e-Voice of Business July 17, 2019

President’s Message

Aloha Chamber members,

A partnership between the Chamber and the University of Hawaii is being recognized for our work to improve healthcare services for the homeless community. In January 2018, our healthcare Sector Partnership Program embarked on a new pilot project to better connect patients and physicians to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and improve healthcare outcomes. 

The results were dramatic⁠—two cohorts between The Queen’s Medical Center and Kalihi-Palama Health Center achieved an average 67 percent reduction in ER visits through collaborative care and sharing information between facilities.

Read more about our work on this issue in Pacific Business News.

The outcomes of this partnership prove that the Chamber’s unique ability to convene a variety of stakeholders leads to a measurable, positive impact in our community. Since the completion of the pilot project, additional cohorts have been added at Kalihi-Palama and Waikiki Health Centers, which means that even more patients have access to this innovative care model.

We look forward to continuing our work to expand community-based solutions such as this one.
 
Laulima & mahalo,


Sherry Menor-McNamara
President & CEO

“Laulima”
Many hands working together in collaboration and striving for a common goal.

Advocating for Business

CNBC Ranks Hawaii 49th State for Business Competitiveness

CNBC America’s Top States for Business 2019 study found that Hawaii was the 49th ranked state in terms of business competitiveness, ranking ahead of just Rhode Island. In this study, numerous metrics were measured including Workforce, Economy, Quality of Life, and Cost of Doing Business.

Hawaii was ranked last in Cost of Living, and 49th in both Cost of Doing Business and Infrastructure. However, Hawaii did rank at the top of the Quality of Life category. You can view the full study here.

Studies like this continue to emphasize the challenges that businesses face on a day to day basis here in Hawaii. It is important that we continue to engage with leaders in the state to see how we can work together and solve these problems. If you’d like to get involved or learn more about our Business Advocacy Department, please click here reach out.

Supporting our Military

Microsoft Opens IT Academy at Schofield Barracks
 

Chamber member Microsoft opened its Microsoft Software & Systems Academy at Schofield Barracks on July 10. The academy provides critical career skills in Information Technology (IT), plus transition assistance like resume preparation and interviewing skills.

Hawaii’s inaugural class began July 1, with 17 students. The cohorts attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the Schofield Barracks Education Center. They receive IT instruction in the morning and get mentorship and transition support in the afternoon.

Building our Membership

Sign Up for July’s FocusON: Small Business Success

 
Join us July 25 for our July FocusON seminar on small business success. Learn what it takes to get to the top and achieve long-term growth and success. Panelists will share how they overcome challenges that many small business owners face, and their outlook on the future of Hawaii’s business community.

FocusON seminars are complimentary for Chamber, YP and HFMA members.
 

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