2013 hawaii island chamber of commerce activity report

• Promoting our island, its products and services by providing information to people the world over • Influencing legislation & government policies

• Voicing our Island’s concerns to state, national & other local Chambers of Commerce• Sponsoring seminars & programs to help members conduct better business

• Keeping members informed by collecting & dispensing information onbusiness trends, legislation & new developments

Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce | 117 Keawe St. Suite 205, Hilo, HI 96720 | Ph: 808-935-7178 | www.hicc.biz

HAWAI‘I ISLANDCHAMBER OF COMMERCE2013

ACTIVITY SPECIAL REPORT

HAWAI‘I ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

President Judith Fox-Goldstein,University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Conference CenterPresident-Elect Chuck Erskine, First Hawaiian BankVice President Ka‘iu Kimura,‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘iTreasurer Jon Miyata, Royal Hawaiian Orchards, LLPImmediate Past President Vaughn G.T. Cook, Torkildson, Katz, Moore, Hetherington & Harris

Office StaffMiles Yoshioka, Executive OfficerTaylor Escalona, Administrative Assistant

Directors Howard Ainsley, Hilo Medical CenterRussell Chin, Matson Navigation Co.Jackie De Luz Watanabe, Big Island ToyotaJay Ignacio, Hawaii Electric Light Co.Michael Kaleikini, Puna Geothermal VentureRandall Kurohara, County of Hawai‘iKapena Lum, Bank of HawaiiKeith Marrack, Edward JonesTani Matsubara, Alert Alarm of Hawai‘iStephanie Nagata, UH Office of Mauna Kea Management

Spencer Oliver, The Hilo Yacht ClubGlenn Santos, Business Insurance ServicesWesley Segawa, Wesley R. Segawa & Associates, Inc.Donald Straney, University of Hawai‘i at HiloGordon Takaki, CU Hawaii Federal Credit UnionCraig Takamine, Takamine ConstructionBarry Taniguchi, KTA Super StoresMisti Tyrin, Coldwell Banker Day-Lum PropertiesSteve Ueda, Individual MemberCarol VanCamp, CBRE, Inc.William Walter, W.H. Shipman, Ltd.Noreen Yamane, Hawai‘i Community College

Your Chamber Connection...

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• Facilitate communication between the business community and government• Influence legislation through advocacy• Keep members informed on important issues community issues• Provide educational and informational sessions• Offer one-stop information on ‘how to do business’ in Hawaii• Provide visibility and networking for our membership• Build capacity in our business community

How does the Chamber work? Simply put… Members, Volunteers, Committees and our

dedicated office staff, led by Miles Yoshioka, make our Chamber thrive! We accomplish our broad spectrum of services and activities through the excellent work of our members and volunteers who comprise our standing and special committees.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. ~ John Quincy Adams

What does the future hold for our HICC?Our Chamber has transformed itself into a very dynamic

organization through strategic development and community outreach. As the pulse of the community, it’s important that we represent a much broader spectrum of all of the economic engines and businesses that drive the community. Of course, that also means a higher concentration on education and identifying new leadership through the next generation.

My goal is to Engage, Expand and Explore the endless possibilities that will emerge from growing our collaborations, partnerships and associations. As a representative of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, I look forward to expanding the Chamber’s role and involvement in higher education at all levels of the spectrum. I look forward to the opportunity to advance the goals of our Chamber and our community.

Warmest Aloha!

Judith Fox-Goldstein, PresidentHawaii Island Chamber of Commerce

2013-2014

Aloha As the 116th President of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce (HICC), I am extremely humbled to take the helm of this prestigious

organization. Representing an organization that has remained relevant in our community for over a century is no small measure!

In these challenging economic times, membership is even more important than during prosperous times. Businesses need a collective voice and our Chamber is very vocal in advocating for a healthy business climate.

HICC remains a vital element for local business in our community. Fostering a greater sense of the business community, providing powerful advocacy on behalf of our small businesses and identifying emerging leaders, the Chamber actively provides our membership with strategic networking opportunities, education, information, business marketing opportunities, social events, and increasingly important…visibility.

