Nominations are being accepted for the 2025 National #SmallBusinessWeek Awards, which recognize the achievements of small businesses and their contributions to America's economy. The deadline is no later than 4pm ET on December 5, 2024. Read more on www.sba.gov/nsbw.

To obtain direct information for our area, please visit Guam Branch Office Awards | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov).

If you have an amazing small business success story to tell or wish to nominate a business or champion? Nominate a Small Business Person of the Year and other local award categories by submitting your nomination for the 2025 National Small Business Week Awards!

Gifts will be accepted until December 6th.

We are coming up to the last days for sites to receive your new and unwrapped toy contributions. If you are still thinking of making a contribution we look forward to your toy drop off at any of the great collection sites across the island! If you have already made a toy contribution this year, thank you so much for your generous gift!



The Chamber sends a huge "Thank You!" to our fantastic member companies that have opened their doors as toy drop-off sites for new and unwrapped toys in support of this year's campaign. For a list of companies collecting new and unwrapped toys please click the buttons below. 🚂🧸

View the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide • View Toys for Tots Drop-Off Locations

REGULATORY INSIGHTS

Regulatory Rewind: The Power of the Congressional Review Act

Why it matters: The Congressional Review Act (CRA) is a pivotal tool for Congress to oversee and potentially overturn federal regulations that may not align with legislative intent. Enacted in 1996, the CRA empowers Congress to review newly finalized regulations and, within 60 legislative days, pass a joint resolution of disapproval to nullify them. This mechanism ensures that the executive branch's regulatory actions are in check.

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The big picture: 

• New administrations use the CRA to reverse previous regulations, especially with party shifts.
• Effective in early months to target "midnight regulations" from outgoing administrations.

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What's next: We've compiled a list of potential rules that could be reviewed under the CRA. For more information, contact Chad Whiteman at cwhiteman@uschamber.com.

LEGAL INSIGHTS

Lawsuits Are Out of Control: A Growing Economic Burden

The financial impact of lawsuits, particularly tort cases, is escalating at an alarming rate. Recent research from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) reveals that the U.S. tort system's costs and compensation reached $529 billion in 2022, representing 2.1% of the U.S. GDP and $4,207 per American household. This trend poses a significant economic challenge.

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The big picture:

• Tort costs have grown 7.1% annually since 2016, with business cases seeing an 8.7% increase.
• Projected to exceed $900 billion by 2030 if trends continue.

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Understanding the Tort System: The tort system in the United States is a legal framework that allows businesses and individuals to seek civil remedies for harm through monetary damages and penalties. It encompasses various entities involved in resolving claims, whether in courts, arbitrations, or mediations.

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The challenge:

• Some lawyers exploit the system with abusive lawsuits and deceptive advertising.
• This misuse harms both defendants and intended beneficiaries.

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What's next: Lawsuit costs are rising. Explore our new interactive map for state-by-state impacts.

DEADLINE: December 18, 2024

Guam State Trade Expansion Program

(Guam STEP 2025)

Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Guam STEP is intended to assist eligible small businesses enter and succeed in the international marketplace. The program’s objectives are to increase the number of small businesses that are exporting and to increase the value of exports for those small businesses that are currently exporting.

Guam STEP provides eligible small businesses with comprehensive export training, financial assistance for new to export and/or market expansion activities, and access to international markets.

GEDA is now accepting applications. The deadline to apply is at 5:00 PM on December 18, 2024. Previous STEP participants interested in the new cycle must submit a new application.

More information on forms and applications is linked and clickable below!

Product Information

Client Application Form

Export Readiness Questionnaire

Program Background

News Release

Self-Representation Form

SBA Form

Application Checklist

Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk

Hilton Guam Resort & Spa will be hosting a Jingle Bell 5K Run/walk on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. Registration is ongoing and the QR code is located in the graphic. The registration fee will be a total of $20.00 per person.

Giving Tuesday

December 3, 2024

The G is for Giving Campaign was originally created in 2017 to benefit student scholarships. Each year since then the UOG Endowment Foundation has dedicated a season of giving from November to December where staff and student volunteers reach out to UOG alumni and the community to raise awareness about various ways UOG students can be supported through giving.

The Giving Tuesday movement was incorporated into their efforts as it falls within the campaign dates. On Giving Tuesday, different student organizations participated by hosting outreach tables and collecting donations.

Live2Lead

Tuesday, January 14, 2024

Guam's #1 leadership event is back, and back to give your team a great day to reset and recharge! Live2Lead is slated for Tuesday, January 14th at the Dusit Thani Resort.

The international simulcast is headed by JOHN C. MAXWELL identified as the world’s most influential leadership expert by Business Insider and Inc. magazine. He has authored over 100 books on all topics related to leadership, communication, teamwork, and success. In addition, the day will feature leadership activities that are all focused on TAKING ACTION!

It’s the most powerful leadership day of the year. Be there with your team. Save your seat today!

Si Yu'os Ma'åse to our Centurion Sponsor!

Ada's Trust & Investment, Inc. • Arnett Consulting, LLC • Assurance Brokers, Inc. dba: AB Risk Solutions • Bank of Hawaii • Black Construction Corporation

California Pacific Technical Services, LLC • Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Guam Insurance Adjusters, Inc. • Guam Music, Inc. • Hilton Guam Resort & Spa

HMI Guam • Hotel Nikko Guam • Island Skin Spa • Joe & Franks Auto

Jerold W. Filush, CPA • Marianas Steamship Agencies, Inc. • Matson Navigation Company

Micronesian Drivers Associations, Inc. • North Wind Group • Outback Steakhouse

Pacific Islands Development Bank • Phoenix Pacific (Guam), Inc.

Salt + Light Realty • SignKing, Inc. • Sylvan Learning Center

TNN Guam, Inc. dba: The Tsubaki Tower • Triple J Enterprises, Inc.

Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods, Inc. • Triple J Rentals (Guam), Inc. dba: Hertz Licensee