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Greetings!,
Be sure to mark your calendars for this month's general membership meeting featuring Guam's Public Auditor, Benjamin Cruz. He will be speaking about the recently released 2024 Government of Guam financial audit and compliance reports, which were over 300 days delayed. It is sure to be an interesting meeting.
The ESGR is interested in hearing from the business community. They have prepared a brief five-question survey. Your responses will be very helpful in their upcoming meeting with senior leadership and community partners. Your perspective and insights would be greatly appreciated. Scroll down to learn more and take the survey.
I am finding that May is turning out to be an extremely busy month. I hope that, in between all the various scheduled activities, you have had some time to visit a new small business for your purchasing and dining experiences. Our local businesses can use the boost, and I'm sure that you would be pleasantly surprised to find great products and services available right here at home.
As always, it's a pleasure to see you and hear from you. If you have thoughts or concerns that you would like to bring to the Chamber's attention, please reach out via email or come visit us at the Chamber office in beautiful downtown Hagåtña.
Have a great weekend - I look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Onward together,
Catherine Castro
President
| | Upcoming Events | MAY 2026 | | |
MAY 27
General Membership Meeting
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa


RSVP Required
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MAY 28
AFC's A Conversation with J9
Guam Chamber Office
RSVP Required
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JUNE 24
Gubernatorial Forum I: Featuring Republican Candidates
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa

RSVP Required
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GYP General Membership Meeting
The Guam Young Professionals hosted its General Membership Meeting, Entrepreneurs: Local Success Stories on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Guam Chamber of Commerce office. The event featured local entrepreneurs Barbie Agahan and Frank "The Crank" Camacho, who shared inspiring journeys of starting from the ground up building successful businesses through hard work, determination, and perseverance.
Members had the opportunity to hear about their experiences, engage in meaningful discussions, and ask several questions throughout the session.
Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the Guam Young Professionals General Membership Meeting. We look forward to connecting with you again soon!
View Photos Here
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Wednesday May 27th
General Membership Meeting
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
The Chamber's General Membership Meeting this month will feature Benjamin JF Cruz, Guam Public Auditor. Be sure to save your seats now, you won't want to miss this meeting.
RSVP Today!
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NEW DATE!
AFC Presents: A Conversation with J9
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The AFC invites its members to A Conversation with J9. Members will meet MWR representatives to learn more about opportunities in dining, hospitality, recreation & fitness. Members will also meet representatives to learn about Child & Youth Programs, Family Services, Contracting and Procurement, and Marketing and Commercial Sponsorship. We can't wait to see you - RSVP Today!
This is an AFC member exclusive event.
| | | The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Survey | | |
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Guam-CNMI Committee is preparing for an upcoming meeting with senior leadership from the region's Reserve Components and community partners. The goal of this gathering is to strengthen relationships between Reserve Component leadership and the civilian community, fostering meaningful collaboration and mutual understanding.
To help ensure this meeting is as productive as possible, we kindly ask that you take a few moments to complete a brief five (5) question survey.
We encourage all community partners to participate - even if your organization does not currently employ Guardsmen or Reservists. Every perspective matters, and your feedback is both valued and appreciated.

