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MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
February 26th
General Membership Meeting, Micronesia Room, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
March 19th
27th Annual Guam Chamber of Commerce Amateur Golf Tournament, Onward Talofofo Golf Club
April 11th
Small Business Seminar
featuring Christopher Duenas
May 3rd
101st Anniversary Gala
Hyatt Guam
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Guam Chamber of Commerce
Announces Its 2025 Dave J. Santos Scholarship Recipient
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Board of Directors pictured from L-R: Ben Ferguson, Phillip Santos
Tom Shimizu, Catherine Castro, Brian Teodosio (Scholarship recipient), Tae Oh Christopher Duenas, and Marcos Fong
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The Guam Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the selection of Brian Andrew Teodosio as the Guam Chamber of Commerce Dave J. Santos Scholarship Recipient for the Spring 2025 semester at the University of Guam (UOG).
Brian is a Junior majoring in Business Administration. In addition to the $1,000.00 tuition assistance for the semester, he will also serve as an intern at the Guam Chamber Office.
"We are thrilled to welcome Brian to our team, as his enthusiasm and commitment to excellence aligns with our mission," said Catherine Castro, President. "This internship represents a significant opportunity for Brian to gain hands-on experience while cultivating invaluable relationships with industry leaders. I have no doubt that the skills he acquires and the connections he forges here will pave the way for a successful career in the business world," Castro continued, highlighting the pivotal role of mentorship within the Chamber.
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This scholarship is sponsored and funded by the members of the Guam Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the achievements of the late Dave J. Santos, an entrepreneur, past Chairman of the Guam Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the 1993 US SBA Small Business Person of the Year. The scholarship is available to undergraduate juniors and seniors enrolled in the University of Guam's School of Business and Public Administration.
The Guam Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit voluntary association of over 400 businesses, professional individuals, and firms united in their desire to improve business and build a better social and economic community in Guam.
Information regarding the Guam Chamber of Commerce Dave J. Santos Scholarship may be obtained by contacting the Guam Chamber of Commerce administrative staff at
671-472-6311/8001 or email info@GuamChamber.com.gu.
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UPCOMING EVENT:
SAVE YOUR SEAT!
General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Your Guam Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the Micronesian Ballroom, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. This month's meeting will feature Mr. Frank Campillo, Health Plan Administrator, Calvo's SelectCare Insurance. He will be providing information, on the state of healthcare in Guam.
Members are encouraged to RSVP by clicking the button below and making advance payments by contacting your Chamber Team to secure your seat, for a swift and smooth entry on the day of the event! Check-in will begin at 11:15 am.
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On Tuesday, February 18th, the Chairman of the Board, Tae Oh, provided oral and written testimony in favor of Bill No. 57-38, which seeks to authorize the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in residential zones. The Chamber testified that the bill will address the current housing shortage, provide affordable housing options, and enhance community living arrangements. Click to view the Chamber's Testimony.
Senator Christopher Duenas has introduced Bill No. 59-38, which seeks to disclose and display the business privilege tax on all receipts, invoices, and sales documents. The bill has not been made available for download at the time of this writing. If this proposal impacts your business, please reach out to Senator Duenas. The Chamber will keep you posted on this proposal as details become available.
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.
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Join us for a day of networking and friendly competition at your Guam Chamber of Commerce 27th Annual Golf Tournament scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2024, at the Onward Talofofo Golf Club. This event is a great opportunity to connect with other business professionals while enjoying a round of golf. Tee off with us for a memorable day on the green, the deadline to register for this event will be on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. More details of this coming event general information & rules, and raffle tickets will be forthcoming, until then, Save your and your team's spot today by clicking the link below!
How can I contribute?
Mixing business with pleasure has been the mode de vie on the course for years! Don't miss out on this super opportunity to get your product in front of business executives of all levels! Donation opportunities can be made in the following ways:
- Hole-In-One Prize
- Contribute Prizes (Raffle Item)
- Contribute Ditty Bag Items (200 ditty bags)
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DEADLINE: February 27th
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
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Guam Business Hall of Fame Past Laureates | |
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2015 Laureate
Carl Peterson
Money Resources, Inc.
