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Greetings!
We kicked things off in style last Saturday at our Annual Anniversary Gala, celebrating 102 years of service to the people of Guam. The evening additionally honored our member companies marking their own milestone anniversaries this year, from 20 to an incredible 65 years in business. Congratulations to these organizations whose longevity reflects the resilience and dedication of our island's business community. I'd like to recognize Past Chairman Ernie Galito, who chaired the Gala Planning Committee, along with his Committee Members: Shelly Santos, Sharleen Marchessault, Yuki Komiya, and Kim Anderson Young, and send them a warm Thank You for planning such a stellar evening!
Just days later, on Thursday, September 17th, we proudly hosted our 24th Annual Salute to the U.S. Armed Forces in Guam, welcoming 300 friends from our military community and their spouses for an evening of gratitude and camaraderie. We appreciate our member sponsors and the hard work of Board Directors and AFC Steering Members: Liz Duenas and Kim Anderson Young, and volunteers for their exceptional hand in arranging an outstanding Salute! Thank you to all who joined us in honoring their service.
Next week brings two exciting opportunities:
- On Wednesday, September 23rd, our Guam Young Professionals (GYP) will hold their General Membership Meeting in partnership with the University of Guam's School of Business & Public Administration, featuring Stephen Gatewood (Matson Navigation), Anthony Quenga (IT&E), and Michaela Pangilinan-Gogue (Title Guarantee).
- We'll also host a Small Business Seminar featuring GEDA on Thursday, September 24th, focused on how local businesses can access capital.
Please scroll below to learn more about the above events and secure a seat.
Then, on September 30th, our General Membership Meeting will welcome RDML Joshua Lasky, Commander, Joint Task Force Micronesia, as our featured speaker. This meeting will also mark the official kickoff of our annual Toys for Tots campaign, in partnership with U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz.
As we approach the general election, we encourage all members to take part in the political forums scheduled in the coming weeks. The Guam Realtors Association will host a series of virtual forums next week, and the Chamber will hold in-person forums beginning in October. We invite you to mark your calendars and take this opportunity to get to know the candidates before heading to the polls.
As we move into the fourth quarter, the days may be growing shorter, but our calendar certainly isn't! Please keep these events top of mind as you plan the weeks ahead - we look forward to seeing you at a Chamber event again very soon!
Onward Together,
Catherine Castro
President
| | Upcoming Events | SEPTEMBER 2026 | | |
SEP 23
GYP X SBPA Event
From Classroom to Connections
RSVP Required
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SEP 24
Small Business Seminar
w/ Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA)
Guam Chamber of Commerce
RSVP Required
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SEP 30
General Membership Meeting & Toys for Tots Kick-Off
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa RSVP Required
| | 102 Years and Still Rocking - Biba Chamber Members! | | |
Some nights remind you exactly why this Chamber has lasted over a century - and September 12th at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort was one of them. 380 members and friends came out to celebrate our 102nd Anniversary, wrapped in an "America 250" theme that felt especially fitting this year, a nod to the nation's milestone and to Guam's own enduring story of resilience, community, and pride.
From the moment the VIP pre-celebration opened its doors, you could feel it: this wasn't just another gala. The main event brought the room to its feet more than once. We honored member companies marking incredible milestones of their own, businesses that have stood alongside the Chamber from 20 to 65 years, proof that Guam's business community doesn't just survive; it endures.
Then the night simply refused to end. Ray Gibson and SmilesDavis displayed the kind of energy that turns a black-tie crowd into old friends mid-song. You can always count on AlterXego to create an atmosphere where the whole room feels like it's in on the same joyful secret - that's the kind of night this was! And for anyone who wasn't ready to call it a night, we had not one but two after-parties: Bank of Guam kept the dance party going strong, while First Hawaiian Bank hosted a karaoke lounge that, let's just say, revealed some hidden talent among our membership.
Great food, great company, and a room full of the businesses that make this island run 102 years in, and the Chamber has never felt more alive.
A huge thank you to Dusit Thani Guam Resort for the beautiful setting, to our fantastic sponsors for creating the pre-celebration vibe and then making sure the celebration didn't stop when the program did, and to every member who showed up, dressed up, and danced like it was 103 - you Rock! If anyone missed it this year, mark your calendar now. The 103rd is already shaping up to be one you won't want to hear about secondhand. See you on May 1, 2027!
