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Greetings!
For many, this weekend marks many things that keep our lives active and engaged: graduations, promotions, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, fiestas, and more. It is also Memorial Day weekend. It's not just another three-day weekend and an excuse to have a picnic or a day at the beach. It is a day of remembrance to honor those men and women who gave their lives for liberty, justice, and freedom so we may have the opportunities to work, create, and prosper. These folks were not anonymous individuals. They were somebody: a father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife; they were friends, family, and neighbors who made extraordinary sacrifices for our nation. It is an honor to take a few minutes this Memorial Day, May 25th, to honor them and lift up a silent thank you for their ultimate sacrifice.
Save the date for June 4, 2026, as the Armed Forces Committee (AFC) hosts its first General Membership Meeting of the year featuring SES Mr. Mark Hashimoto, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. He will be on Guam for a very brief visit, and we are honored that he has agreed to speak with the AFC. This event is open exclusively to AFC members. If you are interested in learning more about the AFC, please reach out to the Chamber Team or Committee Chairman Phil Santos or Vice Chair Stephen Gatewood.
When was the last time you attended a Chamber meeting or activity? I hope that you will consider joining us next Wednesday at our general membership meeting on May 28th. If it's been a while, and you are curious to see what Chamber events are like (they are actually quite fun and engaging!). Visit our Flickr page to browse photos and videos from our recent activities, celebrations, networking mixers, and more! It's a great way to relive the memories and stay connected with everything happening in the Chamber community. Check out our Flickr album here!
I look forward to catching up with you, in person, soon!
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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Governance at a Crossroads: Economic Strategy, Cultural Stewardship and Technological Readiness
The Chamber would like to extend a warm Si Yu'os Ma'ase and much appreciation to Past Chairman Ernie Galito for representing the Guam Chamber at the Saturday, May 9th University of Guam School of Business & Public Administration's panel discussion on Economic Growth, Public-Private Partnerships, & Long Term Governance under the Guam Organic Act. The session explored how administrative agencies, interagency coordination, and federal-territorial oversight shape sustainable development outcomes while safeguarding public interests.
The event was hosted by the PA-540-01 Administrative Law class and featured two panels of distinguished speakers from within the public and private sectors.
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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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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.
SAVE THE DATE!
AFC General Membership Meeting
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Featuring: SES Mr. Mark Hashimoto
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific
Details are forthcoming!
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TAKE THE SURVEY
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
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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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Guam Chamber's 102nd Anniversary Gala Celebration
Saturday, September 12, 2026 • Dusit Thani Resort Guam
RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!
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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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Location Matters
Electricity costs vary widely by state - learn why
The U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute has released an interactive electricity price map, and the numbers tell a clear story: Driven by public policies in several key states, Americans are now paying a national average of 13.63¢/kWh—22% more than five years ago, according to 2025 EIA data—and where you live determines the hit on your wallet.
By the numbers:
- California: 27.63¢/kWh. Up 54% in five years.
- Maine: 22.81¢/kWh. Up 62% in five years.
- Rhode Island: 25.86¢/kWh. Up 39% in five years.
- North Dakota: one of the only states where electricity costs fell over five years.
Why it matters: Higher electricity costs hit families and businesses directly. For households, it's a monthly budget line that can’t be ignored. For companies, energy is a core input cost, and high-cost states are making themselves less competitive for investment and growth.
What needs to happen: Policymakers need to get serious about building critical infrastructure—transmission lines, pipelines, and generation plants—and cutting through the permitting red tape that stalls progress. States with all-of-the-above energy strategies are holding costs down. The ones blocking infrastructure are passing the bill to ratepayers. READ MORE
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Guam National Heritage Area
Feasibility Study Newsletter
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The Guam National Heritage Area Study is currently underway to explore and document Guam's rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage.
This important initiative seeks community input and support to help preserve and celebrate the island's unique stories, traditions, and historic sites for future generations.
We encourage our members and community partners to learn more about the study and participate in upcoming outreach opportunities.
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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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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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Hågat Mango Festival
MAY 22, 23 & 24
| The Hågat Mango Festival invites all family and friends to come together for a weekend of fun, culture, food, and entertainment as well as community celebration! Please see the flyer below for more information and the full event schedule. | | | |
PITI SEA FESTIVAL
MAY 30 & 31
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PAPAYA BLOCK PARTY
JUNE 13 & 14
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