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Greetings!
It has been an eventful few months, hasn't it? Between the election forums, the political & seasonal events, and the daily work of keeping our businesses and families running smoothly, our calendars have been full to the brim! It has been a joy to visit with our members at each of our recent events, and I am grateful for the energy and engagement our members have brought to each gathering.
These past few days, our eyes have been on a dangerous storm approaching the Marianas. With Typhoon Champi expected this weekend, the Chamber encourages everyone to use the time remaining to prepare. If you haven’t already, secure your home, business, and surroundings, including loose outdoor items. Store drinking water for every member of your household and stock up on nonperishable foods. Please remember your pets, too. They need care, supplies, and a safe place to shelter.
The Chamber recently emailed a list of helpful links to keep handy as you prepare and to follow the latest updates on the storm’s approach. If you missed it, you will find the same links below this message for easy access.
Finally, before the storm arrives, take photos or video of your home and vehicle(s) on your phone. Having a record of their condition beforehand, and again afterward, will make it much easier to document any damage for your insurance company.
When my kids were little, I loved sharing stories of my experiences of storms past: how we readied our home, how we passed the time playing board games (when we weren’t mopping up water seeping through the louvres and doors), and the one storm we spent hours sheltering in the bathroom after the front window blew in. We went months without electricity, cold drinks, and cable television, which was agony for an adolescent in those days! Our island has weathered many typhoons, and these memories remind us of our resilience and how well we look after one another.
Our Chamber calendar will remain full through the end of the year. If we emerge from the storm with minimal impact, it will be business as usual. Please watch your email and our social media channels for updates on any event changes or cancellations.
Our final political forum this season will take place on Wednesday, October 28th and will feature our congressional candidates. We encourage you to reserve your seat early. Please scroll down for the RSVP link to secure your spot.
The Guam Experience Commission hosted an informational briefing on the state of tourism on Friday, October 16th at the Guam Congress Building Public Hearing Room. Members of the public as well as industry professionals discussed ways to revitalize our tourism industry. You may view the briefing here.
There are more updates and news in this newsletter, so be sure to scroll all the way down to the end. Thank you for what you continue to do for our community. Please stay safe, look out for one another, and we’ll see you on the other side of this storm.
Onward Together,
Catherine Castro
President
| | Upcoming Events | OCTOBER 2026 | | |
OCT 20
J9 & MWR Visit
2nd Floor Julale Shopping Center
RSVP Required
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OCT 22
Brews at the Bank
Networking Event
BankPacific, Hagåtña
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OCT 28
General Membership Meeting & Congressional Forum
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
RSVP Required
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CHAMBER BOARD ELECTIONS
November 2026
The Guam Chamber is holding its Board Elections in November. Chamber Board of Directors is made up of a body of diverse individuals from various industries elected by the membership who are responsible for governing the organization and setting the strategic direction of the Chamber. In this capacity, the Board shall formulate and review various policies, proposed actions, programs, and projects that serve the best interests of the Chamber and the business community. Members interested in working on this dynamic board are encouraged to reach out to members of the Nominating Committee: Mark Sablan, Kim Anderson Young, Gaby Bamba, Phil Santos & Liz Duenas.
Members & the Chamber Voting Process
All members must be current with their dues up to the third quarter of this year in order to be eligible to participate in the board election process, which will be virtual. All virtual ballots will be emailed to one representative (the most senior executive, unless otherwise directed by that executive) per voting member company seven days before the Annual Meeting on November 18th.
Members can provide a proxy letter assigning their voting designation to another member or a company representative. If there are questions regarding any proxy assignments, please contact Ella or Milcah at the Guam Chamber office.
If you are unaware of the representative who is eligible to vote on behalf of your company, please don't hesitate to call or email your Guam Chamber office. There will be more details about the election and the candidates in the weeks to come.
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J9 & MWR Visit
Tuesday, October 20 - 1:00 PM
AFC MEMBERS ONLY
The Guam Chamber of Commerce’s Armed Forces Committee (AFC) members are invited to visit Joint Region's J9 & MWR at its new offices in Julale Shopping Center for a discussion focused on the upcoming Quality of Life (QOL) Expo scheduled for next February.
