Greetings!

This is the end. The end of a historical year that, for most of us, has been emotional, tumultuous and downright nerve wracking. 2020 has forced all of us to face loss, test our mettle, be resilient and work harder than ever to stay relevant and keep our doors open. 

With many ready to see an end to 2020 we still have several hours left to reflect on some of the high points this year has brought to us as individuals, as a private sector and as an island community. We got more creative in conducting business and celebrating milestone events; we got physical, embraced outdoor activities and paid closer attention to our health. We spent more time with immediate family, enjoyed more of our beautiful island sunsets & sunrises, and when we couldn’t find hand sanitizer, we learned how to make it! 

As I sit and prepare this last message of the year, I can’t help but reflect on the work of the Guam Chamber over the course of the year. 
  • Your Chamber kept you updated, informed and we advocated for you with our government officials on calls to action, testimonials and various meetings to keep business issues top of mind.
  • We worked with our Congressman and DC officials on the NDAA language regarding the H2B visa issue and helped to keep Guam top of mind with our federal officials.
  • Our Chairwoman worked on various government working groups, including the Governor’s Recovery Advisory Team and Business Advisory Group to advocate for the safe re-opening of businesses.
  • We created a matrix to simplify the comparison process of the various federal aid packages
  • We developed a back-to-work timetable and matrix for presentation to the Governor which was rolled into the Governor's Chalan Para Hinemlo' program.
  • We developed the Chamber Roll Call to update the community about the status of companies in the first six months of the lockdown.
  • We worked with the various industries and national organizations to present industry guidelines for DPHSS approval.
  • We formed the Think Tank Ad Hoc Committee that worked to develop economic diversification initiatives to support our economy as our tourism industry recovers from a complete standstill
  • We worked with our Chamber member experts to provide you with timely and educational webinars free of charge.
  • We rallied together to bring focus to the plight of our businesses and our unemployed/ underemployed workforce.
  • The Chamber started a new political action organization with our partner organizations to push an agenda that will benefit all the residents of Guam. We jumped into the election cycle in the last few months before the elections to make a change in the makeup and dynamic of the 36th Guam Legislature. 
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero announced on December 29 the establishment of the Economic Diversification Working Group in partnership with the Guam Economic Development Authority and the Guam Chamber of Commerce. Read her press release here. Your Chamber Board, Staff, Committees and a host of volunteers have worked all of these programs, and more, with you top of mind - all the time. 

So, in these last few hours of 2020, we look ahead toward a new season - a fresh opportunity to roll up our sleeves and work collaboratively to recover, rebuild and strengthen our economy. It will continue to be a long, rough road but with all of us working together, we can cultivate the beginnings of a brighter tomorrow. 

This brings to mind a favorite line of a timeless song so fitting for a time such as this: “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” May the hope of the season bring you a rejuvenation of spirit in the New Year. Cheers to 2021!

Onward together,

Catherine Castro
President
Chamber Holiday Office Hours
Your Chamber office will be closed from Friday, December 25th to Friday, January 1st. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, January 4, 2021.

Did you miss our holiday greeting? View here!
We asked a handful of Chamber members:
"What is a phrase or statement that describes 2020 for you?"
"In many ways, this year has been like time travel. It accelerated many things years into the future but set us back years in others. The net effect, though, will be a major leap forward that we are all better prepared for as a society. We just have to be ready and willing to adapt."

Marcos Fong
Chief Executive Officer, Foremost Foods/ Coca-Cola Bottling Company
"Challenges can be overcome, as long as we continue on the journey with perseverance. Even if we have to detour from the path, choose a direction and keep going. Finally, be grateful for your blessings and be kind to one another." 

Beth Lizama
Vice President, MCB, Inc.
"I’m so appreciative that AMI has been a vital entity in protecting our island from COVID-19 devastation. The health of our brothers & sisters of Guam is paramount; business can be rebuilt but lost lives cannot.  I am beyond pleased with the responses and commitment of my coworkers, going into affected businesses, hotels, schools and more, to disinfect at significant personal risk, to get the job done! Go AMI Germbusters!"

Monty McDowell
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Principal Broker, Registered Environmental Services Executive
Advance Management, Inc.
"Improvise, adapt, overcome ... get it ready, get it going, get it done!"

Edward G. Untalan
SVP & Guam-CNMI Region Manager
First Hawaiian Bank
"For too long we take things for granted on how we live our lives. This Pandemic is a wake up call as to who really is in charge of our lives. Not everything you do should be centered around your Cell Phone or Technology. Spend more time in Church reflecting and much more time telling your Family & Friends how much you Love and enjoy them being a part of your life. Reflection is so important. I Love You, Lord!"

