New Member Magazine 2025 by guamchamber

Membership Guide Welcome to the Chamber

Our Mission

The Chamber seeks to develop, enable, promote, and protect the interest of all Guam businesses.

A Message from our President

Hafa Adai!

It is a pleasure to welcome you as a new member of the Guam Chamber of Commerce partnership. You have invested in our community through your membership in the Chamber, which over the past 100 years, has become increasingly involved in addressing social, economic, and political issues that affect business in Guam. Yes, we are commemorating 101 years of progress now and forever! We look forward to actively engaging with you and the membership in a number of the centennial activities that we have planned throughout the year!

Our Vision

To be the catalyst for sustainable economic growth that improves the quality of life in Guam.

We are pleased with the progress the Chamber has made in helping to shape 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.

As a new member, you will receive a Membership Certificate, which we encourage you to proudly display. We will also receive 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 or programs of work. For planning purposes, committees meet on a quarterly or 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 the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. The entry fee is $45.00 at the door - per person for members and their guests. An announcement will be sent to you before each meeting via e-mail.

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

OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Friday

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

372 West Soledad Avenue, Hagåtña Guam 96910

671-472-6311/8001

info@GuamChamber.com.gu www.GuamChamber.com.gu

Sincerely yours,

CATHERINE CASTRO President

Chairman of the Board TAE OH Vice-President Vantage Advertising, PSI Holdings, LLC

Immediate Past Chairman of the Board

ERNIE GALITO Business Development Director Atkins Kroll, Inc.

JIM BEIGHLEY CEO Citadel Pacific LTD

PHILLIP SANTOS Account Executive Matson Navigation Company

2025 BOARD MEMBERS

Vice Chairman JUAN CARLOS BENITEZ President & Owner The Washington Pacific Economic Development Group, lnc

CATHERINE S. CASTRO President Guam Chamber of Commerce

WILLIAM CALORI Chief Financial Officer Cabras Marine Corporation And Subsidiaries

JAMES HERBERT III General Manager Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods, Inc.

MARK SABLAN Vice President, Business Development South Pacific Petroleum Corporation

Secretary / Treasurer CHRISTOPHER DUENAS

Chief Financial Officer Triple J Enterprises, Inc.

JOE ARNETT Owner Arnett Consulting, LLC

VINCENT CAMACHO Attorney / Managing Principal Camacho Calvo Law Group, LLC

DR. HOA VAN NGUYEN President American Medical Center

TOM SHIMIZU General Manager Ambros, Inc.

Alternate Director BEN FERGUSON Vice President / General Manager Pacific Islands Club

CATHERINE S. CASTRO President ccastro@GuamChamber.com.gu

Special Executive Committee Member

KIM ANDERSON YOUNG President Security Title, Inc.

BENSON F.F. AU-YEUNG President Dragon, Inc.

FRANK CAMPILLO Health Plan Administrator Calvos Insurance Underwriters, Inc.

CANDY OKUHAMA President ASC Trust

DANIEL TYDINGCO President DJT, LLC

Alternate Director MARCOS FONG Chief Executive Officer Foremost Foods, Inc. / Coca-Cola Beverage Co.

CHAMBER TEAM

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

BRANDIN OGO Administrative Support Specialist brandin@GuamChamber.com.gu

SCHUYLER DELGADO

Digital Content & Web Maintenance Tech sdelgado@GuamChamber.com.gu

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 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 theirproducts 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 100 years of existence, Guam's economic development and wellbeing remain 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 concerns 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, 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.

HOW DO WE GET THE JOB DONE?

There are seven standing committees within the Chamber: Armed Forces Committee, Education & Workforce Development Committee, Membership Development Committee, Chamber Business Women’s Network, Legislative Review Committee, Small Business Focus & Development Committee, and the Guam Young Professionals whose policies and actions are governed by committee by-laws.

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 Chamberis 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 ChamberCommittees.

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

MEMBER

BENEFITS

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Find an event that meets your needs and aligns you with meeting new business contacts, expanding your professional networks, and exchanging 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 at the Chamber’s annual anniversary gala.

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 allow 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.

BUSINESS ADVOCACY

Your Guam Chamber follows and acts on local and federal legislation that may impact the private sector’s 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 legislation 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 of 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 100 years, your future customers would see your company as trusted members of the business community.

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 ensures fair treatment for local business with the military.

SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Promotes and encourages membership activities that will benefit the creation, growth, and development of small businesses. The group is an active voice in the Buy Local movement and plans quarterly after-hours mixers.

CHAMBER BUSINESS WOMEN’S NETWORK

A program of the Chamber that brings women 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.

GUAM YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Exists to energize, engage and empower the young professionals of our island to be inspired, be influential, and be connected; recognize 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.

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW & BUSINESS ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

The Legislative Review Committee 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 information in recent years. The group is committed to reviewing legislation and public policy issues that impact economic growth and progress in Guam and the region.

MARITIME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Formed in 1982 to fill the need for a forum through which port users and companies directly involved with the movement of goods in and out of the Port of Guam may convene as a group to exchange information and address common concerns.

Fundraising Working Groups

• Annual Golf Tournament

• Annual Anniversary Celebration

NEW:

• Centennial Planning Committee (Ad Hoc)

• Privatization Working Group (Ad Hoc)

PROGRAMS

CHAMBER PODCASTS

•Chamber BizBox: This podcast features the issues and successes we face as a business community and interesting tidbits about the entrepreneurs and leaders who make a difference to ensure that our private sector continues to grow and flourish.

