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Greetings!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Wednesday, September 30th, for our General Membership Meeting featuring Rear Admiral Joshua Lasky, Commander of Joint Task Force Micronesia. It was a full house! RDML Lasky shared updates on JTF-Micronesia's activities and what members can expect from the military presence on Guam in the years ahead. We are grateful to RDML Lasky for his candor and for his continued partnership with our business community.
We are proud to launch the annual Toys for Tots campaign in partnership with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, now in its 17th year of bringing joy to children each Christmas season. Through the generosity of our residents & businesses, children from Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan will receive a gift this holiday. Collection began October 1st and continues through the first week of December.
On October 1st, the Guam Young Professionals (GYP) held the first of two YouDecide Senatorial Forums, featuring Democratic candidates. The crowd heard from seven of the 15 invited candidates. We thank those who made time to engage directly with our emerging leaders, and we commend GYP's leadership and volunteers for creating such a valuable platform for civic engagement. As always, this acknowledgment recognizes participation and is not an endorsement of any candidate. Read our full release here.
Don't miss the following opportunities to hear directly from the candidates before heading to the polls. Early voting begins on October 8th and ends on the 28th.
- Wednesday, October 7: Chamber Gubernatorial Forum, Dusit Thani Guam Resort
- October 8: GYP YouDecide Forum with Republican senatorial candidates, followed by a mixer
- Wednesday, October 28: Chamber Congressional Forum, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
Scroll down for links to reserve your space at each event, as seats are limited.
It's been a wet and windy few days, and this weather promises to continue into the weekend. I hope that your plans keep you indoors enjoying hot beverages, warm meals, and cozy company. I look forward to seeing you at a Chamber event very soon!
Onward Together,
Catherine Castro
President
| | Upcoming Events | OCTOBER 2026 | | |
OCT 7
Guam Chamber of Commerce Gubernatorial Forum
Dusit Thani Guam Resort
RSVP Required
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OCT 8
GYP Senatorial Forum featuring Republican Candidates
Guam Chamber of Commerce
RSVP Required
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OCT 13
Maritime Affairs Committee Meeting
Guam Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
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CHAMBER BOARD ELECTIONS
November 2026
The Guam Chamber is having its own Board Elections scheduled in November. This year's Nominating Committee, led by Director Mark Sablan, is seeking individuals from within the Chamber membership to consider serving on the Chamber Board. Chamber Board of Directors is made up of a body of diverse individuals from various industries elected by the membership who are responsible for governing the organization and setting the strategic direction of the Chamber. In this capacity, the Board shall formulate and review various policies, proposed actions, programs, and projects that serve the best interests of the Chamber and the business community. Members interested in working on this dynamic board are encouraged to reach out to members of the Nominating Committee: Mark Sablan, Kim Anderson Young, Gaby Bamba, Phil Santos & Liz Duenas.
Members & the Chamber Voting Process
All members must be current with their dues up to the third quarter of this year in order to be eligible to participate in this year's board election process, which will be virtual. All virtual ballots will be emailed to one representative (the most senior executive, unless otherwise directed by that executive) per voting member company seven days before the Annual Meeting on November 18th.
Members can provide a proxy letter assigning their voting designation to another member or a company representative. If there are questions regarding any proxy assignments, please contact Ella at the Guam Chamber.
If you are unaware of the representative who is eligible to vote on behalf of your company, please don't hesitate to call or email your Guam Chamber office. There will be more details about the election and the candidates in the weeks to come.
| | General Membership Meeting Recap | | |
The Guam Chamber of Commerce held its General Membership Meeting at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Si Yu’os Ma’åse’ to our featured guest speaker, Rear Admiral Joshua Lasky, Commander of Joint Task Force-Micronesia, for an informative and engaging presentation.
We are excited to announce the launch of the 2026 Toys for Tots Campaign in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps. We invite you to join us in bringing cheer to many faces this year! Boxes are now available for pickup at the Chamber Office in Hågatña. Contact the Chamber team to participate. View more photos here!
General Membership Meeting Media Coverage:
Pacific Daily News
KUAM
Guam Daily Post
"Win for Guam"
| | Toys for Tots 2026 Kick-off | | View RDML Joshua Lasky's Talk | | |
Welcome to Our New Members!
We are pleased to welcome our newest members to our Chamber community!
