Governor Abercrombie Signs Proclamation Today Designating January 13-17, 2014 as “Chamber Week”, Chamber Also Introduces Legislative Package, Another First
HONOLULU (January 10, 2014) – Today, Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a proclamation designating January 13-17, 2014 as “Chamber Week.” The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii will kick off its first-ever Chamber Week and, for the first time, will introduce a legislative package this session in support of businesses in Hawaii.
“Today marks our team’s efforts to chart an aggressive and strategic plan for the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii as we strive to serve as a change agent, convener of stakeholders and collaborator on behalf of our members,” said Chamber President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. “With the collective effort of our team and our volunteer-driven committees and board of directors, we are on our way to strengthening our position as the ‘Voice of Business’ in Hawaii and helping to shape our state’s future by supporting job growth, fueling our economy and improving the quality of life for the people of Hawaii.”
CHAMBER WEEK, JANUARY 13-17
Chamber Week kicks off on Monday, January 13 with a variety of events designed to keep members and the local business community informed and engaged in the organization’s business advocacy work and legislative issues. Events include:
Monday, January 13
11:30am-1:30pm- State of Business: The Economy of Small Business Panel Discussion
Tuesday, January 14
8:00am-10:00am-Legislative 101 Class
5:30pm-7:30pm-Manufacturing Initiative Launch Party
Wednesday, January 15
10:00am-Opening of the 2014 Legislative Session
11:30am-1:30pm-Business Appreciation Event
Thursday, January 16
9:00am-11:00am-Walk Around at the Capitol
5:30pm-8:00pm-Legislative Meet and Greet
Friday, January 17
11:30am-1:30pm-Military Appreciation Event
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS PACKAGE
Also for the first time, the Chamber is introducing a pro-business legislative package this session that focuses on lowering the cost of doing business, spurring economic development and investing in the future of Hawaii. Topics range from reducing overlapping regulation and furthering the manufacturing industry in Hawaii to supporting early childhood learning. The package was developed in conjunction with the Chamber’s six policy committees comprised of Chamber members.
“Our role at the legislature is one of our most important functions. For each legislative session, we review and prioritize each of the 2,500+ bills that get introduced,” said Menor-McNamara. “This year, in addition to tracking and supporting or fighting against bills, we are going to take a more proactive stance by introducing our own package of bills to protect employers from increasing business costs, support the progress of new industries and sectors, and create an environment that will attract new business, promote competition and stimulate expansion of the private sector to provide increased employment opportunities.”
The Chamber’s Business Advocacy department coordinates advocacy efforts on behalf of its members and the business community in Hawaii. Along with advocating, the department’s primary duties are to facilitate the implementation of the Chamber’s legislative agenda and to provide research, logistical and drafting assistance to the Chamber’s policy committees which include:
- Infrastructure, Transportation, Quality of Life
- Economic Development & Innovation
- Workplace Environment & Competitiveness
- Workforce Development & Education
- Small Business & Entrepreneurship Advocacy
- Military & Armed Services
For more information, visit www.cochawaii.org.
As the leading “Voice of Business” in Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is the state’s largest organization advocating for businesses in Hawaii. Established in 1850, the Chamber works on behalf of its approximately 1,000 member companies and the business community, as a whole, to advance the state’s economic climate and help businesses succeed. The Chamber supports its members with training, business building and networking opportunities; lobbies government and advocates on behalf of business interests; and serves as a liaison between civilian and military communities in Hawaii.
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Contact: Lori Abe
808-545-4300
808-282-4398 (mobile)
labe@cochawaii.org