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Greetings!
The Guam Chamber is planning two Gubernatorial Forums in June, and the GYP is planning a series of Senatorial Forums in September. We want to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts on what you expect out of your gubernatorial and senatorial candidates. What questions would you ask, or what issues are top of mind for you. Your comments will help us shape questions for the upcoming forums. Click this link to add your thoughts and recommendations. We appreciate your support!
Be sure to share the forum dates with your colleagues and associates as the events are meant to help you learn more about the candidates and their platforms - and to encourage you to go out and vote! If you know of anyone who is eligible to vote but is not registered, direct them to the Guam Election Commission website or share the links we have posted in this newsletter below.
The AFC will be hosting its first General Membership Meeting of the year. Scroll down for more information about the event.
I look forward to seeing you at a Chamber event soon! Until then, have an enjoyable weekend!
Onward together,
Catherine Castro
President
| | Upcoming Events | MAY 2026 | | |
JUN 4
AFC General Membership Meeting
Dusit Thani Resort Beach
RSVP Required
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JUN 24
Gubernatorial Forum I: Featuring Republican Candidates
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
RSVP Required
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JUNE 25
Gubernatorial Forum II: Featuring Democrat Candidates
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
RSVP Required
| | General Membership Meeting Recap | | |
The Chamber held its General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, May 27th at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, which featured Benjamin JF Cruz, Guam Public Auditor of the Office of Public Accountability. Mr. Cruz discussed the challenges of producing GovGuam audits and compliance reports, and Chamber members had the opportunity to discuss concerns, specifically regarding accountability and enforcement.
Special thanks to the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa for hosting another outstanding event!
Be sure to sign up for next month's meeting, which will feature two days of forums showcasing the gubernatorial candidates.
View More Photos Here!
| | Welcome to Our New Member! | |
AFC Presents: A Conversation with J9
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The Armed Forces Committee held its “Conversation with J9” event on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Guam Chamber Office in Hagåtña. Members had the opportunity to meet with MWR representatives and learn more about the important work they do to support services members, military families, and the community.
Attendees received valuable information about the wide range of programs, services, and resources MWR offers, as well as the impact these programs have on the quality of life of our military community.
The event provided an engaging and informative environment where members participated in open discussions, asked questions, and connected with new people. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a meaningful and engaging event!
View more photos here
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AFC General Membership Meeting
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Fort San Jose, Dusit Beach Resort
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Your Armed Forces Committee General Membership Meeting
is scheduled for Thursday, June 4th, at the Fort San Jose Room (Mezzanine Level), Dusit Beach Resort Guam from 12 Noon - 1:30 p.m. This meeting will feature Executive Director, SES Mark A. Hashimoto, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC).
This event is open for registration to AFC members only.
Please register and pre-pay to secure your seat as there is
limited seating available. RSVP is based on a first-come-first-served basis.
This meeting is not open to the media.
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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
| | SBA's Patriot Pitch Competition is now open! Submit your business pitch for your share of $1M | |
Do you have a small business that’s driving innovation, shaking up your industry, and helping build America's economic future?
The U.S. Small Business Administration just launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a nationwide celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise.
Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool donated by Clover, the competition is open to eligible small businesses that have used qualifying SBA capital products.
The competition will progress through four stages of judging. Submissions will be evaluated on how your business:
- Strengthens American competitiveness.
- Innovates and makes an outsized impact on your industry.
- Delivers economic opportunities and quality jobs.
- Demonstrates strong fundamentals and execution readiness.
It all culminates this September in Washington, D.C., with a massive, live one-day finals event. The top finalists will pitch live before a panel of judges and a national audience. The event will also feature a supplier matchmaking expo, prominent guest speakers, and networking opportunities with major investors and industry leaders.
Submit Your Pitch Here!
The deadline to apply is June 10.
| 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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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.
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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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Majority of Small Businesses Feel Disaster-Ready. Only a Third Have a Plan.
Research released at the U.S. Chamber Foundation's Building Resilience conference earlier this month revealed a disconnect in how small businesses think about disaster readiness. Nearly all small businesses believe they could survive a disaster, but fewer than one in three have a plan in place.
Why it matters: Small businesses employ nearly half the private-sector workforce. When they are impacted, communities see slower recovery. Strengthening small businesses’ ability to withstand disasters is essential for more resilient communities.
What they said: "Optimism is powerful… but you can't cash it to make payroll or replace equipment. Preparedness is what keeps you in business,” said Mario Jaramillo, founder of The Robot Agency, in Houston, TX.
What we’re doing: The U.S. Chamber Foundation's Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) program, a multi-year initiative offered in partnership with Verizon, founding sponsor FedEx, and additional support from Fiserv and MetLife, helps small businesses access preparedness tools and recovery grants in the event of a disaster. READ MORE
The Case for More Energy
Energy demand is surging. Building more infrastructure is needed.
To meet rising energy demand, America must permit faster, build smarter, and innovate. Marty Durbin, President of the Chamber's Global Energy Institute, opened the Energy Future Forum—hosted by the U.S. Chamber in partnership with RealClear and the National Center for Energy Analytics with a one-word summary of the event: "More." More electrons. Quicker permitting. Greater urgency.
Why it matters: Rising energy costs impact families and businesses. Without more energy infrastructure investment, families will continue to feel the financial pinch, and businesses of all sizes will lose ground to foreign competitors.
What they said: The forum drew a who's who of energy, technology, and business leaders, including CEOs from across sectors. Among the highlights:
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FERC Commissioner David Rosner cut to the chase: "The number one way to increase energy affordability is to build more infrastructure."
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Daniel Yergin, Vice-Chairman of S&P Global, made the case for expanding America's total energy supply—adding more of everything—so the country is less vulnerable to price spikes, supply disruptions, and geopolitical shocks.
What we're doing: The U.S. Chamber is urging Congress to pass lasting, bipartisan permitting reform that cuts red tape, improves transparency, and gives companies the certainty they need to build, grow, and prosper. 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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PITI SEA FESTIVAL
MAY 30 & 31
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PAPAYA BLOCK PARTY
JUNE 13 & 14
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