Statewide Initiative Includes Tours of Manufacturing Facilities on Four Islands
HONOLULU (September 25, 2015) – The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, in partnership with INNOVATE Hawaii, is hosting bus tours of local manufacturing facilities in conjunction with National Manufacturing Week, September 28-October 2, for an insider’s look at how Hawaii manufacturers operate and to highlight the importance of manufacturing to the community and local economy. National Manufacturing Week is a statewide initiative with a tour on Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii Island and Maui Chambers of Commerce supporting tours on each of those islands. The U.S. Economic Development Administration, Pacific Allied Products and Hawaii Energy are also supporting activities throughout the week.
To kick off the week, Governor David Ige issued a proclamation today designating October 2, 2015 as Manufacturing Day in Hawaii, recognizing the importance of manufacturing to Hawaii and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and INNOVATE Hawaii’s role in working to advance the industry.
“As the exclusive affiliate in the state of Hawaii for the National Association of Manufacturers, the Chamber seeks to increase and diversify Hawaii’s manufacturing initiatives,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, Chamber president and CEO. “The manufacturing industry is a vital component of Hawaii’s economy and continues to flourish, supporting nearly 13,500 jobs in Hawaii, with small businesses representing approximately 85.50 percent of all exporters in Hawaii.”
The National Manufacturing Week in Hawaii bus tour schedule will feature the following local manufacturers:
- Monday, September 28, Maui – HC&S, Maui Soda & Ice Works/Roselani, Haliimaile/Maui Gold and Pau Maui Vodka
- Thursday, October 1, Oahu – Coastal Windows, Meadow Gold, Maui Divers, and the UH College of Engineering
- Friday, October 2, Hilo – HPM Building Supply Shipman Manufacturing Plant, Pacific Biodiesel, Mehana Brewing Company, Meadow Gold Dairies, and KTA Super Stores Mountain Apple Brand
- Friday, October 2, Kauai – Monkey Pod Jam, Papalua Kitchen, Green Energy Hawaii, Kauai Coffee Company, Kauai Kookie Company, and Koloa Rum.
“Last year’s manufacturing tours were very successful, which is why we are, again, partnering with the Chamber to host these tours for a second year in a row,” said INNOVATE Hawaii Director Wayne Inouye. “With the growth of manufactured goods exports from Hawaii more than doubling in five year’s time, from 2009-2014, we remain committed to continuing to help grow this sector which, in turn, will positively benefit our economy and all of Hawaii’s residents.”
Other activities during National Manufacturing Week in Hawaii include ASSEMBLE 2015 – a manufacturer suppliers show and expo on September 29 and Small BIZ Academy on September 30 with complimentary workshops including several in support of manufacturers.
The Chamber is leading a Manufacturing in Hawaii initiative to increase and diversify this industry in Hawaii and promote the importance of this growing industry to our state. Last year, the Chamber successfully lobbied for a $2 million Manufacturing Grant to fund manufacturers, which can be used for equipment, training, energy efficiency and the planning of a new facility.
There are over 1,000 manufacturers in Hawaii with 71 percent of the state’s export share, providing over 13,500 jobs with an average annual compensation of over $42,800 per year or 15 percent more than other private non-farm jobs.
For more information on the on National Manufacturing Week Hawaii bus tours and other events, please visit the manufacturing portal on the Chamber’s website at cochawaii.org
As the “Voice of Business” in Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is the state’s leading advocacy organization. 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. Visit cochawaii.org.
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Contact: Lori Abe
808-545-4300
808-282-4398 (mobile)
labe@cochawaii.org