The Business Policy Review Commission: A promise in action

By Frank Blas Jr.

 In today’s evolving business landscape, policy cannot be crafted in isolation. For legislation to truly address the challenges faced by our local businesses and consumers, it must be informed by those who live and breathe the realities of Guam’s economy every day.

This is the guiding principle behind the Business Policy Review Commission, a body formed in alignment with the 38th Guam Legislature’s promise to engage and include the community more in policy discussions and legislative action.

This commission isn’t just another advisory group. It is a coalition of business owners, industry stakeholders and consumers—individuals with direct and indirect connections to the heartbeat of our economy. Their insights have already yielded tangible results, transforming business concerns into legislative solutions.

But beyond policy creation, the commission is setting a precedent for how governance should work: through open dialogue, collaboration and accountability.

One of the commission’s most significant achievements has been initiating discussions on government procurement issues, a critical topic affecting businesses large and small. By bringing public and private sector leaders to the table, the commission has facilitated conversations on fairness, transparency and efficiency, ensuring that procurement processes work for businesses, not against them. The result? A foundation for future reforms that empower local enterprises and create a level playing field.

The success of the commission underscores a vital truth: when the community is actively involved in shaping policy, the results are more effective, equitable and lasting. It’s a model of governance that recognizes that businesses aren’t just economic units, but are also pillars of our community. Their struggles impact families, their successes create opportunities, and their voices deserve to be heard.

As the work of the Business Policy Review Commission continues, the call for engagement remains clear. Business owners, industry leaders and community advocates must remain involved, providing feedback, sharing concerns and ensuring that policy reflects the real needs of Guam’s economy. This is more than a policy review, it is a movement to make governance responsive, responsible, and rooted in the people it serves.

A thriving economy begins with informed leadership. Through collaboration and community-driven policy, the Business Policy Review Commission is helping to shape a future where businesses prosper, consumers are protected, and Guam’s economic foundation remains strong.

The Business Policy Review Commission was founded on a principle central to the speaker's promise: that meaningful policy must be shaped by the very people it affects. Rooted in a commitment to community engagement, the commission serves as a platform for direct collaboration between policymakers, business leaders, and everyday consumers, ensuring that every voice is heard in the discussions that define Guam’s economic future.

With members drawn from diverse sectors, each with direct or indirect ties to island businesses and their customers, the commission brings real-world perspectives to the table. This dynamic approach has already resulted in impactful legislation addressing key business concerns and sparked pivotal discussions on government procurement, creating a forum where representatives from both the public and private sectors engage in constructive dialogue about transparency, fairness, and opportunity.

This is more than policy, it is action. It is the fulfillment of a promise to involve the community in shaping legislation that supports businesses, protects consumers, and fosters long-term economic stability. The commission stands as a bridge between the government and the people, advocating for policies that reflect the collective needs and aspirations of Guam.

As we look forward, the work of the Business Policy Review Commission continues, with collaboration, innovation and accountability guiding the way. By working together, we can create an environment where businesses flourish, communities thrive, and the future of Guam remains bright.

Community-led. Business-focused. A promise fulfilled. The future of Guam starts here.

Sen. Frank Blas Jr. is the speaker of the 38th Guam Legislature.

The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s and do not reflect the editorial position of the Pacific Island Times.

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