We encourage you to extend a warm welcome by visiting their websites, reaching out directly, or introducing yourself in person. These meaningful connections help foster collaboration and support the continued growth and vitality of our Chamber and our island economy.
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SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 22nd
Brews at the Bank Mixer
Looking for a great opportunity to connect with local professionals and build valuable business relationships? Join us at the upcoming networking mixer at BankPacific in Hagåtña on October 22nd from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Special thanks to BankPacific and Ambros, Inc. for co-hosting what is sure to be a fangtastic event!
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GYP Senatorial Forum Series & Mixer
October 1, 2026 Recap
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The Guam Young Professionals (GYP) hosted its “You Decide” Legislative Forum & Mixer, bringing together Democratic candidates and young professionals for an evening of civic engagement and discussion at the Guam Chamber of Commerce Office in Hagåtña.
We thank the participating candidates, Chamber members, GYP participants, sponsors, and everyone who helped make the event a meaningful and successful evening.
GYP will continue the conversation with the Republican Candidates Forum & Mixer on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 3:30–7:00 p.m. at the Guam Chamber of Commerce Office in Hagåtña. Save your seat today, as slots are filling up!
Click here to view more photos
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KUAM NEWS
Guam Young Professionals hosting senatorial forum
| | What issues are on Young Professionals minds as we consider candidates this election season? | | |
KUAM NEWS
The Hub - Choose: Define What's Next - Young People's Voter Summit
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GYP Senatorial Forum Series & Mixer
Thursday, October 8th
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Join The Guam Young Professionals for their Senatorial Forum Series & Mixer event on Thursday, 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 8th
🕣 3:30 pm Forum / 5:30 pm Mixer
📍 Guam Chamber of Commerce
💵 $20 GYP Members / $40 Future GYP Members (Non-members, please call the Chamber Office to register at (671) 472- 6311).
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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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.
Need gift ideas? View our gift guide here!
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Bank of Hawaii
BankPacific
(Hagatna)
Burger King
(Hagatna & Tumon)
Coast360 Federal Credit Union
(All branches)
Docomo HQ
GTA
Guam Baby Company
Guam Chamber of Commerce
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Guam Economic Development Authority
Hotel Nikko Guam
JWS Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Ltd.
Lotte Hotel Guam
Pacific Island Club
PinPoint
Rhiga Royal Laguna Guam Resort
Security Title
Title Guaranty
Triple B Forwarders
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Gubernatorial Forum
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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 RSVP button to secure your seat. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Congressional Forum
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Secure your seat today for the Guam Chamber of Commerce Congressional Forum on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa!
This is your opportunity to connect directly with congressional candidates and hear their visions and priorities for the future of Guam.
We strongly encourage all members to join us for this important discussion. Registration is officially open—contact the Chamber team or click the RSVP button to reserve your spot early!
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U.S. Chamber Challenges Hawaii Law Restricting 1st Amendment Rights
The U.S. Chamber filed a lawsuit challenging Hawaii's Act 11, a state law that prohibits corporations, nonprofits, trade associations, and other organizations from participating in speech related to state elections and ballot initiatives.
Why it matters: The U.S. Chamber contends that the law’s sweeping ban on political speech violates longstanding First Amendment protections repeatedly recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court. Act 11 silences not only Hawaii organizations but also organizations formed outside the state, including the U.S. Chamber.
Our take: "The First Amendment does not allow government officials to decide who gets to participate in public debate," said Daryl Joseffer, President, U.S. Chamber Litigation Center. "Hawaii's law would silence businesses, nonprofits, trade associations and countless other organizations simply because lawmakers disagree with who is speaking. The Constitution does not permit government to pick winners and losers in the marketplace of ideas."
Big picture: The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that First Amendment protections extend to corporations and other associations. The Chamber's lawsuit argues that Hawaii's law directly conflicts with decades of settled precedent protecting the right of Americans to join together through organizations to speak on matters of public concern.
Dig deeper: The case is U.S. Chamber v. Lopez and was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii.
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The Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) has extended the submission deadline for the 2026 Guam State Trade Expansion Program (Guam STEP) to 5:00 PM on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Guam STEP is intended to assist eligible small businesses enter and succeed 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.
Guam STEP provides eligible small businesses with comprehensive export training, financial assistance for new to export and/or market expansion activities, and access to international markets.