Please submit your completed survey no later than May 31, 2026.
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NEW DATE!
Guam Chamber's 102nd Anniversary Gala Celebration
Saturday, September 12, 2026 • Dusit Thani Resort Guam
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We invite you all to join us as we celebrate the Guam Chamber of Commerce's 102nd Anniversary Gala Celebration on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Dusit Thani Resort Guam. This special evening marks an important milestone as we honor Members celebrating milestone anniversaries and the Chamber's 102 years of service, leadership, and commitment to Guam's business community, recognizing both the achievements of the past and the vision of the present.
This annual event is marked by a special VIP reception for Member anniversary recipients, a delectable five-course meal, entertainment, milestone recognition, and two distinct after-party opportunities. One that keeps the party going and the other that offers whiskey and karaoke! Both events will feature specialty food and drinks to enhance the night!
Mark your calendars for a memorable night of honors, celebration, and connection as we also commemorate America's 250th Anniversary with an evening dedicated to history, progress, and community spirit.
Table registration and sponsorship opportunities are still available! Contact the Chamber Team for more information. 
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
American Oxygen Sponsor
First Hawaiian Bank
God Bless the U.S.A Sponsor
Marianas Energy Company
Party in the USA Sponsor
Bank of Guam
America the Beautiful Sponsor
Vantage Advertising
Living in America Sponsor
Ada's trust & Investment, Inc.
American Honey Sponsor
P.H.R. Ken Micronesia, Inc. dba: Ken Corporation
Made in America Sponsor
Coast360 Federal Credit Union, Bank of Hawaii, Fedex, Sanford Technology Group LLC
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GEDA Announces $300,000 available through the Qualifying Certificate
Community Contribution (QCCC) Grant Program, Series 8
The Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) has launched its Qualifying Certificate Community Contribution (QCCC) Grant Program Series 8, offering significant opportunity for non-profit organizations and Government of Guam departments or agencies to secure vital funding for community-focused initiatives.
Since its inception under the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio administration in November 2019, more than 140 QCCC Grants in excess of $2.4 million have been awarded to community projects and individuals. Series 8 continues this mission, ensuring that the benefits of economic incentives are felt directly by the community.
Under Series 8, eligible applicants can receive grants of up to $25,000. These funds, made possible through community contributions from the Guam Regional Medical City (GMRC), are dedicated to supporting critical community projects and operational needs that fall into one of the five (5) categories: (1) Healthcare, (2) Public Safety, (3) Economic Development, (4) Higher Education, and (5) Cultural Preservation.
The grant application period closes on Thursday, June 11, 2026. GEDA is accepting grant applications via email at qcgrants@investguam.com. For more information on the QCCC Community Contribution Grant Program, visit the GEDA website at www.investguam.com/qc-grants , contact our Grant Coordinator at qcgrants@investguam.com , or contact (671) 647-4332.
| SBA Announces New $50 Million Grant Opportunity to Support Made in America Manufacturing, Workforce Training | |
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced a new $50 million grant opportunity aimed at strenghtening Made in America manufacturing and expanding workforce training initatives. This funding opportunity is designed to support small businesses, enhance workforce development programs, and promote long-term economic growth through domestic manufacturing efforts.
We encourage members and interested businesses to review the fill announcement and learn more about eligibilty requirements, application details, and program ooportunities through the link provided below.
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Guam Industry Forum 2026
July 28-30, 2026 at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort
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The 2026 Society of American Military Engineers (S.A.M.E.) Guam Post Industry Forum, themed “Delivering Indo Readiness: Integrating Infrastructure, Innovation, and Industry Capacity,” serves as a premier platform bringing together senior leaders from defense, government, and industry. The forum aims to help inform and shape the next decade of growth across Guam and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Click the flyer for more information!
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U.S. Medical Innovation’s $25 Trillion Life Saving Miracle
Decades of U.S. medical innovation have cut breast cancer deaths by 44% and generated $25 trillion in health and economic value, according to a U.S. Chamber report. But proposed foreign price controls risk undermining the research pipeline that made these gains possible.
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Why it matters: Medical advances translate to real lives: mothers, workers, and neighbors who survived because American innovation delivered.
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Be smart:
- In the early 1990s, the odds of a woman dying from breast cancer were nearly double what they are now. Thanks to breakthroughs in medical innovation, today, the overall five-year survival is about 91%.
- Longer lives contribute an estimated $25 trillion in health and economic value over 30 years, including through greater economic productivity.
Big picture: Adopting policies like a "Most Favored Nation" rule to cap U.S. prices based on the prices paid abroad would dry up the funding that makes the next breakthrough possible.
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Bottom line: Supporting medical innovation means supporting our moms, sisters, friends, and co-workers. Preserving market-based incentives and strong intellectual property rights is how we keep winning against diseases and improve people’s lives.
READ MORE HERE
Defending America's Founding Principles
For nearly five decades, the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center has defended free enterprise and the values of America’s founding in the courts. As America approaches its 250th birthday, the Litigation Center is publishing a series that connects grievances from the Declaration of Independence with amicus briefs and regulatory lawsuits it has filed to advance America’s founding principles.
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Why it matters: From separation of powers to due process, from the right to petition to the protection of international trade, the Declaration’s grievances are not dusty abstractions—they highlight foundational principles that demand vigilant defense.
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Bottom line: The U.S. Chamber remains committed to the proposition that government power must be bounded by law, that individuals and enterprises deserve fair and impartial justice, and that no regulatory body should wield unchecked authority.
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Dig deeper:
Defending Democracy: Championing the Right to Political Participation
Fighting Extraterritorial Government Overreach
READ MORE HERE
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Sylvan Learning 2026 Camps for Summer Break

