Greetings!

Do you remember the summer of 1976? Growing up on Guam, this was an extremely significant time. The beginning of that summer was marked by the onslaught of Typhoon Pamela on our island. Despite the significant recovery efforts our island faced, the time was also memorable because we celebrated with the nation America's bicentennial year. I remember it was a big deal, and it seemed like the entire island was in on celebrating this significant milestone in our nation's history.

This weekend, our nation marks a quarter of a millennium since its founding. There doesn't seem to be the same kind of fanfare we experienced back in 1976, but it feels like it should certainly be significant to us today. America has endured 250 years of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring pursuit of opportunity that businesses like yours help carry forward every day. From the sacrifices of those who came before us to the entrepreneurs and civic leaders shaping our economy today, the Guam Chamber of Commerce is proud to stand as part of that living legacy.

As we enter into the Fourth of July weekend, we invite you and all our members to reflect on what this milestone means, not just for the nation, but for our own community's role within it. Guam's businesses have always embodied the American spirit of perseverance and possibility, and we look forward to celebrating this historic year together, especially at our Anniversary Gala scheduled on September 12th. I hope that you are planning to attend! Details are noted below as you scroll down this newsletter.

We are pleased to announce that Phillip Leddy II has joined the Guam Chamber of Commerce as our new Vice President, effective July 1, 2026. Phil is not a stranger to the Chamber, having been an active member in his previous role. He brings executive leadership and community engagement to his new position with us, and I am confident he will strengthen our work on behalf of our members. Please give Phil a warm Chamber welcome, and feel free to reach out to him at Phil@GuamChamber.com.gu.

We are once again staring down the possibility of a storm coming through the Marianas in the next few days. The Chamber will be monitoring the situation with you. Stay tuned to official channels for the latest on weather updates.

I hope that you have a lovely Independence Day weekend despite the storm preparations. Take good care and Happy 4th!

Onward together,

Catherine Castro

President

Happy Independence Day, America! 🇺🇸🎇

In honor of Independence Day, we would like to wish you and your families a safe and meaningful 4th of July weekend. This holiday reminds us of the values of freedom, service, and unity that continue to guide our community and inspire the work we do together through the Guam Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy this special video featuring many of our Chamber members sharing their birthday greetings in celebrating America's Semiquincentennial.

Your Chamber office will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We look forward to serving you next week. Enjoy!

The Guam Chamber of Commerce is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Bavi (09W), currently tracking toward the Marianas with the potential to strengthen significantly as it approaches. While there are no tropical cyclone watches or warnings in effect for Guam at this time, the National Weather Service and Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense are advising residents and businesses to begin preparations now, as the system has the potential to strengthen significantly in the coming days.

We encourage all members to take the following steps at your place of business:

• Review your business continuity and emergency response plans
• Secure or store outdoor signage, furniture, and equipment that could become airborne
• Clear drainage areas and gutters around your property
• Back up critical business data and records
• Confirm emergency contact procedures with your employees
• Stock emergency supplies, including water, food, and backup power sources, for both your business and your team

As the situation develops, we ask that members stay informed through official channels:

• National Weather Service Guam: weather.gov/gum
• Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense: ghs.guam.gov

The Chamber will continue to monitor developments and will share updates as needed, including any changes to Chamber operations or events. Our thoughts are with our island community and the entire Mariana Islands as we prepare together, and we thank you for your continued vigilance and resilience.

Should you have questions or need to reach the Chamber office, please don't hesitate to contact us: ccastro@guamchamber.com.gu

Advisory to the Public - Get Ready and Plan Ahead, Tips from GPA- Tropical Depression 09W

As Tropical Depression 09W approaches the region, the Guam Power Authority (GPA) is reminding residents and businesses to prepare early and take the necessary precautions to protect lives and property. Click the flyer for more information. 

Guam Chamber's 102nd Anniversary Gala Celebration

Saturday, September 12, 2026 • Dusit Thani Resort Guam

RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

We invite you all to join us as we celebrate the Guam Chamber of Commerce's 102nd Anniversary Gala Celebration on Saturday, September 12, 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 offers whiskey and karaoke! Both events will feature specialty food and drinks to enhance the night!

