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Hafa Adai Catherine,
I don’t know about you, but I am extremely ready to hit the “Refresh” button, kiss 2023 goodbye, and look ahead to much brighter things in the new year.
2023 didn’t seem to live up to expectations, did it? Just as we were getting over the slump of the global pandemic, our island was pummeled by Typhoon Mawar, which taught a whole new generation of island residents how to
- Prepare and recover from an onslaught of gusting wind and rain;
- Cook without electricity and bathe in the dark;
- Use a generator;
- Be creative on how to use electronic devices with little to no internet signal; and,
- Plan schedules in light of gas shortages and sweltering heat. (I’m sure we could add to this list!)
Amidst a slew of challenges and triumphs the year has brought to us professionally and personally, we, at the Chamber, remain grateful for your support and the opportunity to work alongside you to keep the economy rolling. We look forward to collaborative efforts to strengthen and harden various aspects of our economic infrastructure, ease burdens and roadblocks that hamper progress, and pave the way for inward investment to benefit all of Guam and the region.
On December 20th, the Chamber met with various private sector organizations to discuss issues and challenges that impede and hamper our collective progress in growing our economy. For us to thrive and grow, we will need to work on our house (our island) and we can’t do it alone. We need the collaborative efforts of the entire private sector to work with our public sector to fix, mend, change, correct, and grow. There will be more to report on the activities of this group in the weeks to come.
Our centennial year is upon us and we look forward to not only growing our advocacy, programs, and activities, but we also are excited to showcase our membership and the Chamber’s numerous milestones over the century. We will be seeking your support through voluntary assessments, sponsorships, and testimonials. Outreach forms will be rolling out in a few short days. We look forward to commemorating our one hundred years of service with you in 2024!
You may notice more guests on the streets in the upcoming weeks. There are scheduled military exercises and associated ship visits planned to occur in January and February. Additionally, a visiting cruise ship is scheduled to be on Guam on January 3rd with a few thousand visitors for the day. Give them a warm “Hafa Adai!” and welcome!
I would like to thank our Chairman of the Board, Ed Untalan, for his leadership and vision over the past two years. He navigated the Chamber ship through stormy waters and we came out ahead - thank you, Chairman Ed! We have worked with a great Chamber Board, wonderful volunteers, sponsors, and you, our members who gave your time, talent, and treasure to support the important work of the Chamber, and we appreciate you all! There is much more to be done. But we’ll save that bit for just after the weekend. 😉
A New Year is Loading in 3..2..1.. Have a Blessed and Happy New Year! Cheers to 2024! 🥂
Onward Together!
Catherine Castro
President
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Chamber In The News!
Friday, December 29, 2023
On Friday, December 29, 2023, KUAM debuted their interview with Ed Untalan, Chairman of the Board, who spoke with Nestor Licanto, host of The Hub. The Chairman provided some insights on the business climate and what to look forward to in 2024. Click here to listen to the KUAM interview.
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Chairman Untalan, guest speaker on the Hub, Kuam News | |
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That's A Wrap, 2023!
We are so pleased and thankful to have spent this year with you! Your Chamber Team has posted some cool photos of our events and activities on our Instagram page. Click the link to view our recap of events & activities of 2023!
We look forward to even better things to come in the new year! Biba Chamber Members!
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Meeting of Private Sector Organizations
The Guam Chamber met with representatives of various private sector organizations to discuss issues and challenges important to doing business in Guam on December 20th. There was a consensus among the organizations to work collaboratively as a unified group to address issues moving forward. The Chamber will report on actions of the group in the weeks to come.
Private organizations that participated with the Guam Chamber of Commerce in the meeting were:
- Chinese Chamber of Commerce
- Guam Association of Realtors
- Guam Contractors Association
- Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association
- Guam Travel and Tourism Association
- Guam Women's Chamber of Commerce
- The Employers Council
- The Society for Human Resource Management, Guam Chapter
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Guam Air National Guard's
Award Ceremony
Through our Armed Forces Committee partnership with the local military commands, we are seeking contributions for prizes in the below categories to be presented at the Guam Air National Guard Awards banquet. Items such as brunches, lunches or dinners for two, weekend getaways, hotel overnight stays, shopping gift certificates, or optional tours are welcome. Any contribution you make will be greatly appreciated.