This gathering will provide an opportunity for AFC members to connect with the MWR Team, learn more about the QOL Expo, and discuss ways to support initiatives that benefit Guam’s military community and their families.
Space is limited to 30 participants! RSVP today to secure your spot. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged!
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Cornerstone Valuation Guam
Newsletter Q3 2026
Siska Hutapea, President of Cornerstone Valuation Guam, has sent out her 3rd-quarter newsletter. It's filled with interesting updates about Guam's real estate market to date. She has given us permission to share it with you! Click on the link to read more.
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SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 22nd
Brews at the Bank Mixer
Build valuable connections at the Chamber’s Networking Mixer on Thursday, October 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at BankPacific in Hagåtña. We have the best co-hosts to thank: BankPacific and Ambros, Inc., for an evening that is sure to be a real treat!
RSVP for a hauntingly good time!
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THANK YOU TO OUR TOY COLLECTION SITES!
These fine establishments have opened their doors to residents and organizations interested in contributing toys for this year's campaign. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of the businesses below during their normal business hours.
Need gift ideas? View our gift guide here!
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Celebrate National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day
Wednesday, October 21
The Guam Chamber of Commerce invites our members to join us in celebrating Support Your Local Chamber Day on Wednesday, October 21! This is an opportunity to showcase the connections, partnerships, and shared experiences that strengthen our business community.
Get your graphic ready today and commit to posting on October 21!
View the flyer on how to participate!
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Congressional Forum
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Secure your seat today for the Guam Chamber of Commerce Congressional Forum on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa!
This is your opportunity to connect directly with congressional candidates and hear their visions and priorities for the future of Guam.
We strongly encourage all members to join us for this important discussion. Registration is officially open—contact the Chamber team or click the RSVP button to reserve your spot early!
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Argentina Proves Free Enterprise Works
The U.S. Chamber presented President Javier Milei its first-ever Global Champion of Free Enterprise Award on October 15, recognizing a leader who turned one of the world's worst economic crises into a model for free markets.
Why it matters: Argentina is a case study for how a country and its people benefits when free enterprise is embraced.
- When Milei took office in December 2023, Argentina was in freefall: inflation topped 200%, the fiscal deficit was chronic, and reserves were nearly depleted.
- Milei’s government achieved Argentina’s first budget surplus in nearly 14 years, inflation has fallen to roughly 30% annually, and poverty has dropped from 57% to about 30%. The government has also eliminated 18,000 regulations, about eight a day.
What they're saying:
- "There's no growth without capital, without labor, without land, and without technology, but there's also nothing without the entrepreneur," Milei said, crediting entrepreneurs as an engine of growth. "We want free citizens, we want to make Argentina great through the ideas of freedom," he added.
- U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark said, "After decades of a command economy, Argentina now has a leader who boldly and proudly champions free enterprise."
Be smart: U.S. companies remain the largest source of foreign direct investment in Argentina. The U.S. Chamber expects that investment to grow as reforms draw capital into energy, minerals, and infrastructure, supporting jobs in both countries.
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The U.S.-Argentina Business Council is turning that opportunity into results, working to strengthen the economic and commercial relationship between both countries.
Bottom line: Clark said it best: "The world needs this example: positive, highly visible free enterprise success stories." Read More
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Macy's Shop With Us
Saturday, October 17, 2026
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Macy’s at Micronesia Mall is celebrating its Biggest Fall Sale, with discounts of up to 60% off select styles. Don’t miss out on these fall savings.
Click the flyer for more details.
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October 2026
Events & Promotions - Crowne Plaza
Click on the flyer above to view the Crowne Plaza's events and promotions!
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October 2026
Hilton Happenings
Click on the flyer above to view October happenings at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa!
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Cars Plus Trunk or Treat
Friday, October 23, 2026
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Get ready for a spooktacular evening of Halloween fun at Cars Plus Trunk or Treat! Join Cars Plus on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a family-friendly celebration open to kids of all ages.
Enjoy a festive night filled with face painting, balloons, food trucks, and plenty of Halloween fun. Bring the family, wear your favorite costume, and get ready for a memorable evening of treats and spooky surprises!