What is the Chamber’s Mission?“To assist businesses and promote Hawaii Island and to provide leadership and advocacy while promoting the economic well-being of Hawaii Island as a whole!” The Chamber is the “heartbeat of the business community” representing more than 250 businesses comprising over 500 voting members.

What exactly does our Chamber do& how, specifically, are we representiwng the interests of small businesses on Hawaii Island? (A question frequently asked!)

As the “Voice of East Hawaii and Beyond”, we:• Promote the economic well-being of the Island• Promote our Island, it’s products and services• Identify issues facing the business community, voice collective concerns and “Take Action!”

2 Sunday, July 28, 2013 Hawaii Tribune-Herald


OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS2013-14

L-R: Spencer Oliver, Noreen Yamane, Craig Takamine, Ka‘iu Kimura, Stephanie Nagata, Chuck Erskine, Judith Fox-Goldstein, Governor Abercrombie, Keith Marrack, Jon Miyata, Kapena Lum, Vaughn Cook, Carol VanCamp, Donald Straney, Tani Matsubara, Gordon Takaki, Bill Walter, Steve Ueda, Randy Kurohara, Mike Kaleikini, Barry Taniguchi. Not pictured: Howard Ainsley, Russell Chin, Jackie De Luz Watanabe, Jay Ignacio, Glenn Santos, Wesley Segawa, Misti Tyrin.

Economic Development

Government Affairs

Education Finance

Membership

Political Action

Executive CommitteeSocial ATHENA

Awards

NominationScholarship

President’s Cup

Tourism

Employment Law Seminar

Office Professionals

Day

Website

STANDING COMMITTEES

SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Sunday, July 28, 2013 3 Hawaii Tribune-Herald

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What is the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce? The Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce (HICC)brings businesses and professionals together to makeHawai‘i Island a better place to live and do business. HICCrepresents both large and small businesses. Based in Hilo, HICC’s membership has grown to more than 250 businesses and professional organizations statewide with more than nearly 600 employees who we consider member representatives. Because we are the voice of business of East Hawai‘i and beyond, we:• Promote our island, its products and services by providing information to people all

over the world• Influence legislation and government policies by providing access to government

and legislative decision makers. HICC has hosted presentations by Governor Abercrombie, Lt. Governor Tsutsui and co-sponsored a Mayoral candidate forum during the last election.

• Voice our Island’s concerns to state, national and other local Chambers of Commerce and business organizations.

• Sponsor seminars and programs such as the annual Employment Law Seminar, the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) seminar, the Brown Bag Lunch Series which last featured an Introduction to Social Media & Internet Marketing which gives member businesses an opportunity to showcase their business to other members and the First Hawaiian Bank Hawai‘i County Economic Outlook Forum.

• Keep members informed by providing information on business trends, legislation and new economic developments. Our members have heard about many issues, including geothermal, crime and traffic in East Hawai‘i, the University’s Office of Mauna Kea Management and the Kulani Correctional Facility.

• Offer a one-stop shop for information on how to do business in Hilo and provide relocation information to those moving to Hilo.

• Promote tourism to Hawai‘i Island by providing visitor information to travelers and publicizing the services of member businesses.

What is the Chamber’s purpose? The purpose of the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce is to assist

businesses and promote Hawai‘i Island. We provide leadership via services and advocacy for the business community while promoting the economic well being of Hawai‘i Island as a whole.

We accomplish this by:• Initiating and maintaining programs of research, education and

community.• Identifying the issues facing the business community and acting to

achieve satisfactory solutions.• Working with and coordinating activities with other organizations to

promote a stable and healthy economy.• Maintaining communication and rapport between the business

community and our governmental decision makers.• Advocating election or appointment to public office of those who

understand the problems facing the business community and have the ability, knowledge and experience to make sound decisions.

• Providing networking and social opportunities for our members.

