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Greetings!
As we close out the month of September and step into the final quarter of 2026, we have important updates and reminders to share.
Effective October 1, 2026, the Business Privilege Tax (BPT) rate will decrease from 4.5% to 4%. Note that lawmakers have opted to preserve the 5% BPT rate on construction contracts directly related to the military buildup. Members should apply the 4% rate to October transactions when filing in November. We’d like to thank 13 of the 15 elected officials for supporting the retention of the rollback to 4% in the FY2027 Budget Bill, now P.L. 38-136.
With early voting running October 8th – 28th and the General Election on Tuesday, November 3rd, the Chamber will be hosting a full slate of candidate forums. Be sure to talk to your colleagues, family, and friends about attending forums like ours to get to know the candidates seeking your vote. Be informed so you know whom to vote for at the polls in a few short weeks. If you need some guidance on what questions to ask candidates, click here to view our Project Prosperity priorities. Click for more information about the General Election.
Please mark your calendars:
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October 1: GYP Senatorial Forum, featuring Democrat Senatorial Candidates
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October 7: Chamber Gubernatorial Forum
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October 8: GYP Senatorial Forum, featuring Republican Candidates
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October 28: Congressional Forum
We encourage all members to attend and engage directly with the candidates shaping Guam's future. Scroll down to view RSVP links.
Our General Membership Meeting is on Wednesday, September 30th. Have you registered to attend? RDML Joshua Lasky, Commander, Joint Task Force Micronesia, will be our featured speaker. This meeting will also mark the official kickoff of our annual Toys for Tots campaign, held in partnership with U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. Members are urged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the meeting on Wednesday to kickstart this important effort that will directly impact our children most in need this holiday season. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Scroll to reserve your seat today!
I look forward to seeing you soon at one or all of these upcoming events! Enjoy your weekend!
Onward Together,
Catherine Castro
President
| | Upcoming Events | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2026 | | |
SEP 30
General Membership Meeting & Toys for Tots Kick-Off
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa RSVP Required
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OCT 1
GYP Senatorial Forum (Democrats)
Guam Chamber of Commerce
RSVP Required
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OCT 7
Guam Chamber of Commerce Gubernatorial Forum
Dusit Thani Guam Resort
RSVP Required
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September 30
General Membership Meeting
Micronesia Ballroom, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
We are pleased to announce that Rear Admiral Joshua Lasky, Commander, Joint Task Force Micronesia, is our guest speaker for the September 30th membership meeting at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. The reservation link is now open to save your spot at the meeting.
Members are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the meeting to help us begin the holiday season by supporting the annual Toys for Tots campaign.
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Toys for Tots 2026🎁🧸
Tis the Season! We are compiling a list of member companies that wish to serve as drop-off or company collection sites for the annual Toys for Tots campaign. This means your company would be a public drop-off site or a collection site for new, unwrapped toys for children in need this holiday season.
If your company is interested in collecting toys for this worthy cause, we will be happy to get you set up! Our community has always been so giving, and we appreciate any consideration in supporting this year's efforts! Please fill out the form or contact Ella at the Chamber to sign up!
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THANK YOU TO OUR TOY COLLECTION SITES!
These fine establishments have opened their doors to residents and organizations interested in contributing toys for this year's campaign. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of the businesses below during their normal business hours. Thank you!
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BankPacific
(Hagatna)
Coast360 Federal Credit Union
(All branches)
First Hawaiian Bank
(All branches)
Guam Baby Company
Guam Chamber of Commerce
Guam Economic Development Authority
Hotel Nikko Guam
JWS Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Ltd.
Lotte Hotel Guam
Pacific Island Club
Rihga Royal Laguna Guam Resort
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GYP X SBPA
September 23, 2026
The Guam Young Professionals (GYP) was proud to partner with the University of Guam’s School of Business & Public Administration (SBPA) for an engaging afternoon focused on the power of networking and building meaningful professional connections.
A special thank you to our guest speakers, Anthony Quenga of IT&E, Michaela Pangilinan-Gogue of Title Guaranty of Guam, and Stephen Gatewood of Matson Navigation Company Guam for sharing their experiences, insights, and advice with UOG students and young professionals.
We'd like to extend a warm Si Yu'os Ma'ase to our sponsors Bank of Guam, Health City, IT&E, DOCOMO PACIFIC, and BankPacific for being present, connecting with our students, and helping recruit and invest in Guam’s future talent. Your support helps create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of professionals.
Click to view more photos!