•Chamber Small Business Spotlight: A podcast that highlights Chamber member small businesses and the great work they do in providing products and services to our ever-growing and diverse community. Each podcast can be listened to on your favorite podcast platforms including YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

A scholarship fund was established in 1993 to assist business students enrolled in the University of Guam’s School of Business. The scholarship was named in honor of the late Dave J. Santos, past Chamber Board Chairman, Guam’s 1993 Small Business Person of the Year, and a strong advocate of local entrepreneurship. The scholarship is available to eligible juniors and seniors in the undergraduate business program.

GUAM BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

The Guam Business Hall of Fame pays tribute to a company and/or a business leader (employed, retired or deceased) who has made exceptional contributions to business and industry in Guam. The Business Hall of Fame aims to recognize Guam's champions of free enterprise and entrepreneurship through the Guam Chamber of Commerce.

JDC LIFE SKILLS YOUTH PROGRAM

The Chamber, in partnership with the Superior Court of Guam’s Juvenile Drug Court, developed a program of basic skills workshops designed for youth participants. The courses are grouped into four categories: Work or Job Oriented Skills, Life Skill or Personal Interest, SelfEsteem and Goal Oriented Skills, and Sports & Health Development Oriented Skills. The categories are further broken down into specific topics, which are focused and short in duration such that success can be readily achieved. Life skills activities offer necessary skills to encourage self-reliance, access to resources, and engagement into the community. Courses are conducted by the owners and top managers of the more than 300 companies that are members of the Guam Chamber of Commerce.

RED RIBBON MONTH

Through its partnership with the Judiciary of Guam, the Chamber has joined the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Guam Red Ribbon Week Committee to promote safe, healthy, drug-free lifestyles throughout the month of October, which culminates with the nationally recognized Red Ribbon Week. This campaign provides an opportunity for communities to unite by bringing together parents, schools and businesses as we look for new and innovative ways to keep kids safe and drug free. The Chamber encourages business members to participate in school outreach programs, place a Red Ribbon message or logo on their advertisements, wear Red Ribbons and distribute ribbons to their employees, and support the island wide “wear red day.” The event includes community outreach at shopping malls, education outreach at schools, a poster contest, and culminates with the “Say Boo! To Drugs” event at Agana Shopping Center at the end of October.

TOYS FOR TOTS

Toys for Tots is a seasonal endeavor in which Chamber member companies support Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz’s efforts on the island to ensure that a variety of toys and gift items are distributed to children in the community most in need. The efforts of this program have gone beyond Guam’s shores and supports children in the CNMI each holiday season. Toys for Tots has been popular among the membership and the generosity and support for this program is well supported by the employees of a variety of Chamber member companies.

BUY LOCAL COMMITMENT

The “Buy Local Commitment” supports the Buy Local movement, emphasizing the value of local activities on Guam to grow Guam’s economy. Buying Local means to purchase products and services offered by local businesses that are the backbone of our island’s economy. This commitment is a company's pledge to "Think Local, Support Local, Buy Local," whenever possible.

Think local would ask companies to think about a local product, company, or organization before any other; Support Local by contributing to major non-profit organizations on island; and, Buy Local by shifting at least 10% of a company’s on-line or off-island purchase to local businesses. This is a program developed by the Guam Chamber of Commerce, Guam Economic Development Center, and the University of Guam’s Pacific Center for Economic Development.

NEW MEMBER CHECKLIST

✓ Set up your member log-in on GrowthZone using Info Hub at GuamChamber.com.gu

✓ Verify your business information on the Chamber’s online directory.

✓ GET SOCIAL– Connect with us on all social media platforms.

✓ SIGN UP AND ATTENDGeneral Membership Meetings, seminars and trainings and networking events. Add them to your calendar!

✓ DISPLAY MEMBERSHIP – post your certificate and decal in your business.

✓ STAY INFORMED- read and forward the weekly newsletters to your employees if they are not already receiving from us.

✓ SHARE YOUR EXPERTISEget involved with a committee.

✓ INVEST IN YOUR CHAMBERSponsor or host one of our future events.

CHAMBER SIGNATURE EVENTS

ANNIVERSARY GALA CELEBRATION

The Guam Chamber of Commerce coordinates an Anniversary Gala each year. This is a large formal corporate event organized to celebrate the achievements and reward successes of Chamber businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries. This includes a VIP reception, sit-down table service dinner, awards presentation, dancing, and more than one after-party event. If this will be your first Gala with the Chamber, it is a great opportunity to get your company exposed, ideally, with the result of increased engagement and networking.

ANNUAL AMATEUR GOLF TOURNAMENT

This favorite annual event brings Chamber members together on the green to raise funds for various Chamber programs sponsored by the Chamber throughout the year. The event features a great day of golf, loaded ditty bags, tons of raffle prizes and a tailgate party.

ARMED FORCES COMMITTEE

SALUTE TO THE US ARMED FORCES IN

GUAM

The Armed Forces Committee of the Guam Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Salute to pay homage to our U.S. military service men and women who work daily and tirelessly to preserve the ideals of American freedom and democracy here and all around the world.