What is the Chamber’s organization? The Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors governs the Chamber and the President of the Board serves as Chief Executive Officer of the organization. The Chamber office is administered by a paid Executive Officer who reports to the President. The Chamber accomplishes most of its work through its standing and special committees. The committees are open to all members and it is on committees that Chamber members have the most input.

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HICC?HAWAI‘I ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

KTA Super Stores employees are full of smiles at the 10th Office Professionals’ Day Luncheon.

Mayoral candidate forum co-sponsored by the Hawaii Island

Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry

of Hawaii, Hawaii Island REALTORS®, Hawaii

Island Contractors’ Association, and

Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association (photo

courtesy of Willis Preston Campbell).

Howard Dicus of Hawaii News Now speaks to Chamber members and guests at the SBA Awards Luncheon and General Membership Meeting.

WHAT IS

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The Chamber’s network of businesses allows you to understand what the pulse of business is in your own community. You aren’t alone with your challenges, and can share your successes. The exchange of ideas is

invaluable. We’ve met some really great people and call many of them friends, not just peers.

The BAH (Business After Hours) events are a great way to not only socialize, but learn about specific businesses. This knowledge is helpful when assisting customers and clients with their needs that you may not be able to directly fulfill. You can become another resource for them, which builds upon the relationships that are the foundation of many businesses. I also really enjoy the Brown Bag Lunch series. Again, this is a way to encourage B2B relationships, and create referrals.

~ Jeanette Baysa, Hilo Coffee Mill HawaiiJeanette Baysa,Hilo Coffee Mill Hawaii

Keith Marrack,Edward Jones

Nichol Hatch, A.S. Designs & Services, LLC

MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce is a great way for me to keep abreast of what is happening in the local business community. I get the opportunity

to meet and learn from community leaders, attend educational seminars, volunteer and have fun in after

hour activities. Through partnerships with groups like the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, KIAA and Hui

Ka Ua, there is always something new and exciting going on.

~ Keith Marrack, Edward Jones

To be a member of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce is truly an honor. The Chamber allows you to take an active role in our community, to mingle with fellow business professionals and owners, to further educate yourself, and to magnify your voice in Hawaii’s political forums. It supports, educates, converges and stimulates Hawaii’s businesses and has done so for many years. This Chamber’s roots run deep and I am proud to be a member.

~ Nichol Hatch, A.S. Designs & Services, LLC


Business drives the economic prosperity of our community, and no organization is more singularly dedicated to this goal than the Hawaii Island Chamberof Commerce. Through their advocacy of business-friendly policies and general promotion of our island, the HICC makes our community a better place to live,work and raise our families. HFS Federal Credit Unionis a proud member of theHawaii Island Chamberof Commerce.

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The Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce has the honor of annually presenting the internationally-recognized ATHENA Award® which recognizes community members who have achieved the highest level of professional excellence, steadfast dedication to community service, and works to improve the quality of life for others in the community and actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential. Carol R. Ignacio, Executive Director of the Office of Social Ministry and Affordable Housing was honored as the 2012 ATHENA Award® recipient.

Each year, the ATHENA Award® recipient is awarded a $500 cash award to “Pay It Forward” to assist other women in our community. Roberta Chu is the Chair of the 2013 ATHENA® Award Committee.

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HICCSCHOLARSHIPS & EDUCATION AWARDS The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce has been supporting students during one of the most important times of their lives… their pursuit of higher education through our University of Hawai‘i system. The Chamber has been awarding scholarships to qualified University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College students since 1989 through an endowment fund managed by the University of Hawai‘i Foundation. Over the years, HICC has awarded more than $106,000 to University of Hawai‘i at Hilo students and $23,000 to Hawai‘i Community College students who have excelled in academic and extra-curricular achievements. HawCC’s Cheryl Dias received a $1,000 award from HICC and UH Hilo College of Business and Economics students Melanie Isa, Gareth Makino and Risa Watabiki each received $2,000 scholarship awards for the 2013 fall semester. Chuck Erskine is the Scholarship Committee Chair.

Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration honors the most outstanding small firms in Hawai‘i to recognize their achievements and highlight the importance of small firms to a vibrant local economy. The Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce has annually recognized the Hawai‘i County small business winners at a luncheon and General Membership meeting. The 2013 Awards luncheon featured guest speaker Howard Dicus, business reporter and “chief explainer” for HawaiiNewsNow. The SBA Award winners included Chamber members Allan Ikawa of Big Island Candies, State of Hawai‘i Entrepreneurial Success of the Year; Kari Waldhaus of The Entrepreneur’s Source, County of Hawai‘i Minority Small Business Champion of the Year; and Warren and Joan Chong of Legalshield dba Chong Enterprises, County of Hawai‘i Home Based Business Champion of the Year. Other winners honored included Greg Colden of Kona Natural Soap Company, County of Hawai‘i Small Business Exporter of the Year; John and Nancy Edney of Tropical Dreams Ice Cream Lalamilo Farms, LP, County of Hawai‘i Small Business Person of the Year; Colin Nakagawa of The Seaside Restaurant, County of Hawai‘i SBA Family Owned Business of the Year; William Bierman of Omega Computers, County of Hawai‘i Young Entrepreneur of the Year; and Laura Kinoshita of Kinoshita Communications, County of Hawai‘i Women in Business Champion of the Year.

ATHENA AWARD®

SBA AWARDS

L-R: Guest Speaker Howard Dicus, of Hawaii News Now, Hawai‘i Island SBA Award winners, William Bierman, Laura Kinoshita, Joan & Warren Chong, Allan Ikawa, Kari Waldhaus, Nancy & John Edney, Greg Colden, Colin Nakagawa & HICC Immediate Past President Vaughn Cook (Photo courtesy of Willis Preston Campbell).

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

L-R: ATHENA Award® Committee Chair Roberta Chu, Bank of Hawaii, 2012 ATHENA Award® recipient, Carol Ignacio, Past University of Hawaii System President M.R.C. Greenwood, & Immediate Past President Vaughn Cook, Torkildson, Katz, Moore, Hetherington & Harris (photo courtesy of TN Photography Hawaii).

Risa Watabiki

Gareth Makino

Cheryl Dias

Melanie Isa


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a “pau hana” event

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS


Chamber Business After Hours events are an opportunity for Chamber members to showcase their business and services, usually at their facility. Typically hosted by the business or by the Chamber’s Social Committee, these events are usually held “pau hana”, usually about 5:00-7:00pm. They also offer attending members an opportunity to socialize, network and meet other business professionals. The Social Committee helps with planning and the Chamber office promotes the event. Recent Business After Hours events have included a visit to Verizon Wireless Hilo, a Chamber Tailgate Party hosted by UH Hilo at a Vulcans basketball game, a “Speed Networking” event at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel’s Wai‘oli Lounge and even a “Spooky Tales at the Koehnen’s Building” event which featured several storytellers sharing obake ghost stories in the building’s creepy basement.

Melisa Boteilho, Shipman Self Storage and Gordon Takaki, CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel Business After Hours.

Lorraine Davis, YWCA of Hawai‘i Island and Julie

Hugo, Julie Hugo & Co. at the Verizon Wireless Hilo

Business After Hours.

J.E. Orozco, Pacific Media Group and Kris Speegle, Speegle Insurance Agency/Allstate Insurance enjoy a night of speed networking at the Karma HI Business After Hours.

Chamber members enjoy supporting the UH Hilo Vulcan basketball team as they challenged Western New Mexico University.

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opportunity for our members to testify and make their voices heard on measures related to small business and workplace mandates.

Chuck Erskine is the Chair of the Government Affairs Committee.

POLITICAL ACTIONThe Political Action Committee (PAC) directs lobbying for legislation and support of state and local political candidates that support the Chamber’s purpose and objectives. Through financial support for state and local political candidates and issues, this committee furthers the goals and objectives of the Chamber.