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JDTC Life Skills Workshop
The GYP's Be Inspired Subcommittee hosted a life skills workshop on Friday, September 25th, providing tips and pointers on "How to Apply for a Job." Special thanks to the Be Inspired Committee for their support of this worthwhile program! We are seeking more members to provide these all-important life skills workshops throughout the year. There are four categories of workshops: Work or Job-Oriented Skills, Life Skills or Personal Interests, Self-Esteem and Goal-Oriented Skills, and Sports & Health Development-Oriented Skills. Please call the Chamber office or contact Catherine Castro to learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of our at-risk youth.
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Small Business Seminar Recap:
Capital, Customers & Growth
September 24, 2026
The Guam Chamber of Commerce hosted a Small Business Seminar featuring the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA). Members had the opportunity to learn how businesses can access the capital, customers, and resources needed to grow and succeed. It highlighted practical opportunities to secure funding, expand market reach, and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
Click to view more photos!
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Guam Chamber of Commerce Gubernatorial Forum
October 7, 2026
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The Guam Chamber of Commerce will host its Gubernatorial Forum on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Dusit Thani Guam Resort.
We highly encourage our members to attend this important event and hear directly from the gubernatorial candidates as they share their perspectives, priorities, and vision for Guam.
Registration is now open! Members are encouraged to reserve their seats early. To register, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Chamber team or click the link below to secure your seat. We look forward to seeing you at the forum!
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GYP Senatorial Forum Series & Mixer
October 1st & October 8th
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Join The Guam Young Professionals for their Senatorial Forum Series & Mixer event on Thursday, October 1st and October 8th held at the Guam Chamber of Commerce. This is your opportunity to meet and hear directly from the candidates advancing to the General Election.
📅 Thursday October 1st & October 8th
🕣 3:30pm Forum / 5:30pm Mixer
📍 Guam Chamber of Commerce
💵 $20 GYP Members / $40 Future GYP Members
Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more updates on these exciting events. We look forward to your participation and support!
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The Road Trip for Free Enterprise
The Free Enterprise Express is rolling. The U.S. Chamber launched the Opportunity Tour on Friday, September 18. Partnering with state and local chambers, the national road trip will make the case that free enterprise is the most powerful force for expanding opportunity.
Why it matters: People in communities across the country are feeling squeezed by rising costs for groceries, daily goods, and utilities. We cannot ignore the real and pressing economic challenges Americans face.
- We know that free enterprise has dramatically improved the quality of life. We have more cures, more conveniences, and more choices than we have ever had. Free enterprise is what makes economic growth possible—and growth is what raises people’s living standards.
- There is growing opposition to free markets on the far left and far right. The Democratic Socialists of America for example, argue that free enterprise is the problem and that wealth redistribution, government ownership, and greater political control over businesses are the answer.
- The Opportunity Tour is part of the New Fight for Free Enterprise—the U.S. Chamber's long-term initiative to organize, mobilize, and make the case for free enterprise.
Our take: "The best argument for free enterprise is the one people can see for themselves: a new job, a growing business, a breakthrough innovation, a stronger community, and a better quality of life,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. "As other economic ideas gain traction, business leaders have a responsibility to demonstrate what's at stake and why free enterprise remains the best pathway to opportunity and prosperity.”
Where we're going: The Opportunity Tour will visit businesses, engage students about tomorrow's jobs, and spotlight pro-growth candidates in communities across the country—reminding Americans that while free enterprise is not perfect, it is the best system at improving itself and delivering progress people can see in their own lives.
| | Agriculture Innovation Center (AIC) Program - Notice of Funding Opportunity | |
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS, Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces acceptance of applications under the Agriculture Innovation Center Demonstration (AIC) program for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
These grant funds will be made to qualified type of applicants to operate Centers that will provide technical assistance to Agricultural Producers who want to develop and/or market Value-Added Agricultural Products. This program has approximately $2.5 million available for FY 2026. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
| | 2026 Guam State Trade Expansion Program (Guam STEP) | |
The Guam Economic Development Authority is now accepting applications for the 2026 Guam State Trade Expansion Program (Guam STEP).
Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Guam STEP is intended to assist eligible small businesses in entering and succeeding in the international marketplace. The program’s objectives are to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to increase the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting.
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Manila FAME 2026
October 15-17, 2026
The Philippine Consulate General in Guam is sharing an invitation from the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry – Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM) for interested businesses to participate in Manila FAME 2026, the Philippines’ premier design and lifestyle expo.
Taking place October 15–17, 2026, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Manila, this year’s edition, “BLOOM,” is expected to feature nearly 400 exhibitors and more than 2,000 products across home décor and furnishings, furniture, gifts and holiday décor, fashion, accessories, and contemporary lifestyle goods.
