Business Advocacy
The Chamber will be meeting with members of the Kauai Business Council (KBC) to discuss legislation before Governor Lingle regarding bills that are of interest to all members as well as inform the KBC about bills of interests that the Chamber either supports or opposes, on our own. Governor Lingle has until June 30 to determine which bills she intends to veto that need to be informed of the Legislature. To this end, Sherry Menor-McNamara, Vice President, Business Advocacy, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii will be on Kauai (date-to-be-confirmed) to provide a Legislative Update and asking for members support as we continue our statewide alliance modeled after the KBC. The alliance which is a statewide coalition comprises of 13 groups representing various sectors of trade and industry as well as Chambers of Commerce. July 15 is the final date for Governor Lingle to either sign a bill into law, veto or have a bill become law, without her signature. Save this Date: Thursday, July 9, Annual Luncheon with Governor Lingle. This will provide members a first-hand opportunity to meet and express their views with the Governor at the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
4 Other Chamber Benefits that provide Value to Members & Help You Save & Promote Your Business
- Discounts to Events: Receive $5 off to Business After Hours and $10 to General Membership Meetings/Luncheons.
- Member To Member Discount (M2M): Do you already have a discount program in your business? Join the nearly 40 M2M members who already enjoy the benefits of this program available to members who support/patronize each others’ business. (See the list of M2M participating members on "What's New")
- Video/Teleconferencing Services: The newest of the Chamber’s nearly 20 Benefits, save time, money and travel by enjoying the benefits of face-to-face meetings by using the free service exclusively for members!
- Website Advertising: The Chambers’ website enjoys high e-visibility with visitors from throughout the state and out-of-state. This very affordable program will help you leverage and promote your business, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Executive Committee Strategic Planning Update:
At a Chambers’ monthly Executive Committee meeting, a review of the 2008 Goals and 2009 update included the following:
- Priority: ADVOCACY/Goal: The Chamber informs its members of its advocacy actions.
- Priority: BUSINESS SUPPORT/Goal: The Chamber provides its members with business supports that increases their business and/or reduces their expenses.
- Priority: NETWORKING/Goal: The Chamber provides its members quality, face-to-face networking opportunities to help you move your business forward.
Strategic Business Plan:
It was agreed that the Chamber would continue to focus on these priorities throughout 2009. In addition, the development of a Strategic Business Plan would serve as a foundation for the Chamber through 2013 and beyond was added. The SBP would align the Strategic Plan with a Financial Plan as the Chamber approaches its centennial in 2013.
Executive Committee Members: Kurt Akamine (Chair), Kamika Smith (Chair-Elect), Kirk Nakamoto (Vice Chair), Sally Motta (Treasurer), Joy Koerte (Director) and Tom Shigemoto (Director).
A hui hou!
Randy