Joey Lopez
Managing Owner
Pestex Guam
"If 2020 has taught me something, if you can't fight nor flight, go with the flow. Remember to take the opportunity to slow down, be kind, and be grateful for what you have. Keep a higher perspective and take time to care for yourself"

Siska S. Hutapea
President
Cornerstone Valuation Guam, Inc.
U.S. Chamber Updates
GVB Release: GVB Economic Impact Assessment on Recreational Marijuana reveals estimated net loss of $486.2M to Guam’s Tourism Industry
Results from an Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) on recreational cannabis showed an estimated net loss of visitor expenditures of $486.2 million and a job loss of over 4,000 to the island.

GVB generated the EIA to better understand the impact that recreational marijuana will have on Guam’s tourism industry. The management assessment also honed in on the evaluation of estimated costs and benefits in relation to recreational cannabis being legalized.

The methodology was in consultation with travel industry suppliers and demand distribution channels, to include collective views from the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association, Japan Guam Travel Association, and Korea Guam Travel Association. Specific market segments were identified and sensitized for cannabis impacts against actual arrivals data for Fiscal Year 2019. Furthermore, sensitivity assumptions in the assessment were based on more moderate views than the draconian assumptions of most industry stakeholders. GVB also established baseline metrics directly from the Tourism Satellite Account Economic Impact report from 2016.
Legislative Updates
The bill adopts the Guam Tropical Energy Code (GTEC), which, if signed into law will replace the International Energy Conservation Code. The GTEC will adopt energy conservation building standards developed by local experts for Guam's tropical climate. The bill passed the Guam Legislature unanimously on December 23, 2020.

REMINDER: Bill No. 373-35 has passed and will likely be signed into law.
Alternative sources need to be sourced and adopted as Guam phases out the use of plastic bags and paper bags for most retail and all wholesale establishments. Read more below:
The bill, which seeks to ban plastic and paper bags has been passed by the Guam Legislature. Amendments were made on the floor in response to business and public concern regarding the implementation date of January 21, 2021, which is just days away. The new legislation that will be sent to the Governor will include language to delay implementation of biodegradable plastic bags to December 31, 2021 and paper bags until July 1, 2022 (with exemptions for eating establishments), which will give the community time to implement new strategies in the absence of these options.

More:
According to a press release on December 29th from Senator Jim Moylan, he, along with Senators-Elect Vicente "Tony" Ada, Christopher Dueñas and Frank F. Blas, Jr. will unveil a series of proposals entitled "Let's Get Guam Moving" that will include:
  • Reducing the Business Privilege Tax (BPT) from 5% - 4%;
  • Placing a two-year moratorium on the property tax increase for improvements valued at $1 million or more; and,
  • Amending the gross threshold of the limited exemptions of the BPT from $250,000 to $500,000.
It's time to update your company information!
Be on the lookout as your Chamber team will be sending out emails from the GrowthZone platform to update your company information for 2021.

If you do not receive an email, please contact Rebekah or Jackie. Thank you!
MEMBER TO MEMBER PROGRAM
LAUNCHES IN 2021!

Member to Member deals provide members an opportunity to save money on services and goods. Offers includes discounts on office supplies, advertising, entertainment, insurance, auto services, catering, meeting spaces and more. This program offers participating members a vehicle to expose their business, products and services to thousands of employees of fellow Chamber members. Please note that to be effective, your discount or offer should be substantial enough to attract attention.
 
The Guam Chamber of Commerce will proudly promote this program and your participation at Chamber events, e-mail notices, new member packets and on the Chamber’s web site.
 
Participation in the Member to Member program is free and only available to Chamber Members. Your participation will
  • Increase your company’s visibility in Guam Chamber e-notices and promotions
  • Increase your company’s exposure in the Guam Chamber web site/ Member to Member App
  • Increase sales and revenue for your business
  • Increase the access of purchasing power of your fellow Chamber members and their employees

Download Form! & Send back to jackie@guamchamber.com.gu
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Get ready for 2021 with a loaded training schedule. Take a look at what the Guam SBDC has to offer!
The Guam Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) is offering FREE live webinars
for January 2021!
Squeeze in a 5K or 10K in its first-ever Make-A-Wish Guam & CNMI Jingle Rock Virtual Run. 

100% of proceeds benefits the Make-A-Wish Guam & CNMI. Proudly presented by Cars Plus. And yes, all finishers receive a finisher's shirt that should be arriving shortly. You will be advised once they are ready for pickup, or the organization will be happy to mail them to you. 

Ring in the holidays with our Starry Christmas Night playlist 🎄
Check out your Chamber Spotify playlist made with you in mind! Let's ring in the holidays together. Enjoy ❄️🎧
Holiday Wishes playlist
Guam Chamber of Commerce • 472-6311/ 8001 • info@GuamChamber.com.gu