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Twenty-Fourth Annual Salute to the U.S. Armed Forces in Guam
Thursday, September 17, 2026
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Chamber members and representatives from Guam's military branches came together for an evening of camaraderie, networking, and appreciation, enjoying refreshments, drinks, and live music at the ambient Dusit Beach Resort Guam on Thursday, September 17th.
The Armed Forces Committee (AFC) would like to thank our very generous sponsors for their support of this annual event, Joe Guam Music for providing the evening's live entertainment and helping make the celebration one to remember, and Dusit Beach Resort Guam for the wonderful venue, ambiance, and food.
The AFC is proud to host this annual event in recognition and support of the great men and women in our military who protect our island and nation each day, preserving the freedom and liberty we hold dear.
View this link for more photos!
| | 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
Core Tech
Docomo Pacific
Dragon Inc.
Duenas, Camacho & Associates, Inc.
Dusit Beach Resort Guam
First Hawaiian Bank
Guam Hearing Doctors
Hawaiian Rock Products
Hyatt Regency Guam
Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
Jones & Guerrero Company, Inc.
JWS Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, LTD
Law Office Of Heather Martinez Quitugua PC
Leo Palace Resort Guam
Lotte Hotel 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
Pacific Rim Constructors, Inc.
Pacific Federal Management
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
Vertex Guam
| | THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS PRIZE CONTRIBUTORS | | |
Dickerson & Quinn • East Island Tinting • Froots / Christine Baleto • Guam Fast Foods, Inc. Hotel Nikko Guam • International Dining Concepts, LLC dba California Pizza Kitchen • International Royal, Inc. • JWS Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Ltd.
Love Crepes Guam • Paradise Auto Spa • Pika’s Café Guam • Quality Distributors
RE/MAX Diamond Realty • Rihga Royal Laguna Guam • RKR, Inc. dba: Pacific Blue Denim / Kishore & Romi Hemlani • Roger Crouthamel
TNN Guam Inc. dba The Tsubaki Tower
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Small Business Seminar:
Capital, Customers & Growth
September 24, 2026
The Guam Chamber of Commerce will host a Small Business Seminar featuring the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA). This event will explore how businesses can access the capital, customers, and resources needed to grow and succeed. It highlights practical opportunities to secure funding, expand market reach, and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
This seminar is scheduled for Thursday, September 24th at the Guam Chamber of Commerce Office in Hagåtña. The seminar is open to members at $20.00 and future members at $40.00. Members are encouraged to RSVP and make advance payments to secure their seats for a swift and smooth entry on the day of the event, and future members are advised to contact the Chamber Team to process payments to secure their seats.
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September 30
General Membership Meeting
Micronesia Ballroom, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
We are pleased to announce that Rear Admiral Joshua Lasky, Commander, Joint Task Force Micronesia, is our guest speaker for the September 30th membership meeting at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. The reservation link is now open to save your spot at the meeting.
Members are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the meeting to help us begin the holiday season by supporting the annual Toys for Tots campaign.
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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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2026 GAR Campaign Forum
September 22nd, 23rd & 24th
Join the Guam Association of Realtors for their Virtual Forums next week, featuring Senatorial Candidates on September 22nd (Tuesday) & 23rd (Wednesday) from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Gubernatorial Candidates, Congressional Candidates, and Attorney General Candidates will be featured on September 24th (Thursday) from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Click to save the Zoom link or use the QR code below.
| | Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC) Program - Notice of Funding Opportunity | |
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS, Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces acceptance of applications under the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration (AIC) program for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
These grant funds will be made to qualified type of applicants to operate Centers that will provide technical assistance to Agricultural Producers who want to develop and/or market Value-Added Agricultural Products. This program has approximately $2.5 million available for FY 2026. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
| | 2026 Guam State Trade Expansion Program (Guam STEP) | |
The Guam Economic Development Authority is now accepting applications for the 2026 Guam State Trade Expansion Program (Guam STEP).
Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Guam STEP is intended to assist eligible small businesses in entering and succeeding in the international marketplace. The program’s objectives are to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to increase the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting.
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Toys for Tots 2026🎁🧸
Tis the Season! We are compiling a list of member companies that wish to serve as drop-off or company collection sites for the annual Toys for Tots campaign. This means your company would be a public drop-off site or a collection site for new, unwrapped toys for children in need this holiday season.
If your company is interested in collecting toys for this worthy cause, we will be happy to get you set up! Our community has always been so giving, and we appreciate any consideration in supporting this year's efforts! Please fill out the form or contact Ella at the Chamber to sign up!
