NEW MEMBER GUIDE

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Welcome to the Chamber

A Guide to Membership

A Message from our President

It is a pleasure to welcome you as a new member to the Guam Chamber of Commerce partnership. You have invested in our community through your membership in the Chamber, which over the years, has become increasingly involved in addressing social, economic, and political issues that affect business in Guam.

We are pleased with the progress the Chamber has made in steering government policy to advance economic opportunities for local prosperity, and to secure those elements we believe are essential to Guam’s economic progress and stability. It has been by no means an easy task. A constant throughout each endeavor, however, has been the Chamber spirit that motivates each member to participate in the destiny of our island, and the realization that every milestone could not have been achieved by any one member single handedly.

Your Membership Portfolio contains your Membership Certificate, which we encourage you to proudly display. It also includes information about the Chamber organization, our By-laws, Code of Ethics, Program of Work, and a member decal. We invite you to participate in the work of the leaders of the business community by joining one of our committees. For planning purposes, committees meet on a quarterly or on an as needed basis, and meetings are generally kept to one hour.

Our General Membership meetings are generally held on the last Wednesday of each month, 11:30 a.m. at different member hotels on a rotational basis. The entry fee is $30.00 at the door per person for members and their guests. An announcement will be sent to you prior to each meeting via e mail.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Chamber’s staff for assistance at 472 6311/8001, Email: info@GuamChamber.com.gu, or drop by our office in Hagåtña. Thank you very much.

Sincerely yours, CATHERINE CASTRO President
Our Mission
The Chamber seeks to develop, enable, promote, and protect the interest of all Guam businesses.
Our Vision
Guam
of
• 2023 A Guide to Membership
To be the catalyst for sustainable economic growth that improves the quality of life in Guam.
Chamber
Commerce

Edward Untalan |

Chairman of the Board

First Hawaiian Bank

Christopher Duenas | Vice Chairman of the Board Triple J Enterprises

Mark Tokito | Secretary/ Treasurer Bank of Hawaii

Christine Baleto |

Immediate Past Chairwoman Pacific Froots/ Docomo Pacific

Tae Oh | Special Executive Committee Member Vantage Advertising

Catherine Castro | President Guam Chamber of Commerce

Jessica Barrett Barrett Enterprises, Inc.

2022 Board of Directors

Juan Carlos Benitez The Washington Pacific

Mika Caldwell Archway Inc.

William Calori Cabras Marine Corporation & Subsidiaries

Frank Cruz Guam Fast Foods, Inc. dba KFC & Sbarro’s

Ernie Galito Atkins Kroll Inc.

Siska Hutapea Cornerstone Valuation Guam, Inc.

Milton Morinaga P.H.R. Ken Micronesia, Inc.

Candy Okuhama ASC Trust

Mark J. Sablan South Pacific Petroleum Corporation

Phillip Santos Matson Navigation Company

Tom Shimizu Ambros Inc.

Kim Anderson Young Security Title, Inc.

David Silva III | Alternate Director Assurance Brokers Inc. Guam

CATHERINE S. CASTRO President ccastro@GuamChamb er.com.gu

Your Chamber Team

JACLYN CASIL Operations Manager jackie@GuamC hamber.com.gu

DEVYNN LUCUAB Bookkeeper accounting@Guam Chamber.com.gu

OFFICE HOURS

Monday Friday

8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

BRANDIN OGO Administrative Support Specialist brandin@GuamCha mber.com.gu

372 West Soledad Avenue, Hagåtña Guam 96910 671 472 6311/8001 info@GuamChamber.com.gu www.GuamChamber.com.gu

Maureen Maratita | Alternate Director Glimpses of Guam Guam Chamber of Commerce

REBEKAH MENDIOLA Committee Liaison Specialist rebekah@GuamChamber. com.gu

SCHUYLER DELGADO Projects & Programs Coordinator sdelgado@GuamChambe r.com.gu

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OUR OBJECTIVES

• Grow and sustain a vibrant local economy

• Advocate, develop and support a strong workforce

• Provide access to programs to help grow businesses

• Increase awareness of local businesses & importance of the private sector in the community

• Sustain and grow the Chamber membership

Throughout the world people have awakened to the importance of the system of free enterprise a system of private individuals working in the freedom of the marketplace in competition with each other, creating wealth and employment, for society and providing the basis for stability. The private sector must find solutions for society's needs. Proposals to encourage and enable more Guamanians to work, prosper, save, invest and realize their ambitions can only come from an organization that is free from bureaucracy and where every member has a say.