Sylvan Learning Center's Summer Break Camps have arrived! This year's camps offer students engaging and educational activities designed to keep young minds active throughout the summer. Click on the flyer for more information!
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2026 Spring Semester Demonstration
Saturday, May 16, 2026
The Guam Conservatory of Arts Studio Demonstration invites the community to its upcoming Studio Demonstration. An intimate showcase focused not on sparkly costumes, overhead spotlights, or expensive loge seating, but on clean technique and beautiful artistry. This special performance highlights the dedication and talent of its students in a simple and meaningful presentation of the arts.
This event is free to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 for children and $20 for adults. Complimentary food and desserts will be served following the performance. Please see the link below to RSVP your attendance.
RSVP Here!
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REGISTER TO VOTE!
If you would like to vote but are not registered, you can register online at the Guam Election Commission's website. You will need either a valid Guam Driver's License or a Guam identification card to register electronically. Click here to register to vote.
Dates to remember:

Guam Primary Election: Saturday, August 1, 2026 [Polls open: 7 am - 8 pm]
General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 [Polls open: 7 am - 8 pm]
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Dusit Thani Guam Resort announces its Summer Series:
The Art of Summer
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The Dusit Thani Guam Resort & Spa has announced the launch of their Summer Series: The Art of Summer. The series will feature Sip & Paint Sundays, Live Art Wednesdays, and a seasonal Pop-Up Gallery by Guam-based artist Michelle Pier.
Click the flyer for more information.
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HĂ…GAT MANGO FESTIVAL SUNSET 2K/5K RUN/WALK
17th Annual Hågat Mango Festival
Saturday, May 16, 2026
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The HĂĄgat Mango Festival is adding an active twist to this year's celebration with a 2K/5K Run/Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. Community members, families and friends are invited to take part in this fun event!
Participant BIBS are ready for pick-up at the Mayor's Office. Please bring your paid ONLINE receipt or you can pay with cash or check here at the office.
For more information click the flyer.
Click here for online registration.
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3rd Annual Child Abuse Prevention & Foster Care Month
SuperHero 2K/5K Run/Walk/Fly
May 31, 2026
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The Division of Children’s Wellness (DCW) invites you to the 3rd Annual SUPERHERO 2K/5K Family Fun Run/Walk/Fly on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at CHamoru Village. The race kicks off at 6:00 AM. Bring your family, don your capes, and help champion the safety and well-being of our children as we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and Foster Care Month.
We’re seeking your support through monetary or in-kind donations. Examples of in-kind donations include carnival prizes, water, juice, sandwiches, fruit, raffle prizes, and other family-friendly items. Monetary sponsorships are available at the following tiers:
- Silver Sponsor: $1,000
- Gold Sponsor: $2,500
- Platinum Sponsor: $10,000+
All monetary donations will directly support event needs, including bibs, shirts, towels, banners, and water stations. Remaining proceeds will fund critical programs and resources, including:
- Necessities for children in foster care shelters
- Prevention programs that strengthen families and reduce the risk of abuse
- Emergency support and resources for children in foster care
- Training and support for foster parents and caregivers
- Counseling and healing services for children impacted by abuse or neglect
- Community education, outreach, and advocacy to promote child safety and well-being

Please make checks payable to: Department of Public Health and Social Services Employee Association.

To donate, sponsor, or request more information, contact:
- JoeLyn Borja — (671) 488-3333 | JoeLyn.Borja@dphss.guam.gov
- Aleandra Sablan — (671) 475-2653/72 | Aleandra.Sablan@dphss.guam.gov
- Michelle Bengco — (671) 686-6795 | Michelle.Bengco@dphss.guam.gov
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