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Guam Nikkei Association Presents the
12th Annual Lantern Floating Ceremony
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Embrace community values of love, harmony, and inafamaolek and honor your deceased loved ones at the 12th Annual Guam Nikkei Association lantern floating ceremony.
The event will take place at the Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Beach Park, Ypao Beach
Registration & Design: 2 PM to 5 PM
Ceremony: 5:00 PM
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Guam Homeland Security to Host National Preparedness Month Grand Finale
September 19th, Micronesia Mall
Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) invites Chamber members, their employees, families, and the community to the National Preparedness Month Grand Finale Outreach Fair on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Micronesia Mall Center Court.
This free, family-friendly event will bring together local and federal agencies, military partners, and community organizations to share emergency preparedness information, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and giveaways. Attendees will learn four simple steps to strengthen their preparedness: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Know Your Alerts, and Get Involved.
The event is co-hosted with the National Weather Service and Tower for Humanity, featuring a 25-foot replica of the World Trade Center Twin Towers in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
For more information and preparedness resources, visit ghs.guam.gov or Ready.gov National Preparedness Month. For additional information, contact GHS/OCD at (671) 475-9600.
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Strides for the Cure
October 3rd
Join Strides for the Cure on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 for a sunrise run to kick-start Breast Cancer Awareness Month! All proceeds made from Strides for the Cure will go directly into funding our Kids for the Cure cancer education and physical fitness program.
Kids for the Cure is a program that targets elementary school children grades 3rd-5th grade. The goal is to help children foster cancer awareness and the importance of leading healthy lifestyle habits into their adolescent and young adulthood years. We believe by developing healthy lifestyle habits at a young age is a key deterrence to cancer in future.
Registration Details Here.
Interested in volunteering?? Give us a call at 671-969-2223 or email us at: strides@guamcancercare.org
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Special Olympics Guam 50th Anniversary
October 10, 2026
Help celebrate Special Olympics Guam’s 50th Anniversary at a special Michael Jackson “Smooth Criminal”-inspired Wine Dinner on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Capitol Kitchen.
Presented by iCare4 Signature Events, the evening will feature a plated five-course dinner with paired wines, live entertainment, dancing, and an opportunity to show off your best Michael Jackson-inspired look. Guests are encouraged to dress in gold, black, or white, with a $200 cash prize for the best iconic MJ-inspired outfit.
Corporate tables of 10 are $2,000 and include sponsor recognition. Individual seats are $200.
Please see the attached flyer and solicitation letter for event details and additional ways to participate.
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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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GVB Invites Local Businesses to Participate in the 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair
October 23-25, 2026
The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is inviting local artisans, farmers, food vendors, makers, and businesses to participate in the 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair (GMIF), taking place October 23–25, 2026, at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park (Ypao Beach) in Tumon.
This year’s fair, themed “The Tides and Traditions of Micronesia,” will celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, food, arts, and creativity of Guam and Micronesia. GMIF provides local businesses and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their products, connect with thousands of residents and visitors, and highlight Guam’s local talent and cultural heritage.
Vendor categories include CAHA Artists, Produce, Contemporary Arts, Made in Guam/Micronesia, Plants, Food Trucks, and Commercial Vendors. Standard vendors will receive a 10-foot-by-10-foot canopied booth, while food trucks must be fully self-contained and hold a valid peddler’s license.
Vendor applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Booth setup is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
EVENT DETAILS
What: 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair
When: October 23–25, 2026
Where: Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park (Ypao Beach), Tumon
Theme: “The Tides and Traditions of Micronesia”
Local businesses and vendors interested in participating can review the requirements and submit an application through the GMIF Vendor Application.
For event updates and additional information, visit GVB’s Guam Micronesia Island Fair page.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Guam International Dance Festival
December 4-5, & 6th
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The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) invites dancers, studios, and teams to register for the 2026 Guam International Dance Festival (GIDF), happening December 4–6, 2026.
Following its successful debut in 2025, GIDF will bring together local, regional, and international performers for a celebration of dance and culture. The festival will feature three competition divisions: International Folk Dance, Open Cultural Dance, and Contemporary & Street Dance.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Space is limited, and applications are subject to review. Participants are encouraged to review the official competition rules and festival guidelines before registering.
Register for GIDF 2026
Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Brandon Moylan at (671) 646-5278 or brandon.moylan@visitguam.org.
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