Your Chamber's Legislative Review & Business Advocacy Committee has been reviewing the bills introduced by the 38th Guam Legislature. To date, 50 bills have been introduced since January 2, 2025. Among the bills that the Chamber is monitoring is Bill No. 11-38, which seeks to reduce the Business Privilege Tax to 4%. Another is Bill No. 26-38, which seeks to authorize the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). This bill is scheduled for a public hearing on Monday, February 10th, 9:00 a.m. under the Committee on Land, Environment, Housing, Agriculture, Parks and Infrastructure chaired by Vice Speaker Tony Ada.

The Committee is monitoring at least ten (10) of the bills that have been introduced. We urge our members to be involved in the legislative process by submitting their testimonies in writing or in person to let the Guam Legislature know how their proposals impact your business. For more information about these bills or others that the Chamber is monitoring, please reach out to the Chamber: (671) 472-6311.

We had the honor to be invited to engage with 8th-grade students at Jose Rios Middle School today, for their Career Day event. This occasion provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore various career options and learn from community leaders. During the event, Catherine Castro, President of the Guam Chamber of Commerce provided information that outlined the structure of the Chamber and its members, focusing on how the Chamber runs on its day-by-day operations, as well as the importance of networking, mentorship, and education.

Her main focus taught students the importance of being a future business owner and the challenges they face in order for a business to thrive. We had a fantastic time with our future leaders and wish them much success in the years to come. Again, we would like to give our sincerest thanks to the faculty and staff at Jose Rios for this opportunity.

February General

Membership Meeting

Mark your calendars and save the date for the Guam Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting which will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in the Micronesian Ballroom at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa.

Members are encouraged to RSVP and make advance payments, to secure their seat and for a swift and smooth entry on the day of the event. Contact your Chamber Team today to confirm your attendance!

STEP Forward Guam!

Export Readiness Program - 2025 Guam STEP Training Webinars

Register today for the Guam Economic Development Authority's Export Readiness Program (ERP), a training and counseling program to assist eligible small businesses begin or expand their export market development and sales. The program includes a series of export training workshops and webinars as well as one-on-one business counseling.

The ERP webinars are free and open to ALL small businesses interested in learning more about exporting to the international markets. Exporting can be profitable, increase your overall sales and profits, and extend and broaden your customer base. New STEP applicants who applied in the most recent cycle are required to participate in these ERP trainings in order to be eligible for other activities under STEP. Prior STEP participants are required to attend at least one session but encouraged to attend all the ERP trainings as it will be different from previous trainings you have attended.

Guam Chamber Business Hall of Fame Nomination Begins

The Guam Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2025 Guam Business Hall of Fame Laureate Awards--prestigious awards that pay tribute to outstanding companies and business leaders who have made exceptional contributions to business growth in Guam.

There are two categories for the Laureate award: 1) Individual; and, 2) Company. Any individual or for-profit enterprise licensed to do business in Guam is eligible for the award. Laureates to the Guam Business Hall of Fame will be selected based on key criteria.

The deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Download Hall of Fame Fact Sheet

Download Business Laureate Nomination Form

Download Individual Laureate Nomination Form

Need to Grow Your Network? We can help! Join us!

Joining a Chamber committee is a great way to build relationships, meet new peers, and improve your community. Here are some benefits of joining a Guam Chamber committee: 

• Influence policy: Participate in shaping policies and initiatives that impact your industry;
• Build relationships: Network with other professionals and build a supportive community;
• Get resources: Gain access to industry data, and business development resources; 
• Improve your skills: Attend training sessions and events to enhance your skills and knowledge 
• Give back: Volunteer, participate in initiatives that impact our business environment and the community at large; and,
• Partnering with the Guam Chamber gives you a stronger, united voice!

Here are a list of Chamber Committees and programs that you can get active in today:

• Armed Forces Committee (Additional $150 fee)
• Annual Golf Tournament Planning Committee
• Annual Gala Celebration Planning Committee
• Chamber Business Women's Network
• Education & Workforce Development Committee
• Guam Young Professionals
• Legislative Review & Business Advocacy
• Maritime Affairs Committee
• Membership Development Committee
• Small Business Focus & Development Committee

Contact: Rebekah@guamchamber.com.gu for details!

Member Spotlight Podcast

Youtube • Spotify • Apple Podcast

Podcasts are available for your listening pleasure. Click on the links above and scroll through to the ones you haven't heard yet! We'd love to feature you! Contact us (Schuyler Delgado) and schedule a podcast recording today!

I mina'tres na Finalågon

2K/5K Run / Walk

The Inalahan Mayor's office presents the 2K / 5K I Mina'tres na Finalågon Run Walk scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Inalåhan Gadao Statue. For this Annual run, the registration fees will be $15 pre-registration and $20 on the day of the race. Showtime will start at 5:00 am followed by go time at 6:00 am.

The course will start and end at the Inalåhan Gadao Statue. Registration is available at the Micronesian Mall from February 1, 2, 8, and 9 between 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Tumon Bay Music Festival 25

Sponsorship Opportunity

The Guam Philharmonic Foundation is set to host the 2025 Tumon Bay Music Festival (TBMF 2025) from February 26th to March 8th, celebrating its 20th anniversary. This annual festival will feature around 100 performances over ten days, showcasing a wide range of music genres and involving 800-1000 performers from Guam, Saipan, and beyond. Faculty and performers will come from various global regions, including the U.S. Mainland and Asia-Pacific.

Additionally, part of the festival's proceeds will support fundraising efforts for the Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra and the Tumon Bay Junior Band, allowing them to represent Guam in Japan in August 2025. This event aims to revive the Hands Across the Sea concert and musician exchange program, which had been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The exchange has historically included musicians from Japan, Guam, Saipan, and Korea, and aims to foster cultural collaboration through music. Community support is essential for empowering young musicians to act as cultural ambassadors. Click here to become a sponsor!

Hit Radio 100

Mardi Golf

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Hit Radio 100 presents its Mardi Golf Tournament scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Finest Guam Golf Resort, and they are excited to announce that proceeds will benefit I Hinanao, I Magahet, Yan I Ininna (HMI) by Veterans for Veterans, an incredible organization dedicated to empowering and supporting our local veteran community.

This golf tournament is a two-man scramble, modified Callaway format, and team registration will be $125.00. Mark your calendars, grab a partner, and enjoy this sunny day on the green!

Click here to fill out the registration form!

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

This Month's Playlist!🎶

It's the season of Love! Whether you are spending time with family and friends, working on a weekend warrior project, or hanging out with your favorite snuggle partner, we invite you to join us in celebrating all things love with this special playlist!💗

Play xoxo now on Spotify!