Greetings!
We understand that members of the OSHA Compliance Office from Hawaii is currently on island conducting program visits, specifically with restaurants to insure standard operating procedures are in place, specifically related to COVID-19 CDC regulations as it pertains to employee safety.
The group has already started conducting random visits to island restaurant establishments and is expected to conduct more visits over the period of several days. Employers and staff should have their mandatory compliance regulations in place and should be able to answer related questions.
Some tips: Employers should be able to show and articulate your company's hazardous communications program, specifically related to the use of sanitizers and alcohol (use of sanitation chemicals, employee protection protocols, storage procedures, etc.). Also, that your establishment is following CDC guidance regarding PPE availability and that social distancing protocols are practiced throughout the establishment including breakrooms, kitchen, etc.
Please feel free to contact Jesse Pangelinan, Program Manager, OSHA, On-site Consultation, Guam Department of Labor who is a major resource for businesses in all areas of OSHA over site. His contact information follows: jesse.pangelinan@dol.guam.gov or via phone: 300-4620. View OSHA Guidance.
Gainful employment is good for Guam
Paying people not to work is a detriment to building a strong employment sector. This phenomenon has been a cause for concern all across the nation. The Guam Chamber of Commerce joins the U.S. Chamber and thousands of business organizations across the nation as we seek support from our federal and local governments to
- Fund and support public-private partnerships to develop in-demand jobs and skills;
- Address barriers for job seekers by expanding childcare and family care access and “second-chance” hiring;
- Invest in employer led workforce training programs; and,
- Implement job search requirements associated with the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA).
PUA was a godsend for our local residents, especially when our businesses were closed during the height of the pandemic. However, now that many businesses are hiring and looking to fill positions in the workplace, posts continue to be unfilled as fewer people are seeking employment. This results in long waits for restaurant customers, slow check out lines at retail establishments and contractors turning down jobs.
Guam’s Department of Administration recently released the Popular Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2020. The document reported that 59,000 residents were employed in September 2020. In 2019, that number was 65,220. The Department of Labor reported in April this year that approximately 29,000 people eligible for employment are receiving PUA benefits. Of those receiving unemployment assistance, 12,418 individuals were working reduced hours. Unfilled jobs and working at minimal levels to continue to receive federal assistance pose a significant threat to Guam’s economic recovery.
We commend the Guam Community College for their rapid response in rolling out special boot camps specific to workforce needs in our community. We applaud businesses that are continuing to offer - and pay for - workforce training and re-skilling of the current workforce to meet the needs of the workplace today. We are excited to see our educational institutions partner with private sector organizations to meet and engage with various industries first hand so that teachers have more of an understanding of workforce needs and in turn, incorporate teaching these skills into lesson plans and various aspects of student curriculum.
We implore our government to utilize American Rescue Plan funds to help parents that want to return to work to easily access childcare and care for the homebound; and, provide transportation for residents without the means to get to and from work. Businesses are in need of temporary tax relief and incentives to stay afloat. These necessities are imperative now to revive and rejuvenate our island economy. Let’s not wait for more businesses to close, more of our island talent to leave home seeking better opportunities (because the US mainland is also hiring), or for more of our residents to apply for federal assistance. Let’s get to work now for a better and economically sound Guam in the future.
Onward Together,
Catherine Castro
President
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Economic Forum
Thursday, June 24, 2021
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
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A joint Economic Forum has been scheduled for Thursday, June 24th at the Hyatt Regency Guam. The event will be streamed live and is also open for in-person attendance. Kindly note reservation options as follows:
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In Person General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
11:00 a.m. • $30.00 per person
Micronesian Ballroom, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
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We are happy to announce that our June membership meeting will feature David Dell'Isola, Director of the Department of Labor.
The meeting will be taking place in person at the Micronesian Room, Hilton Guam Resort at 11:00 am.
Participation is limited to those on a first come-first served basis. We ask that members register and pay prior to the event to secure your seat. We will not be streaming this event. Learn more by clicking the RSVP link!
