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Hafa Adai Catherine,
It's that time of year when we seek support for our local companies, and this year's Holiday Guide features a number of member company holiday specials, deals, and offers. We'd like to encourage you to take advantage of the various offers from our fellow Chamber members and even share the Guide with others. For some, this year's holiday shopping outcome could be the difference between staying open or shutting doors in the new year. Scroll down this newsletter for more details about the Holiday Guide.
It was a pleasure and honor to reconnect with the Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei (IEAT) this week. The Guam Chamber and IEAT, have a mutual cooperation agreement signed since 2022. I met with Secretary General Peter W.J. Huang, Anita Fang, Alison Chan, and Felix Yen, Guam Affairs Director from the Guam Taiwan Office. We discussed potential opportunities between Taiwan and Guam businesses and the positive outlook ahead.
As you look ahead to the new year, we hope that you will consider how you would like to be involved with your Guam Chamber. Your Chamber investment is a tool that can help grow your organization, strengthen your peer network, impact our government advocacy and so much more. Active engagement unlocks possibilities. Let's explore these opportunities together!
Have a great weekend and thank you for supporting our local Guam businesses this season!
Onward Together,
Catherine Castro
President
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Catherine Castro, Guam Chamber President, and Secretary General Peter W.J. Huang, Importers and Exporters Association of Taipei (IEAT) | |  |
Felix Yen, Guam Affairs Director, Guam Taiwan Office, Catherine Castro, Secretary General Peter W.J. Huang, Anita Fang, Director of Trade Promotion Department, IEAT | | |
Thursday, December 12, 2024
A Conversation with Captain Jessica Worst, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam
The Armed Forces Committee is pleased to present A Conversation with Captain Jessica Worst, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. at the Guam Chamber of Commerce Office, 372 West Soledad Avenue, Hagåña. Capt Worst, the newly installed Commander, will provide updates on the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia.
AFC members will have time to engage one-on-one with Captain Worst and other committee members in this intimate setting. We hope that your schedule will allow you to participate. Seating is limited so please be sure to save your spot today!
This meeting is exclusive to AFC members. Member attendance is non-transferable and admission will not be allowed for member's guests. This meeting is not open to the media.
Members interested in learning more about the Armed Forces Committee are encouraged to contact the Chamber Office for details: 671-672-6311.
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Wrapping up the Toy Collection! | |
Photo: Daughters of American Revolution | |
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Thank you to the Daughters of American Revolution for your annual contribution to the Toys for Tots campaign this year. The Marine Corps Base Camp Blas is actively gathering toys from various collection sites across the island. This year's toy collection deadline was set for Friday, December 6th. If your company still has a box of toys please call the Chamber Office: (671) 472-6311. You are also welcome to drop toys off at the Chamber Office in Hagåtña. 🚂🧸
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DEADLINE: December 18, 2024
Guam State Trade Expansion Program
(Guam STEP 2025)
Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Guam STEP is intended to assist eligible small businesses enter and succeed 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.
Guam STEP provides eligible small businesses with comprehensive export training, financial assistance for new to export and/or market expansion activities, and access to international markets. GEDA is now accepting applications. The deadline to apply is at 5:00 PM on December 18, 2024. Previous STEP participants interested in the new cycle must submit a new application.
More information on forms and applications is linked and clickable below!
Product Information
Client Application Form
Export Readiness Questionnaire
Program Background
News Release
Self-Representation Form
SBA Form
Application Checklist
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Corporate Transparency Act Requirements Halted by Federal Court
Unless and until an appellate court overrules or narrows the injunction, no small businesses are obligated to comply with the reporting requirements
A federal court in Texas halted the implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting requirements. Holding that the CTA is likely unconstitutional, the court issued a preliminary injunction barring the government from enforcing the CTA and its reporting requirements against anyone. Prior to the ruling, small businesses that met certain criteria would have had to file reports with the Department of the Treasury by January 1, 2025, or risk fines and criminal penalties.
The preliminary relief will remain in effect until the conclusion of legal proceedings, at which point the court may enter a permanent injunction. In the meantime, the government will likely appeal the preliminary injunction. Unless and until an appellate court overrules or narrows the injunction, no businesses are obligated to comply with the reporting requirements.
Background on the CTA and more
Why We Must Grow the Economy by at Least 3% – and How to Do It
The U.S. Chamber is calling on elected officials to secure a better life for Americans by supporting policies that would lead to economic growth 50% above current projections over the next decade.
Today, many Americans feel the burden of rising prices, homeownership seems increasingly out of reach, and they see growing government debt and deficits. They don't view the economy as working for them.
America needs to make economic growth a national priority, driven by people through innovation and productivity and fostered through sound public policy.
That’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched the Growth and Opportunity Imperative, urging elected officials to support policies that would secure a better life for Americans by achieving at least 3% annual real economic growth over the next decade—a 50% increase over current projections.

