Minimum Wage Talk, Updates & More!

Greetings!

I hope your holiday season is off to a joyful start, filled with gratitude and good company. As I sit, sip a fresh brew and take in the comforting scents of the season, I’m grateful for these peaceful moments with loved ones—and hope your weekend brings you the same sense of rest and renewal.

I mentioned in this space two weeks ago that there has been discussion that the 38th Guam Legislature is considering Bill No. 4-38 (COR), which would create an automatic adjustment mechanism for Guam’s minimum wage based on the Guam Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation.

The Chamber's Legislative Review Committee came up with a summary of the key provisions that may impact your business:

Automatic annual adjustment
Minimum wage would be recalculated every December 31st using the Guam CPI and inflation
The new rate would take effect each March 1st

Rounding Rule
The recalculated minimum wage would be rounded to the nearest $0.25

No reduction when CPI is negative
If CPI change is negative, the minimum wage would not go down and there would be no automatic increase for that year

Federal minimum wage linkage
Guam’s minimum wage would remain the greater of:
The CPI-based local minimum wage; or
The federal minimum wage.

Effective upon enactment
The bill’s provisions would take effect immediately once signed into law, and would govern all future adjustments.

The Chamber will soon be sending out a short survey to our general membership to gather your views on Bill No. 4-38 (COR). Your responses will help determine the official position of the membership and guide the Chamber’s formal stance on this legislation.

As we head into the heart of the holiday shopping season, we encourage you to consider including Guam’s small businesses in your gift-giving. Today is Small Business Saturday (November 29th), a special reminder that every dollar spent locally helps our community thrive. Local shops, restaurants, and service providers are the backbone of our island’s economy, and your support helps them grow and sustain local jobs.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than a quarter of many small businesses’ annual sales come from holiday spending. So, as you check off your shopping list this weekend, consider showing some extra love to our local entrepreneurs, eateries, and wellness providers—they make our island home so special.

The Toys for Tots campaign is wrapping up on December 1st, but there’s still time to make a meaningful impact for children in need this holiday season. Members are urged to bring their toy contributions to the Chamber office on December 3rd and December 5th, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Contact Ella from the Chamber Team to arrange a specific time and date to drop off toys from your collection drive. If you time your drop-off just right, you’ll have the opportunity to snag a festive photo with Santa—and some friendly U.S. Marines will be on hand to join in the fun.

Scroll through the rest of the newsletter to view updates and news. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

Onward together,

Catherine Castro

President

Upcoming Events | NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

DEC 1

Toys for Tots 2025

Last day for toy collection

DEC 3 &5

Drop off your toys at the Guam Chamber Office

DEC 8

Biba Santa Marian Kamalen!

Chamber Office Closed at Noon

View Full Calendar

VOLUNTEER CALL OUT!

We are reaching out to our Guam Young Professionals network and any of our Chamber members to volunteer to help sort and inventory toys for the annual Toys for Tots program. Even Santa needs his elves to make sure that every child in need doesn't get left out on the most important holiday of the year!

Please view the following opportunities and let us know which dates work for your schedule. We appreciate your assistance and thank you in advance for your terrific support!

Volunteer on Thursday,

December 4, 2025!

Volunteer at the Guam Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, December 4th, to sort & inventory the Toys for Tots gifts between 2:00 pm-5:00 pm.

Volunteer on Friday, December 5, 2025!

Volunteer at the Guam Chamber of Commerce on Friday, December 5th, to help sort & inventory toys between 2:00 pm-5:00 pm.

Volunteer on Saturday, December 6, 2025!

Volunteer at the US Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. To volunteer, you must be a US citizen and complete the form below. The event will take place between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Completed form must be submitted by Monday, December 1st, and sent to ella@guamchamber.com.gu

Please note that the form can only be read by the latest version of Adobe Acrobat.

Complete the Form

U.S. Chamber Updates

Celebrate America's Small Businesses

Support America’s small businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 29.

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Why it matters: Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and a vital part of the U.S. economy. Shopping at local businesses helps neighborhoods thrive year-round. This support sustains jobs, sparks innovation, and strengthens the heart of the business community.

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By the numbers:

The U.S. is home to 33.2 million small businesses, representing 99% of all businesses. Over the past two decades, they’ve contributed roughly 40% of the nation’s GDP, generating trillions in economic activity.
Nearly 80% of small businesses say this holiday season is important to their overall profits, up from 70% last year, according to the upcoming Q4 MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index.

What they’re saying: “By shopping small this holiday season, you are directly supporting the community where that business is located,” said Brooks Kirchheimer, co-founder of Hill Top Hospitality in Park City, Utah. “Your support allows the business to give more hours to its staff which in turn allows them to spend more in their own community. It also allows ownership to invest more in the community and results in a big win-win for all.”

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Need shopping ideas? Check out these retailers on the 2025 CO–100 list of America’s top small businesses.

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Bottom line: Whether you shop in-store or online, shopping small this holiday season, and every day, makes a big difference.

LAST DAYS FOR TOY COLLECTION

It's almost time to wrap up our toy collection for the 2025 Toys for Tots Campaign. Please note that the collection date ends on Monday, December 1st.

Members are urged to contact the Guam Chamber of Commerce to schedule their toy drop-offs at the Guam Chamber office in Hagåtña from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on December 3rd (Wednesday) or December 5th (Friday). We received word that Santa will be on hand between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and maybe our friends from the Marine Corps will be on hand as well!

