Vantage Advertising
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The Case for Free Enterprise Has Never Been More Urgent
When families struggle to afford a home or groceries, the instinct is to blame business. We need to change that.
U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley appeared on the Wall Street Journal Opinion's All Things with Kim Strassel podcast this week to assess the state of the American economy and issue a call to defend free enterprise.
Why it matters: There is a growing anti-free enterprise movement amassing in pop culture, educational institutions, and political races. Supporters of economic freedom need to make an affirmative case for it. Otherwise, the policies that allow businesses of all sizes to start, grow, and hire are at risk.
Big picture: When families struggle to afford a home or groceries, the instinct is to blame business. Bradley pushed back, noting that overregulation and government interference are often the real culprits.
- "Free markets are actually the solution to giving you more choices at lower price points and lifting your wages," Bradley told Strassel.
- But: "If we don't change the framework for how people think about business and how people think about capitalism, we risk losing a lot of these policy battles and ultimately the system,” he said.
Be smart: Defending free enterprise is an urgent, bipartisan challenge. Anti-free enterprise sentiment is rising on two fronts: a socialist movement promising government solutions, and a populist strain skeptical of business. When Americans are frustrated about the economy, leaders across the aisle need to make the case for the surest path to opportunity, affordability, and upward mobility - which is free enterprise.
What's next: The entrepreneurial spirit is still thriving. "Where I find optimism, where the Chamber finds optimism is last year, a record number of Americans chose to start a business—5.6 million new business applications, our highest ever," Bradley said. "You can't help but be optimistic about our system and about free enterprise when there are millions of people doing that."
Bottom line: The free enterprise system remains an engine of opportunity, but we must continue to defend it. Watch Vice President Bradley
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Public Advisory:
Port Takes Additional Steps to Address Cargo Equipment Availability and Operational Backlog
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The Port Authority of Guam is taking additional steps to strengthen cargo handling equipment availability, address the current operational backlog, and minimize impacts on Port customers while maintaining the safe and reliable movement of cargo through Guam’s only commercial seaport.
The Port continues to operate in a recovery environment following Super Typhoon Bavi, including Gantry Crane 6 remaining out of service. At the same time, the availability of chassis, which are provided by the ocean carriers rather than the Port, has affected the traditional movement of containers from the terminal.
When sufficient carrier provided chassis are available, containers can be discharged directly onto chassis for movement from the terminal. Reduced chassis availability changes that operating methodology and requires greater use of the Port’s top picks to lift, stage, reposition, and retrieve containers.
That increased reliance on top picks has occurred at the same time the Port experienced a significant change in equipment availability. The Port went from four available top picks to zero available units. By the next workday, Equipment Maintenance had released two top picks back into operation, and the Port expects another top pick to be released as repair work progresses.
Eight additional top picks are currently out of service for various mechanical and maintenance reasons. The Port is actively evaluating and working on these units to determine what can be returned to service and in what timeframe.
The combination of Gantry Crane 6 remaining down, limited carrier provided chassis, increased reliance on top picks, reduced top pick availability, and the resulting cargo backlog has created an unusual convergence of operational pressures that the Port is actively working to address. Read more by clicking on the graphic.
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Zombie Run
October 10th, Leo Palace Resort
The Zombie Run on Guam is an annual Halloween-themed 2K, 5K & 10K sunset fun run and walk organized by the non-profit organization The Children's Ark Inc.
The event raises funds to provide medical, housing, and legal support grants for families with children in need. Contact The Children's Ark Inc for event details.
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Freedom Fairways Golf Tournament
Saturday, September 5, 2026, Leo Palace Resort Country Club
Join fellow golfers for a fun day of competition, networking, and prize opportunities on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Leopalace Resort Country Club.
Participants can choose between a Single Person Scramble or a 2-Person Scramble, with Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed divisions available. Registration is $250 per team, with plenty of opportunities to compete, connect, and win prizes throughout the tournament.
Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or contacting JBrooks2662@gmail.com | 417-380-0834 for registration and additional information
| | | Invitation to Support Youth Employment Opportunities | |
WestCare Pacific Islands, through its Sanctuary program, Guåhan Youth Initiative (GYI), is hosting the “Small Steps, Big Dreams Youth Conference 2026” and invites local businesses and organizations to participate in its youth outreach and mini-job fair.
GYI works to raise awareness of youth homelessness and support young people who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing houselessness by connecting them with resources, opportunities, and pathways toward independence.
As part of the conference, businesses will have an opportunity to host an outreach table and connect directly with young adults seeking entry-level, post-high school employment opportunities. Participating employers are encouraged to share information about their company culture, available positions, career pathways, and employment opportunities.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Mini-Job Fair: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Dusit Beach Resort (formerly Outrigger), Fort San Jose Ballroom
Businesses are encouraged to bring job applications, flyers, job descriptions, business cards, and other informational materials for participants to take with them.
For more information or to reserve an outreach table, please contact Georgie Tyquiengco at georgiana.tyquiengco@westcare.com or 671-685-6139.
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