The Guam Chamber is such an organization. It is a voluntary organization. Strong because of an extensive membership, united in its goals of advancing the general welfare and prosperity of Guam and guided by its Code of Ethics. With six employees, it has no bureaucracy to strangle proposals, but rather encourages membership input.

Businesses sometimes fail to recognize the fact that the Chamber of Commerce is their salesman and watchdog unceasingly promoting their products and services while at the same time protecting their interests. This is particularly important in the political arena, where a single voice can go unheard, but the collective, united voice of the Chamber of Commerce has often proven effective and beneficial to business.

WHO ARE WE?

The Guam Chamber of Commerce is a non profit voluntary association of over 400 business and professional individuals and firms united in their desire to improve business and build a better social and economic community on Guam.

The membership of the Chamber is predominantly drawn from the business community. Membership in the Chamber enables segments of the community to accomplish collectively what they would be unable to do individually. While the activities of the Chamber may have varied over its 98 years of existence, Guam's economic development and well being remains a constant priority. Our member companies provide jobs for more than 40,000 people who make Guam their home. Our combined membership represents 60% of Guam's Gross Island Product, which totals more than $5 billion.

Accordingly, the Chamber has assumed the responsibility of strengthening the private sector by proposing solutions to community wide problems. In recent years it has involved itself largely with the problems and possible solutions of Government spending levels, the promotion of a larger U.S. military presence in Guam, providing seminars to enhance business development and management skills, Guam's inclusion in the tax treaties between the United States and foreign nations, promoting visa waiver programs to enhance tourism growth, and the removal of federal and local barriers to increase business activity and effectiveness in Guam. The ideals of the Guam Chamber of Commerce are embodied in its Code of Ethics, to which all members ascribe.

WHAT DO WE DO?

The scope of Chamber activities is unlimited, depending on the needs of the community and the desire and ability of the Chamber to carry them out. Chambers of Commerce have traditionally been the information agency of an area or community, maintaining factual data, folders and maps to answer inquiries of all types, whether they be personal interviews, telephone or by mail, coming from residents and visitors alike. The Chamber promotes the area's economy and encourages business and industrial investment, broadening the tax base and providing employment. To business prospects and newcomers, the Chamber represents the community's "front door.” The Chamber of Commerce is becoming increasingly involved in macro economic issues touching on education, human relations, environmental, cultural and governmental concerns. These issues have caused the Chamber of Commerce to become a viable force in seeking solutions to some of Guam's social problems.

Guam Chamber of Commerce • 2023 A Guide to Membership

HOW DO WE GET THE JOB DONE?

There are seven standing committees within the Chamber: Education & Workforce Development Committee, Membership Development Committee, Chamber Business Women’s Network, Legislative Review Committee, Small Business Focus & Development Committee, Guam Young Professionals and the Armed Forces Committee whose policies and actions are governed by committee by laws. Two have additional membership fees associated with membership as follows:

The Guam Young Professionals (GYP) Exists to energize, engage and empower the young professionals of our island to be inspired, be influential and be connected; recognizes the economic and social importance of engaging our young professionals in all issues and opportunities impacting our community and region and the need to retain existing, and attract young professionals to lead our community into the future. An annual fee of $50 for Chamber member companies or $100 for non Chamber members is assessed from each young professional wishing to engage in GYP activities.

The Armed Forces Committee (AFC) is a voluntary group of dedicated individuals working together to promote development of Guam's business and commerce with the military. Goals of the AFC are to foster goodwill and support the continuing presence on Guam; to act as a liaison to facilitate a stronger relationship between Guam's civilian and military communities; to enhance public awareness of the important economic and socio cultural impact of the military in Guam; to promote Guam as a leisure destination for uniformed and civilian military employees; and, to enhance networking contacts and exchange of information with the military. Any authorized representative of a voting Chamber member in good standing may become a member of the AFC. An annual fee of $150 is assessed from each member.