Guam Chamber members interested in exploring opportunities to participate or connect with exhibitors and businesses at the international trade expo are encouraged to review the promotional materials provided by the Philippine Consulate General in Guam.
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Strides for the Cure
October 3rd
Join Strides for the Cure on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 for a sunrise run to kick-start Breast Cancer Awareness Month! All proceeds made from Strides for the Cure will go directly into funding our Kids for the Cure cancer education and physical fitness program.
Kids for the Cure is a program that targets elementary school children grades 3rd-5th grade. The goal is to help children foster cancer awareness and the importance of leading healthy lifestyle habits into their adolescent and young adulthood years. We believe by developing healthy lifestyle habits at a young age is a key deterrence to cancer in future.
Registration Details Here.
Interested in volunteering?? Give us a call at 671-969-2223 or email us at: strides@guamcancercare.org
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Walk Different: Every Step Matters
October 10, 2026
Off The Spectrum, a Guam-based organization dedicated to promoting autism awareness and inclusion, invites the community to participate in Walk Different: Every Step Matters, a length-of-the-island walk taking place on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The walk will begin at midnight near the front of Andersen Air Force Base and continue south to Malesso Pier, bringing together participants to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and support individuals and families affected by autism.
The entire journey will be live-streamed, giving supporters near and far an opportunity to follow the walk, share the message, and contribute through online donations. A majority of the proceeds will benefit Autism Community Together (ACT), a local nonprofit organization supporting Guam’s autism community.
For more information, contact 671-777-8188 | egucafeguam@gmail.com
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Special Olympics Guam 50th Anniversary
October 10, 2026
Help celebrate Special Olympics Guam’s 50th Anniversary at a special Michael Jackson “Smooth Criminal”-inspired Wine Dinner on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Capitol Kitchen.
Presented by iCare4 Signature Events, the evening will feature a plated five-course dinner with paired wines, live entertainment, dancing, and an opportunity to show off your best Michael Jackson-inspired look. Guests are encouraged to dress in gold, black, or white, with a $200 cash prize for the best iconic MJ-inspired outfit.
Corporate tables of 10 are $2,000 and include sponsor recognition. Individual seats are $200.
Please see the attached flyer and solicitation letter for event details and additional ways to participate.
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Zombie Run
October 10th, Leo Palace Resort
The Zombie Run on Guam is an annual Halloween-themed 2K, 5K & 10K sunset fun run and walk organized by the non-profit organization The Children's Ark Inc.
The event raises funds to provide medical, housing, and legal support grants for families with children in need. Contact The Children's Ark Inc for event details.
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GVB Invites Local Businesses to Participate in the 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair
October 23-25, 2026
The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is inviting local artisans, farmers, food vendors, makers, and businesses to participate in the 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair (GMIF), taking place October 23–25, 2026, at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park (Ypao Beach) in Tumon.
This year’s fair, themed “The Tides and Traditions of Micronesia,” will celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, food, arts, and creativity of Guam and Micronesia. GMIF provides local businesses and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their products, connect with thousands of residents and visitors, and highlight Guam’s local talent and cultural heritage.
Vendor categories include CAHA Artists, Produce, Contemporary Arts, Made in Guam/Micronesia, Plants, Food Trucks, and Commercial Vendors. Standard vendors will receive a 10-foot-by-10-foot canopied booth, while food trucks must be fully self-contained and hold a valid peddler’s license.
Vendor applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Booth setup is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
EVENT DETAILS
What: 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair
When: October 23–25, 2026
Where: Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park (Ypao Beach), Tumon
Theme: “The Tides and Traditions of Micronesia”
Local businesses and vendors interested in participating can review the requirements and submit an application through the GMIF Vendor Application.
For event updates and additional information, visit GVB’s Guam Micronesia Island Fair page.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Guam International Dance Festival
December 4-5, & 6th
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The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) invites dancers, studios, and teams to register for the 2026 Guam International Dance Festival (GIDF), happening December 4–6, 2026.
Following its successful debut in 2025, GIDF will bring together local, regional, and international performers for a celebration of dance and culture. The festival will feature three competition divisions: International Folk Dance, Open Cultural Dance, and Contemporary & Street Dance.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Space is limited, and applications are subject to review. Participants are encouraged to review the official competition rules and festival guidelines before registering.
Register for GIDF 2026
Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities may contact Brandon Moylan at (671) 646-5278 or brandon.moylan@visitguam.org.
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