IS INFLATION HURTING YOUR BUSINESS?
We have heard from many of our members about how tough it is to keep costs down in these times of high inflation. We’d like to hear from you in a brief survey about concerns you may have and if the higher costs and fees have had any impact on your business. Your response will help us in our advocacy efforts with government officials. Thank you for your time and support. Take the quick survey now!
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Chamber Member Spotlight Podcast
Episode 3
We are very excited to announce that our 3rd episode of the Chamber Member Spotlight Podcast is now up on Youtube and Spotify. This new episode spotlights Pacific Froots LLC, featuring Christine Baleto, Master Franchisee. As you make your way to Youtube or Spotify, don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and follow our accounts to get updated on our next episodes!
Click to listen on Youtube
Click to listen on Spotify
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October is Red Ribbon Month
October marks the official kick-off of Red Ribbon Month, a major drug prevention effort. Today, more than ever, we need to pull our efforts together to warn our youth about the dangers of under aged drinking and use of drugs.
The Chamber will be visiting schools with other Red Ribbon program partners this month. If you or members of your company are interested in participating in any of the scheduled school outreach events or donating prizes (caps, school supplies, etc), please contact Jackie Casil at the Chamber for scheduling and information.
The Annual Say Boo! to Drugs (Red Ribbon culminating event) is being held at the Agana Shopping Center who has hosted this effort since its inception in 2007. We are seeking prizes (6 each) for schools plus candy for give-aways at the October 31st event. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Rebekah at 472-6311. All contributions must be received at the Chamber office by Friday, October 28th. Thank you for your support!
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Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Friday, October 21, 2022
8:30 - 10:30 am • $30.00 Admission Fee
Guam Chamber Meeting Room
This seminar will feature DEA Resident Agent in Charge, Ken Bowman, who will discuss how to identify substance abuse in the workplace across the various industries in Guam. Members interested in learning more about how to identify the most common drugs used on island and what to look for in individuals under the influence. This event is part of a seminar series to bring awareness to the business community of the use of illegal substances and impairment in the workplace, provide preventative measures, and offer potential solutions for this serious problem plaguing our island. Click on the button to reserve your seat today!
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Transportation for Early Voting
Schedule With Us!
The Action PAC van will be making its rounds for those who are interested in early voting for the upcoming general election. Early voting will take place at the The Westin Guam Resort beginning Tuesday, October 11th through Thursday, November 3rd. If you are interested in having your employees vote together, please call the Chamber Team at (671) 472-6311 or email TakeActionGuam@guamchamber.com.gu for scheduling purposes.
Shuttle schedule is available from 9:45 am - 3:00 pm
Early voting is available Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (October 11 - November 3)
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Attention All Small Businesses
Pop-up Shop.. Just in time for the Holidays!
Chamber Business Women's Network is hosting a Pop-up Shop Just in Time for the Holidays! The event will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the Guam Premier Outlets from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Get a start on your Christmas shopping list while supporting our local small businesses!
If your company would like to participate as a pop-up shop, please click the button to register with the Chamber.
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October General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Our upcoming general membership meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. with lunch buffet open at 11:30 a.m. Bring your business cards and meet your fellow Chamber members and their guests. Get caught up with us, too! We look forward to seeing you there!
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CBWN Brown Bag Lunch
Friday, November 4, 2022
12:00 noon • $10.00 per person
Guam Chamber Meeting Room
The Chamber Business Women's Network is excited to bring back our Brown Bag Lunch Events! Join us for this 90-minute educational round table event with our featured speaker, Jenynne Guzman, President of Guam Temps Inc. She will speak on workforce concerns, pandemic challenges that still plague small businesses; and, what the business landscape will be like in the months ahead.
Pack one of your favorite lunch items and join us for this unique conversation. We'll supply the drinks and desserts! We hope to see you there!
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Toys for Tots Campaign
Thank you to many of our Chamber Member companies for signing up to be a drop-off site for the Toys For Tots campaign. We are truly appreciative of your thoughtfulness and support!
For a list of companies collecting new and unwrapped toys, please click the link below. The Chamber along with member companies will be accepting gift drop off from now till December 10th! 🚂🧸
Click to view drop-off sites
Click to view gift ideas
Click to view High School challenge
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How Washington Can Fight Inflation
Historically high inflation continues to plague the country. (Chamber Chief Economist Curtis Dubay has details below.) The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates to tamp down rising prices, and it is crucial that Congress and the administration help with those efforts.
Why it matters: Inflation is one of the biggest issues facing businesses, workers, and families. It continues chipping away at Americans’ buying power, making it harder for them to get ahead.
Here’s what Washington can do to fight inflation:
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Fix the worker shortage. We have four million more job openings than unemployed workers, and we’re missing 2.9 million people from the labor force. We must help Americans acquire skills to fill open jobs and increase legal immigration to help employers fill job openings.
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Strengthen U.S. energy production. American energy can reduce costs. We need a new 5-year leasing plan and an end to the ban on new energy exploration on federal lands.
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Lower tariffs. Reducing taxes on American families and companies helps them save money on everything from manufacturing inputs to everyday goods.