FINANCEThe Finance Committee manages the financial affairs of the Chamber so that

it remains stable and fiscally sound. The committee ensures that Chamber funds are well spent and are in the member’s best interest. Additionally, the Finance Committee provides the Board with information pertaining to the financial condition and submits a report at least once a month to the Board for review. Jon Miyata, HICC Treasurer is the Chair of the Finance Committee.

MEMBERSHIPThe Membership Committee is responsible for enlisting new members. This

committee also works with the Chamber’s existing members to ensure that they are getting the best value from their membership. Additional member benefits or improvements are handled by the Membership Committee. The Chair of the Membership Committee is Tani Matsubara.

SOCIALThe social and “fun” activities of HICC are coordinated by the Social

Committee which promotes fellowship and networking among members and other Chambers of Commerce. The Social Committee plans the Chamber’s Business After Hours networking events as well as the annual Mystery Dine Around, an exciting, fun event for Chamber “foodies” where local restaurants have the opportunity to showcase their dishes and share information with the participating diners. Spencer Oliver is the Chair of the Social Committee.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTThis committee works to enhance the general business climate on Hawaii

Island and to support a stable and healthy economy. The committee encourages development of new industries and the expansion of existing businesses. Some recent events sponsored by the Economic Development committee include presentations and Q&A sessions on “Crime and Traffic in East Hawai‘i” by Police Chief Harry Kubojiri; “A Review of 12 Years of Community-Based Management of the Summit of Mauna Kea” by Stephanie Nagata, Director of the Office of Mauna Kea Management; “Gates Reopening at Kulani Prison” by Ted Sakai, Interim Director, Department of Public Safety, State of Hawai‘i; and a workshop on the “Affordable Care Act Changes aka Obamacare, Preparing for 2014” by Clayton Kamida and Sheri-Ann Lau Clark of the Hawaii Employers Council. The Chair of the Economic Development Committee is Ka‘iu Kimura.

EDUCATIONThe Education Committee regularly partners with local businesses, government

agencies, the University of Hawaii, and community organizations to provide educational events for Chamber members and the community. The events are typically based on interest or benefit to our members. The lunchtime educational workshop, The Brown Bag Lunch Series, gives members an opportunity to showcase their business to other members. Most recently, AS Designs and Services, LLC offered a free “Introduction to Social Media and Internet Marketing” workshop. The Chamber annually hosts a reception for the volunteer educators participating in the Journey Through the Universe program, a National Science Education Initiative.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) monitors legislative measures

at all levels of government that may affect the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, its members, or the business community in general. It works closely with the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and its Alliance of Chambers of Commerce and trade business organizations to speak with one voice on issues of similar concern to legislators. It recommends a course of action to the Board of Directors, so the Board can make decisions that further the purpose and objectives of the Chamber.

The 2012 Mayoral Forum and presentations by Lt. Gov. Tsutsui and Kathryn Matayoshi of the State of Hawaii Department of Education were Government Affairs Committee initiatives. “Action Alerts”, email notices generated from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and forwarded to our membership gave

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Chamber members learn of the State’s plans for the

Kulani Correctional Facility at a presentation by Ted Sakai,

Interim Director, Department of Public Safety, State of Hawai‘i.

STANDING COMMITTEES

Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui speaks to Chamber members at a luncheon presentation.

Kapaelani Comstock, Debra Agbayani, Tito Agbayani and Noelani Silva enjoy an evening of culinary extremes, fun and surprises at the 3rd Annual Mystery Dine Around.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-picture-frame-shop-hilo


ATHENA AWARD® The Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce has the honor of annually presenting the internationally-recognized ATHENA Award® which recognizes community members who have achieved the highest level of professional excellence, steadfast dedication to community service, and works to improve the quality of life for others in the community and actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential. Carol R. Ignacio, Executive Director of the Office of Social Ministry and Affordable Housing was honored as the 2012 ATHENA Award® recipient. Each year, the ATHENA Award® recipient is awarded a $500 cash award to “Pay It Forward” to assist other women in our community. Roberta Chu is the Chair for the 2013 ATHENA Award® Committee.