There are still a few days left so please consider picking up a toy or two during your holiday shopping between now and December 1st for the program. Toy contributions can be dropped off at any of the following fine establishments:

American Medical Center

Atkins Kroll (All showrooms)

Agana Shopping Center

American Medical Center

American President Lines

BankPacific (All branches)

Burger King (Hågatna & Tumon)

Cruz Benefits Consultants

CTSI Logistics

Core Tech (In-house collection)

Calvos Insurance (In house collection)

Coast360

Docomo (Tamuning)

East Island Tinting/ Paradise Auto

East West Business Center

Fedex

Gilbane Federal (Construction)

GHD Inc

Grand Plaza Hotel

Guam Ink Hustle

Guam Chamber of Commerce

Guam Regional Medical City (In-house collection)

Granite Construction Company

Guam Pak Express

Guam Economic Development Authority

Hotel Nikko Guam

Hyatt Regency Guam

Hilton Guam Resort & Spa

IT&E (All locations)

International Distributors Inc.

KFC Guam ( All locations)

Matson Navigation

Mega Drug Pharmacy (All locations)

Moylan’s Insurance

Navy Federal Credit Union

PFC Finance (All locations)

Pacific Island Club

RIHGA Royal Laguna Guam Resort

Security Title

Sylvan Learning Center

The Guam Economic Development Authority

Title Guaranty of Guam

Triple J Enterprise (Tamuning and Dededo)

Triple J Five Star

Tommy Hilfiger

USO Guam (All locations)

UOG Endowment Foundation

Wyndham Garden

Toys for Tots High School Challenge

The recent government shutdown has delayed the program; however, we are confident that we can still make a difference for children in need this year. Toy collection for the High School Challenge will take place until December 12, 2025, and pick-up will occur on Monday, December 15th, and Tuesday, December 16th.

Let’s make this year’s challenge the best one yet! 🙌🏽 Thank you again for your time and continued support!

Download the High School Challenge Flyer!

Holiday Playlists Curated for You!

Still holding out for gratitude and Thanksgiving like we are? Enjoy this attitude for gratitude playlist curated just for you!

Wishes do come true! Lend an ear to this playful holiday selection, and you, too, may start to believe!

Sometimes you need a Christmas playlist with all the feels...

we got you!

Chamber Member Spotlight Podcasts

Get to know your small business colleagues by listening to any of the podcasts produced to promote our small business members! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube! Click on any of the featured podcasts below and begin listening!

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

4th Annual Governor’s Holiday Light Festival Parade Returns to Hagåtña on December 17

The Office of the Governor welcomes the entire island community to join in one of the season’s most heartwarming celebrations, the 4th Annual Governor’s Holiday Light Festival Parade, taking place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Skinner Plaza. This year’s theme, “Håfa Adai Holidays – Christmas in Paradise,” invites everyone to embrace the magic of the season in the heart of our capital city.

Over the past four years, this parade has grown into a signature event of the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration, transforming Hagåtña into a gathering place filled with lights, music, creativity, and community pride. Families can look forward to festive floats, marchers, walkers, and beautifully decorated vehicles. Pop-up vendors will also be open within Skinner Plaza from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., offering holiday items and locally made goods.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero shared her excitement, saying, “This parade has become one of my favorite traditions. It brings families together, fills our capital city with holiday cheer, and gives everyone a chance to slow down and enjoy what makes Guam so special. Christmas in Paradise feels especially fitting because that is exactly what this celebration has become for our community.”

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio added, “Seeing Hagåtña glow with creativity and teamwork is always a highlight of the season. This parade brings out the best in our families, students, agencies, and organizations. It has truly become a tradition we all look forward to, and I am grateful for everyone who helps bring this celebration to life.”

Individuals, families, government agencies, commercial groups, and nonprofit organizations are welcome to participate. Registration is available online at:

https://forms.gle/on9Ljkx2STN6uVDr8

For more information, contact Christine Cepeda (DISID) at 671-787-7241.

Dowload Flyer

Kick Off the Holidays Aboard the Gingerbread Express and a Visit to Christmas Island

At the HILTON GUAM RESORT & SPA!

November 26, 2025- January 6, 2026

Check out Hilton Guam Resort & Spa as they proudly welcome the holidays with the grand unveiling of the Gingerbread Express and the debut of Christmas Island, transforming the hotel's main lobby into a festive wonderland of artistry, community spirit, and island pride!

Hilton's Launch Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hilton Guam Resort & Spa Main Lobby

Christmas Village Light Show

Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00am-2:00pm

Every Evening: 6:00-9:00pm

Complimentary Photobooth

Wednesday, November 26 (Launch): 6:00pm–9:00pm

Fridays – December 5, 12, 19, 26: 6:00pm–9:00pm

Saturdays – December 6, 13, 20, 27: 6:00pm–9:00pm

Sundays – December 7, 14, 21, 28: 11:00am–2:00pm

Download Release

Gingerbread Housewarming & Tree Lighting Ceremony and HYmarket

Hyatt Regency Guam, December 2, 2025

Join the fun at Hyatt Regency Guam on Tuesday, December 2nd, as they bring to you a Gingerbread Housewarming & Tree Lighting Ceremony! The popular HYmarket is back, featuring local small businesses and their unique products perfect for gifts this season! Admission Free!

View Hyatt Dining this holiday season - click here for details

Click photo to view flyer

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3-9, and SBA will officially recognize their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and their contributions to the economy. NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN.

Submit your NSBW awards nominations by December 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Resources & Training