Harvesting great updates right here!

Hafa Adai Catherine,

The countdown is on for the general elections - in just a few short days the Guam Election Commission will announce the top vote-getters in the legislative, congressional, mayoral, CCU, Education Policy Board, and yes, even the straw poll for the President of the United States. If you have regularly perused this weekly newsletter, you would have seen the Chamber's proactive voice encouraging voter registration, early voting, and in support of the voting process. The Chamber has held forums and provided written and video content to support this year's legislative candidates in their bid to win your vote. If you haven't taken advantage of the early voting opportunity, please schedule your right to vote on election day, Tuesday, November 5th. Figure out where your polling site is (sometimes this changes) and cast your very powerful and much-needed vote. Every ballot cast will make a difference for change - or no change.

Be on the lookout for the Chamber's Special Election Report, which will have details on the candidates seeking a seat on the Chamber Board in 2025. Seven (7) seats will need to be filled, and your vote will make a difference. Get to know the Board Candidates and look for your ballot link in your email box. Ballots will be sent to the most senior executive in your company unless other arrangements have been. If you have questions, please call the Chamber Team to inquire about your ability to vote in the Chamber elections in a few weeks.

This newsletter is full of updates and community events planned over the next few days. We hope that you find this information of value and encourage you to spread the word to help support our community.

We wish you a safe and happy weekend as you celebrate all things fall and autumn over the next few weeks.

Onward Together,

Catherine Castro

President

Congressional Forum

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

The Guam Chamber of Commerce hosted its Congressional Forum at the Micronesian Ballroom, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. We were honored to hear from Republican incumbent, James Moylan and Democrat candidate, Ginger Cruz, who both shared their insights on key issues impacting our community including low tourism numbers, workforce challenges, homelessness & drug abuse, and the increase in the cost of living.

Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our moderator, Phillip Santos, Executive Committee Member of the Chamber Board, for guiding the discussion. We appreciate both candidates for their responses and extend our gratitude to our Chamber members for their participation in this important discussion.

You can view the forum by clicking here! More photos of this event are viewable by clicking here!

U.S. Department of Defense

Missile Defense Agency

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in cooperation with the United States (U.S.) Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and the Federal Aviation Administration, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense (EIAMD) System on Guam. The Draft EIS includes an analysis of the potential environmental impacts that may result from the proposed construction, deployment, and operations and maintenance of the EIAMD system to defend Guam against advanced missile threats (Proposed Action). Mitigation measures that, if employed, could avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action are also analyzed in the Draft EIS. The MDA and cooperating agencies welcome the public’s participation during the Draft EIS public review and comment period. Read more by clicking here!

Chamber Games 2024

LeoPalace Resort Guam Soccer Field

Saturday, November 9, 2024

Get ready to unleash your competitive spirit because the Chamber Games are just around the corner! This exhilarating event is all about bringing people together for a whirlwind of teamwork, creativity, and loads of laughter.

Dive into a variety of exhilarating activities that will put your collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills to the ultimate test! Whether you're strategizing with your teammates or cheering for your favorite crew, it's all about making connections and having a blast!

And guess what? The top three teams will snag some awesome cash prizes! So gather your squad and prepare for an unforgettable day of friendly competition and FUN! Who’s in? Let the games begin! Contact your Chamber Team for registration or register on our website today!

RSVP Your Team For Chamber Games

Be A Proud Sponsor!

Thrill of the Grill BBQ Competition

Saturday, November 9, 2024

We are also hosting the Thrill of the Grill Barbecue Competition, where culinary skills will take center stage alongside our engaging games. The Thrill of the Grill will showcase the grilling talents of our participants and provide a delicious way to celebrate our community spirit and camaraderie in the spirit of friendly competition. Participants will compete for cash prizes for best chicken, best ribs, as well as best overall.

Revenues from both events will benefit the Chamber’s Dave J Santos Scholarship, which is open to UOG Juniors and Seniors enrolled in the School of Business and Public Administration.

Join us for a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and great food! Whether you’re competing in the games or grilling up a storm, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Chamber Games. Get ready to bring your A-game and appetite! The deadline for team registration is scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2024, and a mandatory press conference is scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024. Contact your Chamber Team for more details!