Guam STEP has several components:
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Export Readiness Program (ERP) - ERP is a training and counseling program to assist eligible small businesses begin or expand their export market development and sales.
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International Marketing Program (IMP) - IMP provides financial assistance to eligible businesses that have completed the Export Readiness Program.
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Trade Promotion Program (TPP) - TPP provides opportunities for eligible businesses that have completed the Export Readiness Program to be selected through a competitive process for their participation in GEDA-hosted trade shows and missions.
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Export Conference - GEDA plans to host an export conference to connect local small businesses with export assistance/education and potential export activities.
Previous STEP participants interested in the new cycle must submit a new application.
Background information and the application forms are attached for your convenience. For more information about the program, please visit https://www.investguam.com/step/. If you require additional assistance or have further questions, contact GEDA at 671-647-4332 or email step@investguam.com.
We encourage Guam businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and apply for Guam STEP 2026 before the new deadline.
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Guam Customs and Quarantine Commences ASYCUDA Rulemaking Process
On Friday, September 18, 2026, the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency formally signed its agreement with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for the implementation of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA).
This represents a major milestone in CQA's modernization efforts. ASYCUDA is intended to move the Agency away from many of our fragmented, paper-based and manual processes and toward an integrated electronic customs environment supporting cargo processing, manifests, declarations, assessments, collections, revenue tracking, reporting, enforcement, and other customs functions.
View the Formal Notice to Stakeholders by clicking the graphic. For any questions, please contact (671) 475-6202; email inquire@cqa.guam.gov.
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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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Tumon Night Market Canceled
Sunday, October 4, 2026
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The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) announces that the Tumon Night Market scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Tumon Sands Plaza will be canceled due to inclement weather.
The decision was made out of an abundance of caution and in consideration of the safety and well-being of vendors, performers, residents, visitors, and the community. GVB reviewed the latest weather information and advisories issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Guam, which has been providing ongoing updates on the weather conditions expected across the island this weekend.
GVB appreciates the understanding and continued support of its vendors, performers, partners, residents, and visitors. The Tumon Night Market will return on its next scheduled Sunday.
For media inquiries, please email inquire@visitguam.com. Si Yu’os Ma’åse!
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Winefest: Back to the ’80s at Hyatt Regency Guam
Friday, October 23, 2026
Enjoy an evening featuring over 150 wines from around the world, global flavors, live entertainment, and the energy of the ’80s.
Tickets are available for purchase at The Deli or online through Winefest 2026 on Eventbrite.
Please see the attached flyer for details.
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October 2026
Hilton Happenings
Click on the flyer above to view October happenings at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa!
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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 click here for 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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17th Annual Abe Difuntorum Memorial Sea Services Golf Tournament
Friday, October 23, 2026
The Guam Council of the Navy League invites golfers to participate in the 17th Annual Abe Difuntorum Memorial Sea Services Golf Tournament on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Finest Guam Golf & Resort.
The tournament will feature a day of golf in support of and in honor of Guam’s sea services. Showtime is at 11:00 a.m., with a 12:00 p.m. start time.
Early bird registration is available at $125 per player or $250 per team, while regular registration is $150 per player or $300 per team.
For registration and additional information, contact Ben Mayoyo at 671-788-0110, Anna Gera-Van Seters at 671-488-2662, or Maggie Cruz, USNL POC, at 671-929-4429. You may also email navyleagueofguam@gmail.com
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Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam Presents 10th Annual Golf Tournament
Saturday, December 5, 2026
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam invites golfers and Chamber members to participate in the 10th Annual CCCG Classic Golf Tournament on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Sono Felice Country Club in Mangilao.
The tournament will feature a 2-Man Best Ball format, with showtime at 11:00 a.m. and a 12:00 p.m. shotgun start. Registration is $275 per team, which includes green fees, cart, lunch, drinks, and a ditty bag.
Gather your teammate and enjoy a day of golf, networking, and friendly competition while supporting the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Guam.
For registration and inquiries, contact Charnamay Edward at admin@cccguam.org or 646-2168.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Guam International Dance Festival
December 4-6, 2026
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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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This month's playlist! 🎶
Set the mood for spooky season with this month’s playlist! From Halloween classics to eerie favorites, enjoy a festive mix of songs perfect for the season. Press play, turn up the volume, and let the Halloween vibes begin! 👻🕸️
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