OFFICE PROFESSIONALS’ DAY This committee organizes and hosts the Chamber’s Office Professionals Day luncheon typically held on National Office Professionals’ Day. This often sold out event celebrates and honors the hardworking Office Professionals in our community. This past luncheon, held at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, had giveaways, lucky number drawings, and an auction! Jordan Segundo, of American Idol fame headlined the event and had the crowd up and dancing. The next Office

Professionals Luncheon coming up in April 2014 is sure to be just as exciting and enjoyable. Chairs for the OP Day luncheon are Janice Higashi, Mele Spencer and Kim Shimabuku.

SCHOLARSHIPS & EDUCATION AWARDS The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce has been supporting students during one of the most important times of their lives… their pursuit of higher education through our University of Hawai‘i system. The Chamber has been awarding scholarships to qualified University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College students since 1989 through an endowment fund managed by the University of Hawai‘i Foundation. Over the years, HICC has awarded more than $106,000 to University of Hawai‘i at Hilo students and $23,000 to Hawai‘i Community College students who have excelled in academic and extra-curricular achievements.

TOURISM The Tourism Committee’s goal is to assure that visitor expectations are met. While Hawaii Island Businesses are generally providing excellent services to our visitors, much of the public infrastructure is lagging. The objective of this committee is to support initiatives that will fast track repairs or replacement of public facilities so that visitors and residents alike will have improved public facilities.

WHITEY ROSE MEMORIAL PRESIDENT’S CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT The golf committee is responsible for planning and carrying out the Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament. The tournament is held annually as a fundraiser to support the Chamber and its endeavors. Additionally,

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SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Past ATHENA Award® Recipients at the 2011

ATHENA Award® Luncheon. Standing, l-r:

Lani Kahawai‘i (1994), Guest Speaker Constance

Lau, President and CEO Hawaiian Electric Industries, Judith Fox-

Goldstein (1998), Roberta Chu (2006), Sharon

Scheele (1989); seated: Sulma Gandhi (2009),

Carol VanCamp (2002), Charlene Masuhara (2011),

Irene Nagao (1990), Margaret Pahio (1997) (photo courtesy of Willis Preston Campbell).

Jordan Segundo entertains the crowd

at the 10th Office Professionals’ Day

Luncheon, held at the Naniloa

Volcanoes Resort (photo courtesy of Danny Escalona).

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Uh Hilo Stories of ExcellenceUH Hilo Computer Science students are 2013 Microsoft U.S. Imagine Cup ChampionsA team of four UH Hilo Computer Science students

were selected from hundreds of entries nationwide to win

the 2013 Microsoft U.S. Imagine Cup. Team Poli‘ahu’s

application, “Help Me Help,” is a program that focuses

on community involvement in disaster relief efforts. Team

Poli‘ahu represented the U.S. in the Worldwide Finals in

July in St. Petersburg, Russia. Associate Professor H. Keith

Edwards is their advisor at UH Hilo.

Team Poli‘ahu, featured from top to bottom: Kayton Summers, Mike Purvis, Ryder Donahue and Wallace Hamada.

hilo.hawaii.edu/excellence

– UH Hilo Strategic Goal

For more Stories of Excellence, visit hilo.hawaii.edu/excellence

The Chamber is partnering with the UH Office of Mauna Kea Management and has held several “Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce Volunteer Days on Mauna Kea”. Volunteers consisting of HICC members, family, friends and others from the natural resource community pulled invasive weeds from around the mid-level Hale Pohaku astronomy support facilities. These volunteer days bring together diverse stakeholders to assist with management efforts as well as to learn about and discuss the activities occurring on the mountain. OMKM’s Frtiz Klasner has arranged resource speakers and educators to address the volunteers during each event. Presenters have included Mark Chun of the University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy who spoke on the development of astronomy on Mauna Kea and Kihalani Springer of the Mauna Kea Management Board for insights into our efforts as stewards of the mountain and cross-cultural communication. An upcoming volunteer day will include volunteers planting 100 native Mauna Kea Silverswords, more invasive weed removal, and a special presentation by Thomas Chun of the Kahu Ku Mauna Council.