Other committees are established to carry out continuing activities and are subject to Board approval. As the need arises to address international, federal and local issues of concern to the Chamber, special ad hoc committees may be appointed by the Chairman of the Board or at the discretion of the Board. The Chamber is supported entirely by its members. Membership dues are the backbone of the Chamber, with special assessments occasionally called. The Chamber office is located at 372 West Soledad Avenue in Hagåtña, which also houses most meetings held by the Board and Chamber Committees.

CODE OF ETHICS

Each member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce ascribes to a Code of Ethics, which serves as inspiration for each Member to rise above minimum standards. Through the code, the Chamber proclaims and reaffirms its commitment to the highest ideals of principled free enterprise in the American democratic tradition and in the context of America's outpost in the Pacific Rim. While each Member must find within his conscience his own measure of right and wrong, as a body, the Chamber adopts this code to encourage and exhort its Members to the common good, within its purposes, and, when necessary, to judge that conduct which is unbecoming a Member of this Chamber.

Guam
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Chamber of Commerce

MEMBER BENEFITS

MEMBER TO MEMBER PROGRAM

Member to Member deals provide members an opportunity to save money on services and goods. Offers includes discounts on office supplies, advertising, entertainment, insurance, auto services, catering, meeting spaces and more. This program offers participating members a vehicle to expose their business, products and services to thousands of employees of fellow Chamber members.

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Your Guam Chamber follows and acts on local and federal legislation that may impact the private sectors’ ability to do business or may inadvertently affect specific industries. We work with government authorities and agencies to support efficiencies and effectiveness wherever possible to clear regulations and other impediments associated with licenses, permits and the like.

Additionally, the Chamber keeps Guam’s private sector voice top of mind when engaging in policy platforms and economic resiliency discussions. The collective voice of the membership through the Chamber acts as a catalyst to identify issues that impact the business community at large and works towards positive resolutions for all.

GROUP HEALTH CARE INSURANCE

Your Chamber offers affordable group health insurance rates to the membership under our group health plan with Calvo’s SelectCare. Members must be in good standing with their dues investment at all times to be eligible for the program. If you would like more information about rates, coverage, and the health plan, please contact a Chamber Team member at 671 472 6311/8001.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

Each member can view a free listing in the online directory on the Guam Chamber of Commerce website. This site serves as an informational portal to the community.

WEEKLY EMAIL NEWSLETTERS

Your Chamber e newsletters are distributed to keep you informed about upcoming Chamber events, seminars, activities, cost saving member benefits, information on legislations that may impact your business, community events and member recognition. We recommend that you never miss an opportunity to peruse through each update to keep you posted on new and upcoming events or activities that can help grow your business.

DISCOUNTED TRAINING

Chamber member companies and any of their employees may avail to training sessions, workshops and seminars that would be beneficial to their needs. These sessions are offered at rates only available to our members. While we provide experts to provide presentations/training on many different topics and areas such as business start ups, tax preparation, marketing, human resources updates, economic outlook, etc., we also welcome recommendations from our members. If you are interested in providing workshops or training opportunities via our seminar series, please contact us.

CREDIBILITY

The Guam Chamber of Commerce represents a very diverse business community which gives our members excellent credibility. Being in existence for almost 100 years, your future customers would see your company as trusted members of the business community.

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to Membership
Guam Chamber of Commerce
Guide

MEMBER BENEFITS

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Find an event that meets your needs and aligns you with meeting new business contacts, expanding your professional networks, and exchange referrals. It is best to use every opportunity to network and it can be done at just about any Chamber event! If you need help, contact us about how we can support your goals.

RECOGNITION OF MEMBER MILESTONES

Your Chamber is proud to recognize our members that have reached milestone anniversaries in doing business in Guam or have made significant impacts to a specific industry or to the community at large. As you reach your 20 year milestone anniversary, we look forward to celebrating your service to our island community at the Chamber’s annual anniversary celebration. Members celebrating twenty plus years or more (in five year increments) are recognized in a special way.

PODCAST

The Guam Chamber of Commerce introduced two podcast platforms in 2022. The BizBox Podcast focuses on business issues that are top of mind for the private sector.