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Federal permitting reform. Faster construction of infrastructure will improve energy security while lowering prices for businesses and consumers.
Be smart: While high inflation is generating pessimism about the economy, employers still want to hire and are making investments, and consumers are still spending. We are in a unique economic environment that calls for good, pro-growth policies.
Bottom line: Congress and the Biden administration have critical roles to play in fighting inflation. They need to act.
Economic Viewpoints
Inflation Persists, Rising in September
Inflation rose in September by 0.4% from August and is up 8.2% on an annual basis.
Why it matters: We are far from the Fed’s 2% target rate of inflation. The persistence of core inflation will be troubling to the central bank.
Be smart: Annual inflation has fallen some in the last few months but remains very high. Along with that month-to-month inflation is still high and exceeding expectations.
- Core prices, excluding more volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.6% in September and 6.6% annually. Increases were in housing, medical care, car insurance, new cars, household furnishings, and education. Those increases were offset by declines in used cars and trucks, apparel, and communication.
By the numbers: Price increases of necessities are putting enormous pressure on family budgets:
- Food prices were up 0.8% from August to September and 11.2% annually.
- Gas prices were down 4.9% from August to September but are still up 18.2% from a year ago.
- Electricity was up 0.4% on the month and 15.5% annually.
- Housing costs were up 0.7% from August to September and are up 6.6% annually.
- New car prices rose 0.7% from July and are up 9.4% annually.
- Used car prices fell 1.1% but are up 7.2% annually.
Bottom line: The stubborn persistence of monthly inflation makes any call of “peak inflation” premature. Look for the Fed to continue raising interest rates.
—Curtis Dubay, Chief Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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Si Yu'os Ma'åse to Lt. Colonel Jeremiah Hitchner!
We would like to thank Lt. COL Jeremiah Hitchner for speaking to our Armed Forces Committee (AFC) Members at the Chamber office on Thursday, October 13, 2022. Members learned more about the Space Command and its potential capabilities for Guam. We appreciate our "Conversation with Lt. COL Hitchner" and look forward to next month's round table event! Stay tuned to this space for details.
Not a member of the AFC but are interested in participating in this event and other similar activities? Contact a member of your Chamber Team for details!
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"How to do business with MWR" Recap | |
In partnership with the Armed Forces Committee and the Joint Region Marianas, we would like to thank the team from MWR for providing an informative presentation on how local companies could have future partnerships with Navy's Morale, Welfare and Recreation services. We will have another similar event in January 2023. Be on the lookout for details! | |
SAME Guam Industry Forum 2022
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2022
The Guam Post of the Society of American Engineers (S.A.M.E.) has extended Early Bird registration for the Guam Industry Forum 2022 to Saturday, Oct. 15. The three-day event, scheduled from November 14-16, 2022 at the Dusit Thani Guam Resort, will bring together the U.S. military and construction industry professionals to engage and learn first-hand about the master plan for anticipated military development projects in the region.
Attendees can expect to hear about the timing, size, and opportunities to bid for $11 billion in projects planned for the next five years in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. The event will also welcome speakers and attendees from around the globe to network with U.S. Military decision-makers and team up with other service providers for local contracts. Those interested are encouraged to take advantage of Early Bird registration packages, a savings of $230 off registration fees. Additionally, S.A.M.E. announced that after expenses are paid, proceeds will fund scholarships for students pursuing architect and engineering degrees.
The event’s details and the forum’s working agenda have been posted on S.A.M.E.’s event website at guamindustryforum.com.
Click here to view forum agenda
Click to view sponsorship packet
Click here to view early bird
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Live2Lead Leadership Event
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Hyatt Regency Guam
Guam's #1 leadership event is back, and to give your team a great day to reset and recharge!
The international simulcast is headed by John C. Maxwell, and also features four other world- class speakers: Patrick Lencioni, author of The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team; Pulitzer Prize winner and Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin; Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders; and
the supercharged Eric Thomas, a fast-rising name in leadership circles.
In addition, the day will feature leadership activities,
training to take back to your workplace, and a plan
to get 2023 off to a great start.
Earlybird pricing is now available and is on a
countdown timer. The price will go up when the
timer hits all zeroes.
Click here to download Registration Form
Click to view their website
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Arts in Action
Hilton Guam Resort & Spa
Tuesday, October 22, 2022
The Guam Council Arts & Humanities Agency is hosting its 55th Anniversary Arts in Action, work shop on Tuesday, October 22, 2022 at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. 4:00 pm work shops, 6:00 pm cocktail reception.
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ROAD CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT
October 2022 - May 2023
On October 2022 to May 2023, FULL ROAD CLOSURE for reconstruction of Ypao road between Congressman Palting Loop and Pale San Vitores Road. Please take alternate routes. Drive safe, Guam!
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Fun Halloween Playlist👻
We've updated our Spotify Halloween playlist and packed hours of cool music for this weekend's holiday fun! Change up your drive, backyard BBQ or relax time with something a little devilish! It's all in good fun! What better way to enjoy an October weekend than to listen to cool music with a halloween vibe? Have a listen!
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