The Week's Recap and Whats Ahead!👀

Greetings!

It's been an interesting week, hasn't it? I wanted to take a few minutes to thank our members who dropped in at the Guam Legislature this past Wednesday and Thursday while Senators debated on the session floor the various amendments related to the business privilege tax (BPT). The 38th Guam Legislature has advanced the measure that will bring the BPT to 4.5% effective October 1, 2025. Further, the group passed an amendment that would provide the final 0.5% to bring the BPT to 4% effective October 1, 2026. As we noted in our August 14th release, this amendment passed with the supporting vote of eight (8) republican senators. The next step will be to ensure that the final budget bill continues to support the BPT reduction as the group continues discussion on the rest of the bill. We'd like to get as many senators to support this effort as possible. As we continue to communicate support and concerns with the folks at the Legislature, please send us feedback on how a tax rollback will impact your company. We urge the membership to call or write the senators as well.

The Maritime Affairs Committee (MAC) would like to hear from you about how the proposed Port tariff adjustment will impact your business. The group put together a very brief survey. We hope that you will take a few minutes to respond. Your feedback will help the Chamber shape its testimony before the PUC.

We’ve learned that a "big ship" visit is in store for our island this weekend. This will be a liberty stop for the service men & women and will bring much-needed revenue to our island businesses. Let's wish our visiting guests a warm Hafa Adai and make them feel at home!

Onward Together,

Catherine Castro

President

Upcoming Events | AUGUST

AUG 27

General Membership Meeting

Hilton Guam Resort & Spa

RSVP Required

AUG 28

AFC's A Conversation with Commodore Neil Steinhagen, CO, SS15

RSVP Required

An AFC Member Exclusive

SEP 9

GYP x SBPA Panel & Mixer

RSVP Required

A GYP Member Exclusive

View Full Calendar

GYP thank you to Congressman Moylan!

The Guam Young Professionals welcomed Congressman James Moylan on August 13, 2025, at their first Coffee & Congress event at the Guam Chamber of Commerce. It was a morning filled with meaningful dialogue, community connection, and great coffee! ☕✨

The GYP sends their warmest Si Yu'os Ma'ase to Congressman Moylan and his staff for taking the time to meet with the young professionals. Special thanks to Infusion, Cinnabon, and Coke & Foremost for generously providing refreshments that contributed to the success of this event! Be on the lookout for more GYP activities and events coming soon!

Si Yu'os Ma'ase CAPT Frye!

The Armed Forces Committee was pleased to present A Conversation with CAPT John Frye, Commanding Officer, Naval Base Guam, on Friday, August 15, 2025, 10:30 a.m. at the Guam Chamber of Commerce Office. Members were provided with updates from base access to housing to infrastructure hardening and more! The group exchanged lively discussion, and having the Captain's undivided attention was a treat. The Captain confirmed the arrival of a big ship this weekend and told the group to expect excited service members to enjoy liberty on Guam for a few days.

AFC members can look forward to more interesting one-on-ones just like this in the weeks to come! Keep your eyes on the lookout for future opportunities! For more information about the Armed Forces Committee, please contact your Chamber office: (671) 472-6311/8001.

Quick Survey

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

Take the Survey!

Community Outreach

Maga'Haga Awards/ Governor's Art Awards

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. August 21, 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!

ROCK AID XIV: AUGUST 20th

Get ready to rock for a cause! Join us for Rock Aid Fourteen, happening on August 20th from 6 to 10 PM at Hard Rock Café in Tumon!

Enjoy great live music, food, and raffle prizes — all to support The Salvation Army’s programs right here in our community. LOTS of Silent auction items including a jet ski, 2 generators, a dirt bike and a scooter from Yamaha Guam.

Tickets are $70 per person and available at Graphic Center in Tamuning, The Salvation Army office in Tiyan, or online! Just scan the QR code posted at all PayLess Market locations to purchase your tickets digitally.

Don’t miss Rock Aid XIV — because together, we rock for hope!

Download Flyer

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

Download Information

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!

Episode spotlights Robert Jackson, the Owner of The M.O.S.T. Services!

We aspire to feature each of our Chamber members who serve our community and make a difference in their industries, one podcast episode at a time. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more united business community!

Still not sure you want to be in the spotlight? 🎙️Listen to any member spotlight podcast to get an idea of the discussion and the fun that takes place when we record an episode!

Click on any of the links below to get started!

Youtube • Spotify • Apple Podcast

Episode spotlights Biba, featuring owners, Dot and Ranger Miller.

Episode spotlights Local Jerk Guam, LLC, featuring Chief Executive Officer, Marvin Crisostomo.

Episode spotlights

The Salt + Light Realty, featuring Principal Broker & Founder, Shine Walker.

U.S. Chamber Updates

We Agree with Leader Scalise: It's Time for Permitting Reform

America's permitting process is broken. The Chamber is ready to help fix it.

In July, House Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise said, “We want to see permitting reform this fall,” and that it must be a bipartisan effort. We wholeheartedly agree. Our permitting process is broken, and we’re excited to help support fixing it.

For the last several years, the Chamber and our Permit America to Build coalition of nearly 350 organizations from every corner of the country and every sector of our economy have been delivering the message that America cannot afford to wait any longer to modernize its broken permitting system. Businesses are ready and willing to innovate, invest, and build, but we need a permitting system that will help, not hinder, those efforts.

From highways and housing to energy, infrastructure, and broadband expansion, the ability to build is being stifled by a tangled and inefficient permitting process. Projects that should be approved in months are delayed for years, burdened by excessive reviews, interagency gridlock, and legal uncertainty. What used to be a low bureaucratic hurdle has now become a major barrier to economic growth, energy security, and environmental progress.

The Chamber’s Permit America to Build initiative calls for a comprehensive permitting reform package guided by four principles: predictability, efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder input.