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Winefest: Back to the ’80s at Hyatt Regency Guam
Friday, October 23, 2026
Enjoy an evening featuring over 150 wines from around the world, global flavors, live entertainment, and the energy of the ’80s.
Tickets are available for purchase at The Deli or online through Winefest 2026 on Eventbrite.
Please see the attached flyer for details.
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17th Annual Abe Difuntorum Memorial Sea Services Golf Tournament
Friday, October 23, 2026
The Guam Council of the Navy League invites golfers to participate in the 17th Annual Abe Difuntorum Memorial Sea Services Golf Tournament on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Finest Guam Golf & Resort.
The tournament will feature a day of golf in support of and in honor of Guam’s sea services. Showtime is at 11:00 a.m., with a 12:00 p.m. start time.
Early bird registration is available at $125 per player or $250 per team, while regular registration is $150 per player or $300 per team.
For registration and additional information, contact Ben Mayoyo at 671-788-0110, Anna Gera-Van Seters at 671-488-2662, or Maggie Cruz, USNL POC, at 671-929-4429. You may also email navyleagueofguam@gmail.com
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Spirits of Hagåtña - A Trick or Treat Event
Saturday, October 24, 2026
| Join BankPacific and participating organizations on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. along Aspinall Avenue in Hagåtña for a memorable Halloween celebration in the heart of Hagåtña. With plenty of treats, fun, and spooky surprises, it's an event you won't want to miss! | | | |
32nd Annual Tourism Cup!
November 7 & 8, 2026 | Country Club of the Pacific
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Three Formats Available:
Individual Calloway (Double Peoria) - Saturday, November 7
(White Tee-Men, Red Tee-Ladies; Low Gross & Low Net winners for men & ladies)
Individual Calloway (Double Peoria) - Sunday, November 8
(White Tee-Men, Red Tee-Ladies; Low Gross & Low Net winners for men & ladies)
Two-day Flighted Medal Play - Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8
Championship Flight: 0-5 handicap
A Flight: 6-11 Handicap
B Flight: 12-18 Handicap
C Flight: 18 + Handicap
Ladies A Flight: 0-11 Handicap
Ladies B Flight: 12 + Handicap
Senior Flight: 55 + Years (ID Required)
Juniors Flight: 10-17 Years (ID Required)
2-DAY TOURNEY: $300* per player if paid by OCTOBER 31, 2026; $350 per player if paid after INDIVIDUAL CALLOWAY: $150* per player if paid by OCTOBER 31, 2026; $175 per player if paid after
Submit your registration to info@ghra.org by October 25, 2026.
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Guam’s 2nd Plant, Seed & Produce Swap Meet
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Have plants, seeds, or fresh produce to share? Join the community for a morning of swapping, learning, and growing together at Guam’s 2nd Plant, Seed & Produce Swap Meet in front of the TaTuHa food forest & community Garden/Senior Center.
Bring something to swap! All participants must identify what they bring, including the item’s name, description, origin, quantity, and age or year. Enjoy live music, classes every 30 minutes, and raffle prizes featuring compost, water totes, seeds, plants, and more!
This is a money-free community event, open to the public. Space is limited, so come ready to share, connect, and grow!
For more information, contact Rey Llaneta at (671) 483-1530.
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Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam Presents 10th Annual Golf Tournament
Saturday, December 5, 2026
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam invites golfers and Chamber members to participate in the 10th Annual CCCG Classic Golf Tournament on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Sono Felice Country Club in Mangilao.
The tournament will feature a 2-Man Best Ball format, with showtime at 11:00 a.m. and a 12:00 p.m. shotgun start. Registration is $275 per team, which includes green fees, cart, lunch, drinks, and a ditty bag.
Gather your teammate and enjoy a day of golf, networking, and friendly competition while supporting the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam.
For registration and inquiries, contact Charnamay Edward at admin@cccguam.org or 646-2168.
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This month's playlists! 🎶
Set the mood for spooky season with this month’s playlist! From Halloween classics to eerie favorites, enjoy a festive mix of songs perfect for the season. Press play, turn up the volume, and let the Halloween vibes begin! 👻🕸️ We dare you!
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