SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center
to close in Dededo
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Associate Administrator Francisco Sanchez of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience announced on Monday, December 4, 2023, that SBA will close its Dededo Disaster Loan Outreach Center at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.
Even though the deadline to apply for loan for property damage has passed, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size still have until Wednesday, February 28, 2024, to apply for an economic injury disaster loan to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Business owners may apply online using SBA's secure website.
| |
Operation Magof na Espiritu
In the spirit of giving, the Chamber Team will be putting together a Christmas Care Package for military service men and women who are away from their families and stationed this season.
We are seeking your assistance in creating sealed cookies/candies to assemble 100 care packages that are extra special and memorable. We kindly advise that homemade goods won't be accepted at this time. Check and monetary donations are also acceptable and your Chamber Team will procure the items needed for you! The deadline for contributions is Monday, December 11, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber Office in Upper Tumon.
| |
2024 GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE OFFERING
Learn more and enroll before December 15th!
Qualified Guam Chamber members can avail of the annual health insurance group program with Calvo's SelectCare for the policy year 2024.
All companies currently enrolled must renew before Friday, December 8th at 12:00 noon. Visit with a SelectCare professional via Zoom scheduled for Wednesday, December 13th, or Thursday, December 14th at 10:00 am by clicking on the registration links below.
Additionally, as part of your annual underwriting requirements, please submit the following if you haven't done so already. Incomplete submissions may result in lapse of coverage.
- 2023 3rd and 4th Quarter SWICA
- 2024 GHIA Form
- Waiting period
Chamber members must be a member in good standing and have met underwriting guidelines to be eligible. Please contact your Chamber Office for additional information:
(671) 472-6311.
A Zoom link will be sent to you via email a day prior to these events.
| |
Select the day you wish to attend by clicking the button below! | |
2023 Annual Report
What a year it has been! Your Chamber Team has compiled an annual report filled with information on the programs and activities of the organization over the past year. Do you remember all the things that we have accomplished this year? So many wonderful memories of this year's events filled with great times with our awesome members and partners! Click the button below to view our 2023 annual report.
| |
|
Governor Directs Another $5M
to Support Small Businesses
On Thursday, November 30, 2023, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order 2023-15 relative to establishing a second round of Local Employers' Assistance Program (LEAP) Supplemental Grant. The executive order allocates $5 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding towards LEAP II and directs the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) to administer the program. These funds are in addition to the $15 million made available through Public law No. 37-15, which Governor Leon Guerrero signed into law in May 2023.
To read more on the immediate release from the office of the Governor, it is available by clicking here!
| |
|
Chamber Member Spotlight Podcast
Episode 4 is NOW AVAILABLE 🎧
Your Guam Chamber Small Business Focus and Development Committee is pleased to present Episode 4 of Season 2, spotlighting Siska Hutapea, President of Cornerstone Valuation, who provides insight into her business and the Guam real estate economy. This episode was hosted by Guam Chamber Board Director, Chris Duenas.
Click your favorite links below to hear
Ms. Siska's Story!
Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Youtube
Stay connected with us on our social media platforms for the announcements of our upcoming events and new episode releases! Click your go-to social media platforms below and follow us!
Instagram • Facebook • X • LindkedIn
| |
|
HOW TO AVOID COUNTERFEIT GOODS - Shop Smart this Holiday Season
The holiday shopping season is already in full swing. With stores offering discounts across a variety of must-haves for the holiday season, shoppers and businesses alike should be alert to the increased risk of counterfeit products that can spoil the festive cheer.
Why it matters: Counterfeit versions of popular holiday gifts have been found to contain serious dangers, ranging from undisclosed choking and fire hazards to lead paint and high levels of mercury and arsenic.
By the numbers:
- The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development reports that international trade in counterfeit and pirated goods amounted to as much as $509 billion in 2016.
- From 2000 through 2019, seizures of infringing goods by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased from 3,244 to 27,599.
- Globally, it is estimated that counterfeiting has resulted in the loss of more than 2.5 million jobs and more than 60 billion euros in tax revenue losses among the G20 economies.
Be smart: Here are 5 tips you can use to avoid counterfeit goods:
-
Trust your instincts: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. So, if a deal or product seems off, it's best to keep away.
-
Prioritize secure payments: When shopping online, only buy from sites that begin with https:// — the 's' stands for secure. Also, check for a lock symbol in your browser to confirm the site's safety.
