The Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2018 Awards &Installation Gala at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Koloa Landing Resort in Poipu.
Officers and directors of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce will be inducted. The keynote speaker will be Jade Butay, interim director for the state Department of Transportation.
Since October, the previous deputy director has been overseeing 15 airports, 10 commercial harbors, 2,500 lane miles of highway and DOT’s 2,600 employees.
“I look forward to talking about Kauai’s impact on the state’s economy and the exciting projects happening now and planned that will improve Kauai’s highway, harbor and airport facilities,” Butay said.
Butay’s story is a remarkable one about a Filipino immigrant who came to Hawaii as a youth and worked his way through college and, eventually, received an appointment with the DOT.
Before working in state government, Butay served in leadership positions in the private sector. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Hawaii and a master’s degree in business administration from Babson College.
Gala attendees can learn about what is taking place as he provides updates on Kauai and the state.
“We learn about members’ businesses and use their services when we can,” said board member Emma Ladendecker.
KFCC’s annual Labor Day Golf Tournament funds scholarships for high school and nursing students. The organization also holds a quarterly event, where business owners, members or non-members, are invited to introduce their business to the lunch group.
“I feel good giving back to the community,” Ladendecker said. “And I feel encouraged and motivated when I meet other business owners with whom I can exchange ideas.”
Newly elected officers for 2018 are president Laurie Yoshida, vice president Vonnell Ramos, secretary Evelyn Riley, assistant secretary Rose Ramos-Benzel, treasurer Juno Apalla, and assistant treasurer Cyndi Ayonon. Mike Martinez will also join the list as a new director.
Everyone is welcome to join as a member or come to any of the chamber’s events throughout the year. The gala is $65 for chamber members and $70 for non-members.
Info: kauaifilipinochamber.org, 645-6343
