Feeling pulses, forging ahead and facing fear of the future
I realize that’s not a very joyful headline on the top of the page. I hope it doesn’t dampen your enthusiasm for the holidays.
MaratitaIn the weeks and days leading up to this column, the Glimpses Media teams have been out and about attending events, and meeting people. Me too. The last few months of the year always seem to have a flurry of activity, and this year is no different — parties, lunches, forums, and a slew of business openings and re-openings, all of which have featured in our news.
At cocktail parties and mixers, the talk is of our challenges. Well, yes, business successes, but the topic inevitably changes to challenges.
Workforce issues are very much on all our minds — whether you are a large or a small business and no matter the industry.
Many businesses are short on staff, and there is a lot of competition for potential employees. And of course, if you’re in the construction industry you can hardly keep up with the work, let alone the vexing issue of having enough H-2Bs, and a skilled workforce.
Aside from the vacancies online, on the usual employment sites, and business websites, there are the “We are hiring” banners fluttering in the wind around the island.
Then there are the job fairs. In case you think the act of sourcing employees is solely a local activity, employees don’t have to leave their homes to find the latest company or group offering that’s offering an on-line career fair from the U.S. mainland.
Another challenge is that the U.S. Department of Labor intends to raise the salary threshold of exempt employees by thousands through the Fair Labor Standards Act. In the islands, where we have yet to see our economies recover post-pandemic, that’s not welcome news, to put it mildly.
At the Journal, we hear of people moving off-island. There are all sorts of reasons. I spoke to a middle management executive at length one evening who was on the verge of leaving with his family. Dealing with mixed emotions (because Guam is truly a special place to live), Typhoon Mawar and the slow pace of our recovery was the deciding factor.
On a happier note, seasonal gift guides abound, to include “the best gifts for entrepreneurs and new business owners.” While many of the ideas for this year focus on practicality (like food and beverages) and tech products, a custom blanket (in case your airline is not providing them) and other travel products are popular.
And as we forge ahead, I expect I will see a bunch of you on Jan. 13 at the Guam Business Magazine Executive of the Year gala at the Hyatt Regency Guam.
If you have a nomination, please send it in soon, as nominations close on Nov. 13. You can find a fillable form on www.guambusinessmagazine.com/nominate, or you can download the form if you prefer. mbj
— Maureen N. Maratita is the publisher at Glimpses Media. Publications at Glimpses Media include the Marianas Business Journal, MBJ Life, The Real Estate Journal, Guam Business Magazine, Beach Road Magazine, Buenas and Drive Guam.