To create the future we want, and the next generation deserves, we call on elected officials to pursue policies that will significantly boost America’s growth.
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AmChams of Asia Pacific Update | |
AmChams of Asia Pacific Virtual Briefing Post US Election:
What Lies Ahead
Register for the AmChams of Asia Pacific virtual briefing featuring Loren Monroe, Principal, BGR Group State & Local Advocacy Practice, and Jonathon Mantz, Principal, BGR Group Commerce, Infrastructure, and Energy Practice of BGR Group on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 9:00 am (ChST). The guest speakers will delve into the implications of the US Election outcome, the transition, and what it means for business, the Asia Pacific, and the world. Guam Chamber members are encouraged to register below by no later than Tuesday, December 10, 2024, to ensure attendees are registered and receive the Zoom details. Click here to register today!
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Agana Shopping Center
DecembHERD Holiday Bizaar
Saturday, December 7th
Get ready for a festive experience like no other! It's the most wonderful time of the year to shop, wrap, and WIN! Come on down to the Agana Shopping Center on December 7th, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for the DecembHERD Holiday Bazaar!

Discover an array of talented local vendors showcasing unique gifts, seasonal delights, and all your holiday must-haves. Plus, enjoy complimentary gift wrapping and exciting raffles throughout the day!
Bring your family and friends and dive into the spirit of giving by shopping locally! Don’t miss out, let the holiday magic begin!
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Guam Premier Outlets
Holiday Pop-up Shop VENDOR CALL OUT!
Saturday, December 14th
Get ready to immerse yourself in the festive spirit at the Guam Premier Outlets Holiday Pop-Up Shop! Join them for an unforgettable day of holiday cheer on December 14, 2024, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, where you can discover an array of exquisite and truly one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by talented local vendors. Whether you're seeking the perfect present for a loved one or indulging in a little treat for yourself, you'll find it all at this enchanting event.
If your business is looking to participate in this pop-up shop, claim your spot today! Reach out to the GPO team at marketing@gpoguam.com, and make this holiday season memorable!
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GHRA/JGTA Keep Guam Clean! Beach Cleanup 2024
The Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHRA) and the Japan Guam Travel Association (JGTA) will once again collaborate to organize the Keep Guam Clean! Beach Cleanup. The event details are as follows:
- Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
- Show time: 6:30 a.m.
- Go time: 7:00 a.m.
- Where: Matapang Beach Park
Bring your family and friends and register for GHRA and JGTA's upcoming beach clean-up!
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Getting Guam Healthy 2024
5k Bubble Run / Walk and Healthy Fair
The Todu Guam Annual 5K Bubble Run is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss this exhilarating event! Save the date: December 21 at Ypao Beach Park!

The festivities kick off bright and early at 5 AM, with the race launching at 6 AM. This is your chance to dive into the last public 5K of the year, splashed with vibrant bubbles, thrilling obstacles, and pop-up shops for those last-minute Christmas gifts. It’s not just a run, it’s a celebration you won't want to miss as they wrap up 2024 in style! So gather your friends and family, lace up those running shoes, and get ready for a bubbling good time!
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Listen To Our Great Podcasts | |
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! | |
Live2Lead
Tuesday, January 14, 2024
Guam's #1 leadership event is back, and back to give your team a great day to reset and recharge! Live2Lead is slated for Tuesday, January 14th at the Dusit Thani Resort.
The international simulcast is headed by JOHN C. MAXWELL identified as the world’s most influential leadership expert by Business Insider and Inc. magazine. He has authored over 100 books on all topics related to leadership, communication, teamwork, and success. In addition, the day will feature leadership activities that are all focused on TAKING ACTION!
It’s the most powerful leadership day of the year. Be there with your team. Save your seat today!
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2024
Industry Recovery Updates
Click here
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View Guam APEX
Accelerators
December 2024
Training Events
Webinars are held every Thursday from 10am - 11:30am via Zoom.
Zoom links emailed to registered attendees 30 minutes before the webinar.
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Si Yu'os Ma'Ã¥se to our Centurion Plus Sponsors! | |
Si Yu'os Ma'Ã¥se to our Centurion Sponsor! | |
Si Yu'os Ma'Ã¥se to our Centennial Contributors! | |
Ada's Trust & Investment, Inc. • Arnett Consulting, LLC • Assurance Brokers, Inc. dba: AB Risk Solutions • Bank of Hawaii • Black Construction Corporation
California Pacific Technical Services, LLC • Coffman Engineers, Inc.
Guam Insurance Adjusters, Inc. • Guam Music, Inc. • Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
HMI Guam • Hotel Nikko Guam • Island Skin Spa • Joe & Franks Auto
Jerold W. Filush, CPA • Marianas Steamship Agencies, Inc. • Matson Navigation Company
Micronesian Drivers Associations, Inc. • North Wind Group • Outback Steakhouse
Pacific Islands Development Bank • Phoenix Pacific (Guam), Inc.
Salt + Light Realty • SignKing, Inc. • Sylvan Learning Center
TNN Guam, Inc. dba: The Tsubaki Tower • Triple J Enterprises, Inc.
Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods, Inc. • Triple J Rentals (Guam), Inc. dba: Hertz Licensee
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Wishes do come true - don't believe us? Give this holiday playlist a listen and you too, may start to believe! 😉 | |
Sometimes you need a Christmas playlist with all the feels... we got you! | | | | |
