President’s Message

Aloha Chamber members,

As we come to a close on 2018, our team would like to extend our warmest appreciation and gratitude for your unwavering support. With your investment, we had a banner year of accomplishments:

• Earned Chamber of the Year, a national award by ACCE, a first for Hawaii.
• Elected to serve on the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors, the first from Hawaii and one of only three Chambers invited to serve.
• Received a Castle Foundation grant to work with Pearl City and Waipahu High Schools to provide work-based learning opportunities.
• Led the first international trade delegation to Tokyo where we met with CEO’s, government leaders and the Prime Minister.
• Surpassed attendance record for Hawaii on the Hill.
• Led the Con Am ballot issue towards a favorable Supreme Court decision.
• Worked towards a favorable 2018 legislative outcome.
• Supported a Young Professionals program with membership closing in on 300.

These accomplishments were made possible with the support of our Board led by Chair Mark Polivka, outstanding members, an amazing team and various stakeholders, including the Legislature, Neighbor Island and other Chambers, and trade organizations.
 
Being recognized as the national Chamber of the Year has elevated our role, including taking on the ConAm ballot campaign and being at the forefront as the largest Voice of Business at the legislature. This means we need to strengthen our role as a catalytic leader, convener and change agent.

We look forward to Raising the Bar in 2019 with new initiatives and by strengthening existing ones.
 
Have a wonderful and safe Holiday Season. We look forward to working with all of you in 2019!

Laulima & mahalo,

Sherry Menor-McNamara
President & CEO

Advocating for Business

Leg 101 Hits the Road

Supporting our Military

MAC Chair Honors Another

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) held its final event of the year, a holiday reception, on December 17th.  The event serves as a “mahalo” to MAC members and partners for their support during the year and was hosted by MAC member Bank of Hawaii. Over 100 people attended including leaders from the military, business and government. MAC Chair Connie Lau (President & CEO of HEI) highlighted the MAC’s accomplishments in 2018 and honored former MAC Chair David Carey for his 12 years of leadership. Carey, who served as MAC Chair from 2006-2018, was presented with a replica 81mm mortar in recognition of his dedicated service to the MAC and Hawaii’s military community. Mahalo to Bank of Hawaii for hosting this event for the third straight year!

Building our Membership

2019 Chamber Week: Legislative Meet & Greet Reception

Join us on Thursday, January 17th at the IBM Building from 5:30 – 7:30 PM for our Legislative Meet & Greet Reception. Take advantage of this opportunity to network, meet legislators and share your thoughts with them about business in Hawaii. Enjoy a “Taste of Hawaii” with local food, entertainment and a complimentary treat from Spa Waikiki.