OMKM’s Fritz Klasner talks to Chamber volunteers about the Mauna Kea Silversword, a highly endangered flowering plant and the conservation efforts being made

to preserve the species.

Member Alan Okinaka lends a hand to manage the mountain.

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this event allows Chamber members and professionals to network and socialize with one another while supporting a good cause. Many corporate sponsors donate goods or services as prizes or as auction items for the tournament.

SBA AWARDSEach year, the U.S. Small Business Administration honors the most outstanding small firms in Hawai‘i to recognize their achievements and highlight the importance of small firms to a vibrant local economy. The Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce has annually recognized the Hawai‘i County small business winners at a luncheon and General Membership meeting.

Golfers line up at the Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament.

CHAMBER MEMBERS WORK AND LEARN ON MAUNA KEA

HICC VOLUNTEERS



HICCMEMBERSHIP IN THE

also online at the HI CC website www.hicc.biz. The Board of Directors reviews and acts on membership applications at its monthly meeting. Dues are determined by the number of full-time employees in your company, with part-timers counting as ½. (See the Fair Share Dues Schedule on the last page) Dues are not refundable. Besides basic Chamber operations, your dues support the community in various ways. Some recent examples are:• The annual ATHENA Award®, sponsored in part by

HICC.• The annual U.S. Small Business Administration

Awards. HICC facilitates the recognition of the Hawai‘i Island recipients.

• Forums on legislation affecting business, tax changes and opportunities, local government and Hawai‘i’s economic forecast.

• Annual Employment Law Seminar which provides attendees with an update of recent law changes and current trends in personnel.

• Networking opportunities such as our Business After Hours events, quarterly meetings and our annual golf tournament.

• Forums and seminars related to economic development opportunities.

• HICC dues do not include lobbying expenses. HICC’s state and lobbying activities are directed by the Chamber’s Political Action Committee (PAC).

• Contributions to the PAC are voluntary. We suggest an annual contribution of $20 made payable to HICC PAC. You may include your contribution with your annual membership dues.

Dr. Shawon Rahman, Hawaii Tax Accounting

& Software Services, LLC

and Amber Lopez, Aloha

Insurance Services, Inc.

at the Karma HI Business After

Hours.

UH Hilo employees at the 10th Office Professionals Day Luncheon.

The Chamber’s dedicated office staff

– Taylor Escalona,

Administrative Assistant and Miles Yoshioka, Executive

Officer,make

every effort to ensure the success of the Chamber.

Why should you join theHawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce? Chamber membership adds credibility to your business. Be a part of an organization whose initiatives address the concerns of our businesses.• Members-only discounts to workshops and

seminars in education, economic development and government affairs.

• Increases awareness of your business by other members of the business community.

• HICC monitors and notifies you of legislation and community issues affecting business.

• 50% off one advertisement in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, some restrictions apply. The amount you save may be more than your membership dues!

• Free annual subscription to Hawaii Business magazine.

• Free Membership Directory listing (print and online at www.hicc.biz)

• Members-only Chamber referrals• Website advertising opportunities for members only• Monthly newsletter advertising opportunities• Annual printed Member Directory advertising

opportunities• Business After Hours (pau-hana) mixers and other

social/ networking events• Chamber member discounts

How do I join? How much are the dues? A membership application can be found on the last page of this tabloid. Applications are available

http://uhhconferencecenter.com


Simply fill out the membership application and return it along with your dues payment to the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce. Mail it in or stop by the HICC office, located in the Hawaii Innovations Center,117 Keawe Street, Suite 205, Hilo, Hawaii 96720.
