We know it's an important weekend when the
Super Bowl and Valentine's are involved!
No room for rookie mistakes -
get your quick Chamber updates for the weeks ahead, then get prepped for the winning team and
score sweet surprises for your favorite valentine from our local companies for the win!🙌🏽
2022 Joint Membership Meeting and Construction Program Update for NAVFAC Marianas and OICC Marine Corps Marianas
The Armed Forces Committee in partnership with the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME Guam Post) will be hosting a Joint Membership Meeting on Thursday, February 24th from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm on MS Teams. This virtual event will feature a Construction Program Update for NAVFAC Marianas and OICC Marine Corps Marianas.

We are excited to be a part of this opportunity and look forward to hearing from our Navy partners.

Be on the lookout for registration details soon!
Wednesday, FEBRUARY 23
General Membership Meeting
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
Will you be joining us on Wednesday, February 23rd for our first in-person membership meeting of the year at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa? Our guest speaker is Ed Untalan, Chairman of the Board, who will provide an update on the refreshed Chamber Strategic Plan. Save your spot today by clicking on the RSVP link. We look forward to seeing you soon!
24th Annual Amateur Golf Tournament
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Your Chamber is looking forward to networking on the green with you on Wednesday, March 23rd at Onward Talofofo Golf Course! We are happy to announce that team entries are now open.

You may also leverage your company brand by becoming an event sponsor or contributing a prize.

U.S. Chamber Updates
Why a Digital Trade Agreement is Needed

Digital trade is a promising driver of dynamic growth for American businesses and good jobs for American workers, a new Chamber report finds.

The Digital Trade Revolution: How U.S. Workers and Companies Can Benefit from a Digital Trade Agreement shows the digital trade revolution already delivers benefits for workers and companies across the country. It also makes the case for a digital trade pact.

Why it matters: Most U.S. services exports now have the potential to be delivered to customers abroad digitally, and companies of all sizes have the potential to benefit from digital trade.

  • But: While Americans are well placed to seize these opportunities, rising digital protectionism presents a serious threat. Many countries have imposed data localization measures and other trade barriers.

Details:

  • Nearly two-thirds of the digital economy consists of digital services, not digital goods, and the digital economy is expanding nearly three times as rapidly as the economy writ large.

  • Jobs tied to the digital economy can be found in nearly every sector, and their number is growing at a faster rate than that of overall job growth over the last decade. These jobs pay well, and compensation growth for digital jobs exceeds that for all jobs generally.

  • Digital exports, coming from every U.S. state, supported more than 2 million U.S. jobs in 2020. America’s small business exporters are among those with the most to gain from digital technologies.

Be smart: The report lays out principles to guide the negotiation of a digital trade agreement. It also identifies a group of countries — dubbed the “Digital Dozen” — considered to be potentially suitable partners to join the U.S. in a high-standard agreement.

Bottom line: The United States should pursue a high-standard digital trade agreement with a coalition of like-minded countries that share our ambitions. We need this to secure opportunities for American workers, small businesses, services industries, and others. The time to act is now.

Inflation Reaches 40-Year High

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) that registered a 7.5% annual increase in inflation in January—the highest rise in 40 years. More historic inflation is a reminder that we need policymakers focused on combatting inflation. That means avoiding policies, like the current so-called Build Back Better Bill, that will fuel greater near-term price increases. Learn more here.


Articles of Interest:




Resources & Planning
Guam Department of Labor
OSHA On-Site Consultation
Members are invited to take advantage of the upcoming GDOL OSHA On-Site Consultation Awareness Webinars. View a list of webinars here!

Should you have any questions, or would like to attend one of the events, you may email osha.consultation@dol.guam.gov or call 671-300-4617/20.
Federal Contracting workshops offered by SBA’s Hawaii District Office
 
SBA has announced a series of workshops offered by their Hawaii District Office. The time of the workshop has been modified to accommodate Guam's time schedule. Members are encouraged to take advantage of this training opportunity.
 
The first series of training is on Friday, February 18, 2022, @ 10:00 am (GU/CNMI time). Registration in Eventbrite is required!

It’s Time for Live2Lead!
The John Maxwell Organization and Guam Training once again team up to present the global leadership event, Live2Lead.
John Maxwell’s 9th annual global leadership event is coming back to Guam. Get ready for Live2Lead.

After a rocky 2021, Guam workers across all industries need a boost in inspiration, motivation, with ideas and strategies they can use today.

There are two ways to access Live2Lead.

The program is delivered to teams of 10 or more via a private Internet channel, at any date/time you want during the month of February. 

For companies with fewer attendees or individuals, Live2Lead will be presented via the Internet on Thursday, February 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Live2Lead is produced by Guam Training, and is again presented by Atkins Kroll.

Also partnering in the program are the Guam Chamber of Commerce, Guam Contractors’ Association, Guam Daily Post, and The Point, 93.3 FM.

For details, go to: live2leadguam.com
DPHSS SCREENING GUIDE
The Department of Public Health has issued a screening guide for test sites to prioritize individuals with a likelihood of severe disease, hospitalization, or death due to Covid-19. View Screening Guide here.

View additional public health guidance that has recently been issued:



The Department has advised that clearance letters from Public Health are NOT required in order to return to work. View guidance memo here.
This Month's Music Playlist!🎶
If your plans include spending time with your family and friends or working on a weekend warrior project or even hanging out with your favorite snuggle partner, we invite you to join us in celebrating all things "love" with this special playlist!💗

Did we include your favorite song? Let us know!