-
Examine every detail: Pay close attention to labels, packaging, and contents. Watch out for out-of-date perishable items, broken or missing safety seals, missing warranty information, or unusual packaging. These could all be signs of fake goods.
-
Protect your data: Keep all your devices, including computers and smartphones, updated with the latest cybersecurity protections to fend off any potential cyber threats. Stay alert to suspicious websites that could conceal harmful software.
-
Say something: Spread awareness among your friends, family, and coworkers about counterfeit goods. If you encounter a fake good, report it to CBP or the National IPR Center. Your actions can make shopping safer and smarter for all. LEARN MORE
| |
Mayor Allan Ungacta and Vice May Kevin Delgado invite the island community for a Christmas Festival scheduled for Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 11:00 am - 9:00 pm located at the Mangilao Market Grounds.
There will be a visit with Santa Claus, a mini parade and floats, carnival games and prizes, and so much more! Come check it out at the Mangilao market grounds near the Santa Teresita Church. For more information, contact the Mangilao Mayor's Office at (671) 734-2163/5731.
| |
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays Christmas Concert
Saturday, December 9th and
Sunday, December 10th
The Okkodo High School in Dededo presents Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays Christmas Concert featuring Magnifico and Dolce Primavera.
This two-day event is scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2023, and Sunday, December 10, 2023, located at the Okkodo High School in room A120. December 9th will host two concert times, the first show will begin at 2:00 pm and will end at 3:30 pm. The next showing will begin at 7:00 pm and will end at 8:30 pm.
The December 10th concert will only be showing one time and will begin at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at $10.00 pre-sold and $12.00 at the door.
| |
|
2023 Governor's
The Magic of Christmas Parade
Thursday, December 21, 2023
The Office of the Governor joyfully announces "The Magic of Christmas" 2023 Christmas Light Show and Parade of Lights. The enchanting holiday display will illuminate nightly starting Friday, December 8, 2023, through Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm outside the Guam Museum at Skinner Plaza. Additionally, the annual Parade of Lights will occur on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 7:00 pm. along the perimeter of Skinner Plaza.
On Thursday, December 21, 2023, the Parade of Lights will feature the participation of various government agencies, showcasing the spirit of unity and joy. On this night, the Guam Museum, grounds will also be adorned with booths, adding to the festival atmosphere and fun for all ages.
Registration of floats notice!
Each participant shall submit a signed Christmas Parade Registration Form and Waiver of Liability Form in order to participate. The deadline to submit your Christmas Parade Registration Form and Waiver Form is scheduled for Friday, December 15, 2023.
Each parade participant is required to decorate their parade float/trailer and adhere to this year's theme "The Magic of Christmas" as closely as possible. All Marching/Walking Units/Bands must have three (3) adults accompanying their entry. Parade Floats/Trailers/Golf Carts are limited to 10'x5' in length and width, max height 12', and no more than 2 vehicle entries. The booths must not exceed 10'x10'.
Cancellation notices will be emailed to parade participants in the event of inclement weather, i.e. Heavy Rain/Thunderstorms.
Click here to read more details and float entry sign-up!
| |
Christmas playlist in full gear! | |
Wind down and enjoy some of the most soothing playlists we have created just for you. It's a great list of holiday music for entertaining or for relaxing to get into the spirit of Christmas! Give our playlist a listen by clicking here!
| |
|
2023
Industry Recovery Updates
Click here
| |
|
|
View Guam APEX
Accelerators
December 2023
Training Events
Webinars are held every Thursday from 10am - 11:30am via Zoom.
Zoom links emailed to registered attendees 30 minutes before the webinar.
| |
|
Member2Member Benefits Program
Announcement: SPPC has just informed us that the special deal for Chamber members ends this month on November 20th because they have something special to announce. Stay tuned to their social media platforms for details
Member2Member deals provide members an opportunity to save money on services and goods. This program offers participating members a vehicle to expose their business, products, and services to thousands of employees of fellow Chamber members. Offers include discounts or very special deals on office supplies, advertising, entertainment, insurance, auto services, catering, meeting spaces, and more.
Join our member companies who have offered their special deals to Chamber Members!
Access Medical Transport
Busy Ant Marketing
Docomo Pacific
Hotel Nikko Guam
Jaded & Cure
Market Research & Development, Inc.
MBC, Inc GU
Norman & Son, LLC
Promotions Specialties
| | | | |