The Chamber Member Spotlight Podcast highlights our individual members, their humble beginnings, how they help the community, and what’s in store for the future! We’d love to feature your company on a member spotlight podcast very soon!

If you haven’t already, please tune in to our Spotify page or our YouTube channel to have a listen!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Your Chamber has specific partnerships with organizations that impact the residents in our community. These partnerships include the annual Toys for Tots program with U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, the Juvenile Drug Court program with the Judiciary of Guam, the annual Own It! Youth event under the Chamber’s Business Women’s Network and workforce development partnerships such as the Tiyan High School Career Academy Board with Tiyan High School.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Throughout the year your Chamber hosts many events that allows for many sponsorship opportunities. When you choose to sponsor an event, this allows your company to promote your image and brand through a targeted audience of business professionals. In some cases, your sponsorship will be viewed by the community at large or even an international audience. Ask us about how our sponsorships can work for your company and your budget.

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Guam Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER SIGNATURE EVENTS

ANNIVERSARY GALA CELEBRATION

The Guam Chamber of Commerce coordinates an annual Anniversary Gala each year. This is a large formal type of corporate event generally organized to celebrate the achievements and reward successes of small and large businesses. This includes a VIP drinks reception, sit-down dinner, awards presentation, dancing and an after party event. More than often, guests form harmoniously with the event theme. If this will be your first Gala with the Chamber, it is a great opportunity to get your company exposed and show what it’s capable of, ideally with the result of increased engagement and networking. By finding the opportunity to interact with the right demographic of people both current customers and prospective buyers brands can develop positive brand attitudes and long lasting relationships.

ANNUAL AMATEUR GOLF TOURNAMENT

A special event that brings Chamber members together to raise funds for community projects sponsored by the Chamber throughout the year.

COMMITTEES

ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE

Fosters mutual respect and a congenial working relationship between businesses and the military communities; promotes cooperation through the free flow of information; and insures fair treatment for local business with the military.

SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Promotes and encourages membership activities which will benefit the creation, growth and development of small business. The group is an active voice in the Buy Local movement and plans seminars and workshops that support small businesses.

GUAM YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Exists to energize, engage and empower the young professionals of our island to be inspired, be influential and be connected; recognizes the economic and social importance of engaging our young professionals in all issues and opportunities impacting our community and region and the need to retain existing, and attract young professionals to lead our community into the future.

EDUCATION/ WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Promotes excellence in Guam’s education system by creating alternatives, which produce outcomes in educational achievement as desired by parents, students, faculty and community.

CONNECT WITH US Guam Chamber of Commerce • 2023 A Guide to Membership

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

to sustain and increase membership by providing supportive services, organizing learning opportunities, coordinating business mentorship, and recognizing member achievements, accomplishments, and community contributions

WOMEN’S

Chamber

brings

professionals together once a quarter to enhance personal and professional growth, allowing for participants to connect with other women of all career levels to strengthen professional networks and engage in the Guam business community.

COMMITTEES
Aims
CHAMBER BUSINESS
A
the
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW AND BUSINESS ADVOCACY COMMITTEE The Legislative Review Committee
information
legislation
public policy issues
NEW MEMBER CHECKLIST ü Set up your member log-in on GrowthZone using Info Hub at GuamChamber.com.gu ü Verify your business information on the Chamber’s online directory. ü GET SOCIAL– Connect with us on all social media platforms. ü SIGN UP AND ATTEND - General Membership Meetings, seminars and trainings and networking events. Add them to your calendar! ü DISPLAY MEMBERSHIP – post your certificate and decal in your business. ü STAY INFORMED- read and forward the weekly newsletters to your employees if they are not already receiving from us. ü SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE- get involved with a committee. ü INVEST IN YOUR CHAMBER- Sponsor or host one of our future events. ü EMPLOYEE BENEFITS – Register your employees in the Member-to-Member Benefits Program. Guam Chamber of Commerce • 2023 A Guide to Membership
NETWORK
program of
that
women
was formed in 2014. The Chamber found that the number of bills generated by the Guam Legislature made it increasingly difficult to monitor and gather
in recent years. The group is committed to reviewing
and
that impact economic growth and progress in Guam and the region.

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