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23rd Annual Amateur Golf Tournament
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Onward Talofofo Golf Course
Since there has been some lifting of government restrictions relating to the pandemic, we are pleased to report that we are now able to have ONE shotgun start for ALL PLAYERS to commence at 12 Noon. We will no longer have a morning and an afternoon start as previously announced. Thank you all for your understanding and support.
Tournament details follow:
23rd Annual Amateur
Guam Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
- Wednesday, August 4, 2021
- Showtime: 11:00 am
- Shotgun Start: 12:00 noon
- Onward Talofofo Golf Course
This is subject to change if the current guidelines are changed in the near future. Thank you for your understanding.
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Prutehi I lina’la I taotao: Economic Diversification is crucial to island sustainability
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Fair winds and following seas to Rear Admiral John Menoni: you have been a good friend and advocate for Guam! Best wishes to you at your new command!
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GOVERNMENT OF GUAM UPDATES |
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The Governor of Guam has issued a new Executive Order
Joint Information Center - JIC Release No. 700
June 16, 2021, 6:40 p.m.
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Press Release: Guam Public Notice Website Now Available |
Hagåtña, Guam - The Office of Technology (OTECH), in partnership with the Office of the Governor of Guam, is proud to announce the launch of the Guam Public Notice website, available at notices.guam.gov. This portal provides a platform for public information regarding news, events, press releases, notifications, alerts, and announcements from Government of Guam agencies and boards, pursuant to Guam Public Law 32-037, and codified under 5 GCA §8107.1
“One of the key goals of this administration is to ensure our government is operating as efficiently as possible, implementing technological improvements where we can to best serve our community. The launch of the Guam Public Notice Website is long overdue. Still, we are grateful to have this tool moving forward, especially as more government meetings are conducted over Zoom and other online platforms,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.
Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio added, “We live in a digital era, and paired with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have adopted new ways of executing government operations and services. While we have relied on posting public notices via traditional media, we recognize that most news and information is primarily consumed online. We applaud OTECH for launching this site and for training all our agency public information officers and staff detailed to disseminating information to use this tool.”
“Not only does this site serve as a repository for all public notices, but it also allows residents to subscribe to receive updates and notices associated with their areas or agencies of interest,” added OTECH Chief Technology Officer Frank Lujan. “This platform will be an invaluable tool and will enhance our efforts as we shift more government services online.”
The Guam Public Notice Website law was passed in June 2013. To view the law in its entirety, click HERE.
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Guam's Department of Labor recently released the following reports:
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Guam's NEW Vaccination Incentive |
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and the Guam Visitors Bureau have announced incentives to encourage more island residents to get vaccinated. All adult residents of Guam are eligible. Vaccinated adults can enter to win today.
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GUAM VISITORS BUREAU UPDATES |
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Mobile access to Electronic Declaration Form launched |
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Guam Safe & WTTC Safe Travels Certification |
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The mission of this program is to help rebuild confidence among the local community and visitors as travel restrictions ease and the tourism industry begins its revival. All businesses and establishments are encouraged to gain their Safe Guam & WTTC Certification.
It's an easy process - just click on the link to GVB's website, complete the application and upload your business reopening protocols which will be reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Health. Once your protocols are approved, your company will receive notice from the Guam Visitors Bureau and you will receive the certificates for display at your place of business. That's it - it's that easy!
Join us and lets help make the entire island Safe Guam and WTTC Certified!
June 11, 2021
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Contact: Valerie Blas at 483-3092 or valerie.blas@wgguam.com |
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Members who would like to learn more about supporting the VFW
may contact Brian Merenda at 788-9519.
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View the June/July live webinars with Guam PTAC:
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View the June live webinars with Guam SBDC:
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MEMBER JOB POST
We are happy to share your job openings on our website!
to get started. These job postings are for Guam Chamber members in good standing.
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We have changed our mailing address.
Please make note of the Chamber's new mailing address as follows:
372 West Soledad Avenue Hagåtña, Guam 96910
Please feel free to call our office if there are questions: (671) 472-6311/8001
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Guam Chamber of Commerce • 472-6311/ 8001 • info@GuamChamber.com.gu |
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