- Airman of the Year - Drill Status Guardsman
- Airman of the Year - Full Time Staff
- Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year - Drill Status Guardsman
- Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year - Full Time Staff
- Senior Non-Commissioned Office of the Year - Drill Status Guardsman
- Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year - Full Time Staff
- Company Grade Officer of the Year
- Field Grade Officer of the Year - Drill Status Guardsman
- Field Grade Officer of the Year - Full Time Staff
- Civilian of the Year
We request that gift certificates be delivered to the Chamber Office by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17th to allow time for preparation of packets for the awardees.
If you have any questions, please call the Chamber Office at 671-472-6311/8001.
Thank you for your generous support of our Air National Guard servicemen and women!
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Operation Magof na Espiritu
Thanks to several AFC Members, one hundred snack packages were sent to our military service men and women currently stationed in Tinian. These members were not able to time with family members this holiday season and these sweat treats went a long way in helping to make them feel warm and remembered. Undangkulu na Si Yu'os Ma'åse to the following members for their sweet contribution:
- Access Medical Transport
- Ambros, Inc.
- Guam Girl Scouts
- Matson Navigation Company
- Micronesian Air Cargo
- OIA'I'O/B.N.B.
- Security Title, Inc.
- South Pacific Petroleum Corporation
These care packages of homey cookies and candies brought seasonal cheer to our unaccompanied service personnel stationed in Tinian. They sent this photo as a Thank-You for the treats!
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2023 Annual Report
What a year it has been! Your Chamber Team has compiled an annual report filled with information on the programs and activities of the organization over the past year. Do you remember all the things that we have accomplished this year? So many memories of this year's events filled with great times and activities with our members and partners! Click the button below to view our 2023 annual report.
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Episode 5 Now Available! 🎧
Take a listen!
Your Guam Chamber Small Business Focus and Development Committee is pleased to present to you Episode 5 of Season 2, spotlighting Ms. Jenynne Guzman, President of GuamTemps. This episode was hosted by Board Director, Chris Duenas.
Click your favorite links below to hear Ms. Jenynne's Story!
Youtube • Spotify • Apple Podcast
Stay connected with us on our social media platforms for the announcements of our upcoming events and new episode releases! Click your go-to social media platforms below and follow us!
Instagram • Facebook • X • LinkedIn
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CRIME and BUSINESS
Stopping Organized Retail Crime
It's not just Ebenezer Scrooge who's out to ruin your holiday. Organized retail crime rings are smashing and grabbing from stores across America. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is standing up to them.
What to know: Earlier this year, the U.S. Chamber released its report, Crime Risk to Business 2023. We found:
- 56% of small businesses reported theft, with 53% of small businesses saying that the problem has gotten worse.
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At the aggregate level, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that as much as $100 billion has been lost to general crime, or shrink, in the past year, and that organized retail crime—or crime perpetrated by organized criminal rings—continues to rise, with 26.5% of businesses reporting an increase in organized retail theft
Our gift to you: The U.S. Chamber is working to Combat Organized Retail Theft by working with policymakers at the national, state, and local levels to enact policies that protect American families and businesses. Specifically, we are:
Learn more here
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NYE 2024 Pool Party
Hosted by The Westin Resort Guam
Sunday, December 31st • 7:00 P.M.
The Westin Resort Guam is one of the hotels that will be hosting one of the most spectacular New Year's Eve parties scheduled for Sunday, December 31, 2024. This event will take place at the Mistry's Beach Bar and will begin at 7:00 P.M. to Midnight.
Adult: $40 (inclusive of pool access, one (1) Heineken & midnight toast). You must be 21 and over to drink. Child: $20 (ages 4-11, inclusive of pool access and one (1) non-alcoholic beverage). Complimentary entrance and midnight toast are included for all Westin Resort Guam's guests. Click the graphic to view for more information of this event!
Your Chamber Team would like to remind its members and the community to
party responsibly!
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New Year Fireworks Countdown Party
Hosted by Rihga Royal Hotel
Sunday, December 31st • 9:00 P.M.
The Rihga Royal will be hosting a New Year's Eve party scheduled for Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the Cliff Bar OASIS, and will begin at 9:00 pm. The entrance fee is $45 plus 10% and kids are free to enter. Drinks, an exclusive fireworks display, and a DJ & and entertainment will be provided for this year's ending night! There will be an open bar at this night (Standard drink only) and you must be twenty-one (21) and over to drink. There will be party favors and a midnight champagne toasting during this event. Click the graphic to view more details of this night!