RSVP Your Team ForThrill Of The Grill BBQ

Download The Waiver Form and Rules & Regulations

You Decide Before Heading To The Polls!

Guam Young Professionals 2024 Election Edition

The Guam Young Professionals recently wrapped up their You Decide Legislative Forums, which featured both Republican and Democrat candidates. In the lead-up to the upcoming elections, individual interviews were conducted with the candidates, asking one critical question:

"When considering young professionals, if elected, what will your focus be and how do you plan to achieve it?"

Their interviews can be viewed here. To provide more context, candidates were also given the full set of 9 questions asked during the forum, which centered around three main themes:

1. Commerce on Guam – How they plan to support and grow the local economy, including job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities.

2. Young Professionals' Interests – Their approach to addressing the specific needs of young professionals, such as affordable housing, education, and career development.

3. Overall Interests of the People of Guam – Their broader plans for improving the quality of life for all residents, ensuring sustainable growth, and addressing issues like cost of living, healthcare, and public services.

These forums were a key opportunity for candidates to present their visions and plans for the future of Guam, especially in terms of how they would impact young professionals and the community at large.

Read their full responses and more from the senatorial candidates by clicking on the link:

Guam Young Professionals 2024 Election Edition Magazine! If you missed the in-person forums, please read up on their individual responses. You can catch up on the forums by clicking on the following links:

We hope you take this opportunity to vote in this General Election. Your Vote is your Voice!

We would also like to remind our members and the community that early voting has begun, and it's taking place at the Westin Resort Guam. Take advantage of this early voting to skip the long lines on the day of the General Election. Early voting is scheduled from Monday, October 14th, through Monday, October 28th, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.!

Be In The Know For

The General Election

The General Election is near! We encourage our members and the community to take a moment to review and study the candidates' platforms and who you will think can make Guam better. To verify that you are eligible to vote on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, view your voting status, and click here to view your polling site! For more information, contact the Guam Election Commission at (671) 477-9791.

Toys for Tots Campaign

Toy collection is ongoing for the 2024 Toys for Tots campaign. Gifts for youth ages Newborn to 17 years old are welcome and can be dropped off at any of the over 100 toy collection sites across the island.

Is your company interested in being a designated collection site? Please email Rebekah or contact the Chamber Team at (671) 472-6311. Your tremendous support is absolutely instrumental in the success of this program. Un Dångkulu Na Si Yu'os Ma'åse for your consideration!

Click here to view last year's toy drive!

View the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide • View Toys for Tots Drop-Off Locations

Become a collection site!

Listen To Our Great Podcasts

Click here to take a listen to our BixBox Podcast!

Community Outreach

Navy League Guam Council

15th Annual Golf Tournament

Friday, November 15, 2024

The Navy League Guam Council presents the Abe Difuntorum Memorial Sea Services 15th Annual Golf Tournament scheduled to take place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Finest Guam Golf & Resort with show time at 11:30 a.m. and start time at 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Maggie Cruz, Chair or Mark Sablan, Co-Chair at (671) 929-4429 or email them!

S.A.M.E. 45th Annual Charlie Corn Scholarship Golf Tournament

Saturday, November 16, 2024

S.A.M.E. presents its 45th Annual Carlie Corn Scholarship Golf Tournament scheduled for Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Finest Guam Golf and Resort with show time at 11:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Guam, CNMI, FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands students pursuing Engineering and Architecture Degrees. For more information and to register, email Steven Carbullido or Joseph Claveria, Sponsorship opportunities are now available, and for more information on being a proud sponsor, email Suzette Guttierez.

Need assistance in posting your job positions? Our Projects and Programs Coordinator, Schuyler Delgado, is available to assist you. Please submit your information via email or by contacting your Chamber Team at (671) 472-6311/8001. Click here to view job announcements!

Check out what's happening with our fellow Chamber members! News sent to us by a Chamber member is featured on our "member news" page. Feel free to send us your releases and we are happy to share your news!

Resources & Training