Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Leads Initiative to take Hawaii to Washington, D.C. July 22-23 to Share Hawaii’s Food, Culture and Industries with Congressional Leaders, National Association Executives and Other Representatives
HONOLULU (May 29, 2014)– The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is leading an effort to bring Hawaii to the Hill, July 22-23, 2014, which includes a “Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill” event at which the 50th state’s food, culture and industries will be showcased. This will be the first time made-in-Hawaii goods and the state’s industries will be collectively brought to the Hill in Washington, D.C. and shared with members of Congress, national association executives and other representatives. Senator Mazie Hirono will be the honorable guest and join all of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation for the “Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill.”
“This ‘Hawaii on the Hill’ initiative is a great opportunity for Hawaii businesses and industries, and for the state as a whole, to share what makes our island state so special,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, president & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “We are pleased to have Senator Hirono as our honorable guest with Senator Brian Schatz and Representatives Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard joining us for this opportunity. We are proud to share our aloha spirit with Congressional leaders and other government officials and representatives, and equally as proud to showcase Hawaii’s products and economic opportunities, in addition to our visitor industry, in the heart of our nation’s capital.”
More than 25 businesses are anticipated to participate in the “Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill” representing made-in-Hawaii products and the industries of tourism, agriculture, research and technology, military and manufacturing. The two-day agenda also includes a “Talk Story” hosted by Senator Hirono, meetings with Congressional committee members and other officials, and culminates with the “Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill” event.
“More than a tourist destination, Hawaii is our gateway to the Asia-Pacific, an integral part of our national security, a stronghold for renewable energy innovation and a place where some of our country’s best produce is grown,” said U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono. “The Taste of Hawaii on Capitol Hill is an opportunity to showcase our state’s key industries and spirit of Aloha, connecting leaders from Hawaii and Washington, D.C. Mahalo to Chamber of Commerce Hawaii for working with me to turn this idea into reality.”
Participating organizations, to date, include Ansaldo Honolulu, County of Kauai, Dow AgroSciences, Haute Confectionary Boutique, Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association, Hawaiian Sun, Honolulu Ford, Innovate Hawaii, Jacy Inc. (Winkler Woods, Imua Ukulele, Maikai Woods, Big Island Ukulele), Kamakura Corporation, Kauai Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Coffee Company, Kauai Economic Development Board, Kauai Kookie Company, Kauai Made Program, Pacific Allied Products, Salty Wahine, The Friends of Iolani Palace, The Hawaiian Chip Company and Tiki Shark Art.
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; coordinates advocacy activities for members’ involvement; and serves as a liaison between civilian and military communities in Hawaii.
# # #
Contact: Lori Abe
808-545-4300
808-282-4398 (mobile)
labe@cochawaii.org