|
Greetings!
On Friday, August 22nd, the Guam Legislature voted 11 - 4 in favor of the FY2026 budget bill that included a 0.5% rollback of the business privilege tax (BPT) effective October 1, 2025, followed by another 0.5% rollback effective October 1, 2026, ultimately reducing the BPT to 4%. This is a significant step forward for our island businesses, and we sincerely thank everyone who reached out to senators, shared our Chamber statements, and voiced support for this critical relief. Upon receipt, Governor Leon Guerrero will have ten (10) days to act on the bill.
A few Japanese naval vessels will visit our island this weekend. Like last week's visit from the USS George Washington, this trip will be a liberty stop for the Japanese servicemen. Let's wish our visiting guests a warm Hafa Adai and make them feel at home during their time here on Guam!
The Maritime Affairs Committee (MAC) is seeking feedback from you on how the proposed Port tariff adjustment may affect your operations. To gather your insights, the Maritime Affairs Committee (MAC) has prepared a brief survey. We encourage you to take just a few minutes to respond. Your input will directly help the Chamber shape its testimony before the Public Utilities Commission.
Our next general membership meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th, featuring guest speaker Sheri D. Fejeran, Executive Director of the Guam Association of Realtors. Ms. Fejeran will share insights on the real estate industry and its role in Guam's economic landscape. This promises to be an engaging and informative meeting. Please scroll down for details. I look forward to seeing you there! Enjoy your weekend!
Onward Together,
Catherine Castro
President
| | |
AUG 27
General Membership Meeting
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
RSVP Required
| |  | |
SEP 9
GYP x SBPA Panel & Mixer
RSVP Required
A GYP Member Exclusive
| | | |
OCT 10
Small Business Seminar "Communicating with Media: Tips for Success"
RSVP Required
| |
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, August 27th! | | |
Your Guam Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the Micronesian Ballroom, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. This month's meeting will feature Ms. Sheri D. Fejeran, Executive Director, Guam Association of Realtors. Ms. Fejeran will discuss the state of housing in Guam.
Members are encouraged to RSVP by clicking the RSVP link to secure their seat. Making an advance payment by contacting your Chamber Team will ensure a smooth entry on the day of the event! Check-in will begin at 11:15 am.
| | | | |
TAKE THE SURVEY!
The Port Authority of Guam has requested a 17% tariff adjustment from the Public Utilities Commission. This tariff adjustment updates the Port's labor billing to 2025 rates (the last rate increase was in 2020). The Chamber's Maritime Affairs Committee would like to hear from you on how the proposed Port's tariff adjustments petition, should it be approved, will impact your company. Thank you for your participation!
Read the MBJ Article: Respicio details Port fee proposal
| |
Maga'Haga Awards/ Governor's Art Awards
DEADLINE EXTENDED: September 4th
After 20 years, Guam CAHA will award the Maga'Haga Awards, which recognize the brightest artisans and cultural practitioners. This prestigious event will recognize and honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the arts and culture of Guam. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 4, 2025, at the Leopalace Resort.
CAHA is seeking your support to help make this event a success as local and federal government funds cannot be used for this purpose. Download the solicitation letter along with the nomination form.
Send any questions to Monica Guzman via email or by phone at (671) 300-7584 or (671) 456-5387. You may also reach Director Taitague, at (671) 300-1207 or via email at angie.taitague@caha.guam.gov.
| | |
Nomination Deadline:
4:00 p.m. Thursday,
September 4, 2025
More info: www.guamcaha.org
| | |
25th Annual Beach Cleanup
Saturday, August 30th
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office is inviting the community to participate in the 25th Annual Beach Cleanup at the end of the month. The office is excited to announce that the Taiwan Youth Ambassador Group will also be participating in the special occasion, bringing their energy and enthusiasm to support environmental stewardship and cultural exchange.
With the generous contributions of the Taiwanese community and local businesses, volunteers will be provided with complimentary water, coffee, and souvenirs as a token of appreciation.
Location: Ypao Beach Park, Main Pavilion
Date: Saturday, August 30th
Time: Arrival at 7:30 AM | Cleanup begins at 8:00 AM
Students are welcome to participate and can earn Community Service Hours/Service Learning Hours. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Bring your friends and family for a refreshing morning walk along the beach while helping to keep our island beautiful!
| | |
A Knight to Remember - A Medieval Wine Dinner
An iCare Signature Event
Saturday, August 30, 2025
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Capitol Kitchen
Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Guam and Guam National Badminton Federation, supporting year-round training and events that empower of all abilities to thrive. Corporate Tables available. Download the flyer for details and opportunities to participate. Medieval attire encouraged.
For more information, contact Valerie at 671-483-3092 / dosm@wgguam.com or visit guamtime.net
| | |
Run for Wishes: September 13, 2025
Make a Wish proudly presents its run for Wishes 2K, 5K, 10K & Half Marathon, scheduled to take place at the LeoPalace Resort Guam on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Bring your family, friends, enjoy the fun, and turn the miles into miracles! For more information and to register for this upcoming event, scan the QR code!
| | | |
How Small Businesses Can Save with the New Tax Law
This step-by-step guide breaks down the key benefits.
The U.S. Chamber rolled out a new guide to help small businesses unlock savings under the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Why it matters: The guide breaks down key provisions of the law, including permanent deductions, enhanced credits, and expanded eligibility criteria—giving small businesses the tools they need to thrive.
Be smart: Small business owners can start claiming these tax breaks now, even for expenses dating back to January 20, 2025.
Learn more:
Read more here.
MORE from the U.S. Chamber
Loyalty Programs that Small Businesses Can Emulate
Advice on Franchise Ownership Later in Life
| |
|
Thank You to Our 2025–2026 GYP Sponsors!
The Guam Young Professionals would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the incredible companies that have generously sponsored us for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. We’re thrilled to share that we surpassed our sponsorship goal—and it’s all thanks to you!
Your support means the world to us—it fuels our mission, empowers our initiatives, and helps shape the next generation of leaders in our community. Because of you, we're able to dream bigger, do more, and make a meaningful impact through professional development, community engagement, and networking opportunities that uplift Guam’s future.
Your belief in what we do goes a long way, and we are forever grateful. Here's to an exciting year ahead—full of purpose, progress, and partnership!
With gratitude,
The Guam Young Professionals
| | Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our Centurion Plus Sponsors! | | Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our Centurion Sponsor! | | |
Si Yu'os Ma'åse 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
| | | | |
