A Guam Business Magazine series that connects businesses to government agencies

Guam Economic Development Authority
• Phone: (671) 647-4332
• Website: investguam.com
• No. of staff: 29
• Governing legislation: Public Law 8-80, amended by Public Law 26-76 to include the Department of Commerce
• CEO and administrator: Melanie Mendiola

Melanie Mendiola

Mission statement
“Our mission is to develop a sound and sustainable economy through innovative programs that preserve and promote local culture, economic opportunities and quality of life.”

Functions and services
GEDA has many endeavors to grow the economy through numerous efforts locally and abroad, including the Guam Product Seal Program and the Qualifying Certificate Program. GEDA also serves as the financial adviser to the government of Guam and plans to open a Guam Film Office to oversee the local film industry.

Programs and activities
“We welcome businesses to give us a call regarding our various services. We are particularly interested in agriculture and have a special loan fund to work with farmers. Opportunity zones are a new tax-advantaged program we are exploring with regard to bringing more investment.”

Highlights and challenges
“We are currently in a period of transition. The 2019 fiscal year brings a number of challenges that are not necessarily exclusive to our agency, including the H-2B visa denials issue and the volatility of the financial markets. At GEDA, we have a great team with a lot of experience so we are confident that challenges can evolve into opportunities for our island’s economic growth.”

Source: Guam Economic Development Authority

Northern Mariana Islands Department of Commerce
• Phone: (670) 664-3000
• Email: info@commerce.gov.mp
• Website: commerce.gov.mp
• No. of staff: 49
• Governing legislation: Title 1, Section 2451 of the Commonwealth Code
• Secretary of Commerce: Mark O. Rabauliman

Mark O. Rabauliman

Mission statement
“The mission of the Department of Commerce is to ensure that the policies and procedures governing the conduct of business in the Commonwealth promote sustainable economic growth, stimulate economic development and diversification and provide a fair and equitable business environment in which both private and foreign businesses, and ultimately the people of the Commonwealth, may prosper.”

Functions and services
Under law, the Department of Commerce is required to:
• Be responsible for growth and regulations of private and foreign investments;
• establish laws, policies and procedures for commercial fishing, marine resources and agricultural resources;
• regulate and issue business licenses;
• collect, analyze and publicize statistical data for developmental programs; and
• conduct any and all things necessary to stimulate economic growth in the private sector.

Programs and activities
• Small Business Development Center
• Economic Labor Enhancement Program
• CNMI Consumer Assistance Program.

Source: NMI Department of Commerce