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2016 Laureate
Philip Flores
BankPacific
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Guam Chamber 101st Anniversary Gala Celebration
Saturday, May 4, 2024 • Hyatt Regency Guam
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Save the date for the Guam Chamber of Commerce 101st Anniversary Gala Celebration scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, in the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Guam. This milestone event will be a night to remember as we honor our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to the future. Mark your calendars for NASHVILLE LIGHTS, a night of celebration and reflection as we celebrate the significant milestone in our history of the Chamber's 101 years of partnership with the business community in Guam.
Seats, tables, and sponsorships are now available! Click the buttons below!
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Chamber CEO to Washington:
Help Local Economies Grow
An important takeaway from the November elections was that economic growth must be a priority. “No matter whom they voted for, the people signaled to Washington that they want more growth and opportunities for themselves and their families,” U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark wrote in a recent op-ed in USA Today.
Why it matters: Decisions made in Washington ripple through communities, shaping opportunities for businesses and individuals. Our ability to substantially improve Americans’ lives depends on how quickly the overall economy is growing.
- “Washington can help all these communities and have the biggest impact if policymakers do everything in their power to foster growth," Clark wrote.
A key component to economic growth is tax policy. Americans will get hit with a big tax increase unless Congress acts on extending provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire in 2025.
- Some policymakers have expressed support for raising the corporate income tax as part of a tax package. But this would damage America’s global competitiveness.
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This interactive map highlights how higher corporate taxes affect local economies through lost wages for workers, higher prices for families, and lower returns to shareholders.
Be smart: Taxes are one part of a set of sound, pro-growth public policies. Rolling back excessive regulation and helping American businesses compete in the global economy will also help communities thrive.
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The U.S. Chamber launched the Growth and Opportunity Imperative, calling on policymakers to support policies like these to achieve at least 3% annual real economic growth over the next decade.
Dig deeper:
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ALL NEW SEASON
HEADING YOUR WAY!
Season: 4 Episode: 1
Get ready for an exciting new episode of the Chamber Member Spotlight Podcast!
In this all-new season, we are excited to feature The Salt + Light Realty, represented by Shine Walker, Principal Broker and Founder, for episode 1! Shine’s innovative approach to real estate and her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction set her apart in the industry. As we dive into the episode, prepare to be inspired by her journey, insights, and the impact she’s making in the community. Join us as we explore the world of real estate through Shine's unique lens, showcasing the values of integrity and service that define The Salt + Light Realty.
Click your favorite links below to give it a listen!
Youtube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts
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Taking the LEAP Beyond Guam Export Training Conference
Wednesday, March 26, 2024
The Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) and our partners invite you to our upcoming free virtual export training conference, “Taking the LEAP Beyond Guam: Exporting for Businesses," on March 26, 2025 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
This event will provide local small businesses and entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and strategies to export to international markets and connect them to potential export opportunities. The successes of small businesses are vital to the stability of Guam’s economy and the well-being of our people. The conference will include sessions focused on product development, business growth (locally and internationally), and exporting to Japan.
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STEP Forward Guam!
Export Readiness Program - 2025 Guam STEP Training Webinars
STEP Forward Guam and 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 training sessions.
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Help Shape the 2025 Apprenticeship Forum and GRAP Tax Incentives
SURVEY
We are reaching out to invite you to provide valuable input for our upcoming Apprenticeship Forum. The Guam Department of Labor is planning to host this FREE one-day event on April 30, 2025(location TBA), which will feature a diverse group of panelists and experts who will share their experiences with the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program (GRAP).
We understand the challenges businesses are facing and as a part of this Apprenticeship Forum, we want to highlight real solutions and help you learn from businesses that have saved 50% in tax credits through GRAP, all while training new employees and growing their workforce.
We appreciate your time in filling out this survey and we hope this forum is beneficial to you.
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Women In Business
How to Start a Biz with a Little Riz
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Individuals learn everything they will need to get started, including an introduction to business plans, the importance of preparing a business plan, exploring the legal forms of business, and which form is right for the business' needs. Local or federal licensing requirements for the business will also be discussed. You will leave with vital information, resources, and tools that will help you to start and to manage a business. The mystery of starting a business will cease as this training helps entrepreneurs better evaluate their business idea. Register for this upcoming event today, scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
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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!
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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!
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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! | |
Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our Centurion Plus Sponsors! | |
Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our Centurion Sponsor! | |
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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
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