(Las Vegas, NV – August 21, 2022) The Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) is in Las Vegas, Nevada this week at the ASD Market Week trade show to showcase four Guam-based companies and their culturally-inspired products to potential buyers and distributors from across the United States as well as international markets.

“Small businesses are serving as the backbone of our recovering economy and small business owners, partners and families as the lifeblood of our people’s ingenuity and innovation,” Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said. “Their essential contributions to our community inspired our Administration’s committed support through pandemic relief funding, employer assistance grants and economic opportunities. We are proud that our island’s unique flavors and flare is on national display during an enriching experience we hope to provide to more small businesses as we progress on the road to recovery.”

Held twice a year in Las Vegas, the ASD Market Week is the most comprehensive trade show for consumer merchandise in the United States. GEDA first participated in the trade show last year, bringing two local companies as part of the Guam State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which was funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This year, GEDA is supporting the participation of four local companies, Everything Guam LLC, Denanche’ Brand, The Coconut Tree Company, and Guam Peeps. 

“GEDA is excited to once again promote our local companies and their unique CHamoru culture-inspired products at the ASD Market Week in Las Vegas,” said GEDA CEO/Administrator Melanie Mendiola. “The trade show gives our companies access to over 40,000 attendees, including buyers and vendors from over 90 countries.”

Participating in the trade show for the second year in a row, Everything Guam LLC, is once again promoting their line of gourmet shortbread cooked cookies, hand dipped and individually packaged in premium packaging.

“In our journey to grow our market and our brand, last year’s experience inspired us to hone in on the parts of our operation that will help us share our taste of Guam abroad,” said Marie Guerrero, Managing Director for Everything Guam LLC. “We look forward to identifying new partnerships and opportunities this year that can elevate our business and Guam as a whole.

Denanche’ Brand, who also participated last year, is promoting their hot pepper drizzle made with locally grown hot peppers.

“We’ve taken feedback from last year and have made our product even better,” said Lenny Fejeran, CEO of Denanche’ Brand. “Last year was such an eye opener for us. We are even more excited this time around to share a little taste of home and represent Guam.  

As part of this year’s trade show exhibit, GEDA will also highlight Guam Peeps and The Coconut Tree Company. Guam Peeps is promoting plush toys and other souvenir gifts. The Coconut Tree Company is promoting gourmet coconut candy.      

“Guam Peeps looks forward to bringing insights of Guam history and CHamoru culture through its products at the event,” said Anthony Sayama, owner of Guam Peeps. “This is a great opportunity to cultivate new business relationships, raise brand awareness, and discover new business trends. Personal networking will allow for direct feedback on our products and modes of improvement.” 

“When we started our company, our focus was on sharing our locally inspired products with our local families, families abroad, and visitors to Guam,” said Gary Tanaka, managing partner of The Coconut Tree Company. “I’m excited that with our participation at the ASD Market Week through GEDA’s support, I’ll have the opportunity to share a little part of my childhood and my love of cooking which was hugely inspired by my grandfather Tomas S Tanaka with the rest of the world.”

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