Your Chamber Team would like to remind its members and the community to
party responsibly!
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NYE Party Silver Soiree
Hosted by Club ICON
Sunday, December 31st • 9:00 P.M.
Dance the night away at Club Icon's NYE Party Silver Soiree scheduled for Sunday, December 31, 2023, and will begin at 9:00 P.M. Entrance fee will be $5. Photo Booth, Cash Giveaways, Champagne Toast at Midnight, music by DJ Q, and a special performance by the Touchables House of Diosas. Ring into the New Year by dancing away at one of the hottest clubs in Guam!
Your Chamber Team would like to remind its
members and the community to party responsibly!
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80s New Years Party
Hosted by Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
Sunday, December 31st • 9:00 P.M.
Groove to the music at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa 80s-themed New Year's Eve party scheduled for Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the Tree Bar.
Get ready to groove into 2024 as they transform the Tree Bar with lasers and a sound system that's out of this world. Dance to a night filled with new wave, pop, rap, and R&B hits. Dress as your favorite 80s icon, tease that hair, and party like it's 1989!
Tickets start at $30 for standard entry, the Open Bar option will start at $55 solo, and couples only $90 duo. For more information on this event, click the graphic!
Your Chamber Team would like to remind its members and the community to
party responsibly!
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New Year Fireworks
And Drone Show
The Guam Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that I will host two fireworks shows and one drone show to celebrate the New Year on December 31, 2023, into January 1, 2024, as follows:
Tumon Bay:
11:50 p.m. 12/31/23: Drone Show
12:00 a.m. 1/1/24: Fireworks
Hagatña Bay:
12:00 a.m. 1/1/24: Fireworks
GVB would like to invite the community to come out and enjoy this special event. However, it is strongly advised that there be no swimming in the waters between Ypao Beach and Hyatt Regency on New Year’s Eve. JamzMedia and Bella Wings Aviation will be working with the Guam Police Department, Guam Fire Department and GVB’s Visitor Safety Officers to keep everyone safe. GVB also encourages everyone who will watch the shows to keep Guam clean.
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80s New Years Party
Hosted by Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
Sunday, December 31st • 9:00 P.M.
Groove to the music at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa 80s-themed New Year's Eve party scheduled for Sunday, December 31, 2023, at the Tree Bar.
Get ready to groove into 2024 as they transform the Tree Bar with lasers and a sound system that's out of this world. Dance to a night filled with new wave, pop, rap, and R&B hits. Dress as your favorite 80s icon, tease that hair, and party like it's 1989!
Tickets start at $30 for standard entry, the Open Bar option will start at $55 solo, and couples only $90 duo. For more information on this event, click the graphic!
Your Chamber Team would like to remind its members and the community to
party responsibly!
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Your Chamber Team advises its members and the community that if they will be attending a Year-End party, please consider calling an island taxi or ride-share company if you are uncertain of having a designated driver. Please keep in mind that for taxi requests for night lifts, you are asked to make a reservation via their website or by contacting them at the numbers provided below. Please be wise while partying during the holidays! | |
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Stroll Guam
Schedule your lift with
Stroll Guam!
Website • (671) 647-8765
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Tohge, Inc.
Schedule your lift with
Tohge, Inc.!
Website • (671) 787-9276 / 686- 9276
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Did you know that we have a member news page on our website and app? 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! | |
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2023
Industry Recovery Updates
Click here
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View Guam APEX
Accelerators
December 2023
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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Member2Member Benefits Program
Announcement: SPPC has just informed us that the special deal for Chamber members ends this month on November 20th because they have something special to announce. Stay tuned to their social media platforms for details
Member2Member deals provide members an opportunity to save money on services and goods. This program offers participating members a vehicle to expose their business, products, and services to thousands of employees of fellow Chamber members. Offers include discounts or very special deals on office supplies, advertising, entertainment, insurance, auto services, catering, meeting spaces, and more.
Join our member companies who have offered their special deals to Chamber Members!
Access Medical Transport
Busy Ant Marketing
Docomo Pacific
Hotel Nikko Guam
Jaded & Cure
Market Research & Development, Inc.
MBC, Inc GU
Norman & Son, LLC
Promotions Specialties
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Your Chamber office will be closed on January 1, 2024 in observance of New Year's Day. We look forward to serving you on January 2nd. Have a safe and happy new year! | | | | |