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.

Table registration and sponsorship opportunities are still available! Contact the Chamber Team for more information. 

THANK YOU TO OUR 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

Made in America Sponsor

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

Twenty-Fourth Annual Salute to the U.S. Armed Forces in Guam

The Chamber's Armed Forces Committee is pleased to announce its 24th Annual Salute to the U.S. Armed Forces on Guam. This event will be scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., to be held at the Dusit Thani Beach Resort Guam.

The Annual Salute event serves as an extension of appreciation for what the men and women of America’s Armed Forces do each day to protect and maintain our freedom. Event highlights include local entertainment, great eats, and wonderful company. Please join us!

Thank you very much for your continued support. We look forward to a fantastic event!

For registration contact the Chamber Team at (671) 472-6311 or email accounting@guamchamber.com.gu

A Roadmap for Smarter Disaster Coordination

What happened: Last week, we convened nearly 200 emergency managers, business executives, nonprofit leaders, and government officials in Bentonville, Ark., for a two-day Disaster Resilience Summit.

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• Supported by Walmart and hosted at its home office, the summit examined lessons from the past decade of disasters and began laying the groundwork for stronger public-private coordination in the years ahead.

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Looking ahead: Our team will translate insights from the event into a 2030 Public-Private Partnership Action Roadmap, covering recommendations for coordination, supply chains, information-sharing, technology, and more. 

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What we're saying: "In a disaster context, you're competing against the disaster to help people," said Rob Glenn, vice president of global resilience. "We want people to be aligned with each other."

Read More

How to Keep America Ahead in AI, Robotics, and Quantum

America leads in AI, robotics, and quantum computing, but that edge is not guaranteed, U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President Marty Durbin told a U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Tuesday.

Why it matters: These advanced technologies are reshaping industries—including manufacturing and health care—and how America secures its economic and national security future.

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• But: Without clear, pro-growth, pro-innovation federal policies, a growing patchwork of conflicting state laws threatens to raise compliance costs and deter investment.

Key takeaways: Here’s what Congress can do:

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• Pass the SECURE Data Act to establish a single national privacy standard.
• Enact a risk-based national AI framework that protects consumers.
• Advance a comprehensive robotics approach—including the National Commission on Robotics Act.
• Accelerate quantum computing innovation through sustained R&D investment and public-private collaboration.
• Modernize permitting and energy infrastructure so America can build the facilities that power innovation.

Our take: “Leadership is not guaranteed,” said Durbin. “It will require Federal policy that encourages innovation, provides regulatory certainty, protects consumers, strengthens national security, and resists approaches that would burden American businesses or cede global rulemaking to others.”

July Exclusive Offers from The Westin Resort Guam

The Westin Resort Guam is thrilled to share their two special promotions happening this month! Click the flyers to read more.

Early voting for the Primary Election is available from July 7th to July 25th at The Westin Resort Guam.

Eligible voters can also register and vote at the same time through July 17 with a valid government-issued ID and proof of citizenship. Your vote matters - be sure to cast your ballot!

The Primary Election will be held on August 1, 2026, followed by the General Election on November 3, 2026. Eligible individuals can register at the Guam Election Commission, village mayor's offices, or while applying for or renewing a Guam driver's license or ID at the DMV. Every vote matters—be heard, be counted, and make a difference!

Saipan Chamber of Commerce

17th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament

Saturday, July 25th

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce (SCC) is pleased to announce that the 17th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament has been reinstated and will now take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the West Course of LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort.

Participants may register by scanning the QR code on the official event graphics to access the online form, picking up a physical registration form at the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort front desk, or visiting the Saipan Chamber of Commerce office at Marianas Business Plaza, 2nd Floor, Suite 201-A.

Payments are accepted only at the SCC Office or by credit card via phone or email. All checks should be made payable to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on the course this July as we come together in support of education and continued recovery in our community.

For more information, please contact (670) 234-7150 or sccgolftourney@saipanchamber.org.

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