Congratulating Calvo Enterprises, Inc. on Their 50th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, the year 2025 marks a major milestone in Guam's history-- the 50th anniversary of Calvo Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned company that has become a cornerstone of our island's economy and community life.

The story of Calvo Enterprises begins nearly a century ago, in 1938, when Eduardo ``Jake'' Calvo founded Guam's first locally owned insurance agency. At the time, he could not have imagined that his vision would grow into a multi-generational enterprise shaping so many aspects of life on our island. Yet from those modest beginnings, the Calvo family built a foundation of entrepreneurship and service that continues to this day.

Over the decades, the family's ventures expanded beyond insurance into wholesale distribution, retail, broadcasting, healthcare, real estate, and tourism. By the 1970's, under the leadership of Jake's sons Paul, Edward, and Jerry, these businesses were formally brought together under one structure--Calvo Enterprises, Inc. (CEI, established in 1975.

Since then, CEI has become one of Guam's most dynamic business groups. It secured the Pepsi bottling franchise, making Mid-Pacific Distributors a household name. It acquired KUAM, Guam's oldest television and radio station, ensuring that local voices would continue to have a strong platform. It transformed Pay-Less Supermarkets into the island's leading grocery chain. And it launched Calvo's SelectCare, which today provides health coverage for thousands of individuals and families.

But what makes this 50-year milestone so significant is not just the breadth of the businesses, it is the enduring impact on Guam's people. Through its companies, CEI has created jobs, modernized industries, and introduced new consumer choices. Through its civic partnerships, it has helped develop cultural and tourism landmarks such as Two Lovers Point. And through its philanthropy, it has stood beside families in times of hardship, most notably through the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Foundation, which continues to support patients and their loved ones.

The Calvo family's contributions have also extended into public service. Governor Paul M. Calvo and Governor Eddie Baza Calvo each brought their business experience to government, guiding Guam through periods of challenge and transition. Their leadership reflected the same qualities that defined their family business: fiscal discipline, innovation, and a belief that Guam's future is worth investing in.

Today, CEI is led by the third generation--Leonard P. Calvo, Jake Calvo, and Eddie Baza Calvo--who continue to steer the company with the same values their grandfather instilled: hard work, integrity, and care for community. Their recent acquisitions and ventures, from Tokio Marine Pacific Insurance to the opening of Guam's first Daiso store, demonstrate a forward-looking vision while staying rooted in Guam's needs.

Anniversaries are not just markers of time; they are reminders of legacy. For fifty years, Calvo Enterprises has helped build the economy of Guam, but more importantly, it has helped build trust, resilience, and opportunity for the people of Guam. Few companies can claim such a wide-ranging and positive impact.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Calvo family and to every employee, past and present, who has contributed to this extraordinary journey.

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