"Buy Guam" campaign launched

Every dollar spent is a decision — and now, Guam leaders are urging residents to make that decision count. A new campaign is calling on the island to stand behind its own, support local businesses, and invest directly in Guam’s future.

The Guam Economic Development Authority has officially launched Buy Guam — a public awareness campaign designed to boost support for local businesses and made in Guam products carrying the Guam Product Seal. The initiative was recently unveiled during GEDA's “Taking The Leap Beyond Guam” virtual export conference.

Melvin Tabilas is GEDA's Small Business Division manager and says the purpose of the Buy Guam campaign is to highlight Made in Guam products and those companies, saying it, "Puts a face to these businesses and to these products."

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero says the campaign is more than marketing — it’s a movement and Tabilas agrees and what he hopes it does. "A practice of our locals if you had to choose between Tabasco or local denanche. Choose denanche. If you go to visit family and friends in the States, bring the Latte Stone Cookies from Everything Guam or local honey," he suggested.

Through television, digital media, and community outreach, Buy Guam aims to highlight the quality, creativity, and innovation behind Guam-based manufacturers and producers — while making it easier for consumers to identify trusted local products through the Guam Product Seal.

"This campaign is about having people encourage to make choices buying local," he said.

The campaign focuses on four key goals: increasing promotion of locally produced goods, encouraging small business growth and job creation, building consumer trust in made in guam products, and strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses both at home and abroad.

And Talibas says, "We want to enourage our business establishments to sell. Or put it on the shelves those who utilize it like restaurants, incorporate them into their menus, or our hotels if you are going to give out corporate gifts, if you are going to give out welcome packets, use our products."

leaders say the effort is about shifting consumer habits — turning everyday shopping into an investment in the island’s workforce, entrepreneurs, and long-term resilience. For a list of guam product seal permit holders and more information on the Buy Guam campaign, residents can visit www.investguam.com. 

Officials say the message is simple — if you want to strengthen Guam’s economy, start with what’s in your shopping cart.