• NEWS & NOTES NEWS & NOTES Female finances is seminar topic In a survey of women who attended a recent Kaua’i Women in Business Roundtable (WIBR) event, 66 percent of the respondents said they wanted a future session to
• NEWS & NOTES
NEWS & NOTES
Female finances is seminar topic
- In a survey of women who attended a recent Kaua’i Women in Business Roundtable (WIBR) event, 66 percent of the respondents said they wanted a future session to cover the topic of financial planning. These women are seeking answers to questions such as “Am I creditworthy?” and “Can a single mom qualify to buy a home?” and “How do I balance personal and business finances?”
In an effort to respond, WIBR leaders are gathering a panel of local financial experts to cover a variety of related topics at their quarterly meeting, Jan. 24. Entitled “Women’s Financial IQ: How High is Yours?” the panelists will explore:
- Creditworthiness: how do you know what your credit is? Can you improve your credit rating?
- Insurance and financial planning: What’s the difference between whole life and term life insurance? Should you have an IRA or SEP? What is a SEP?
- Mortgages: Should you refinance your mortgage? Can you buy a home with less-than-perfect credit?
- Tax planning: Do you need a will? How can you be sure those you love get what you leave behind without tax consequences?
Attendees are encouraged to bring questions with them so panel members can address specific concerns in the time allowed, states a WIBR press release. The panel members will include moderator Susan Tai of the Small Business Development Center; Angela Agustin and Grace Galiza of Primerica Financial Service; Veronica Lovesy of Creative Capital Management; Jim Mayfield of Bank of Hawaii; and Stephen H. Reese, attorney at law.
“We were surprised to have so many attendees from our last event reply to our survey,” explained Debra Jason, WIBR committee chair and an owner of her own small business called The Write Direction. “Since they took the time to give us their feedback, WIBR wanted to be sure to react by offering expert speakers who can address the concerns of women in business.”
The event is at The Hukilau Lanai Restaurant in Waipouli, in the Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy, with registration and networking from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., and pupus and presentation from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $18 per person, that includes pupus, but not drinks.
Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to register before Saturday (no refunds or cancellations after Tuesday). For reservations and more information, please call 822-7292, fax name, company name, phone number, total number in party and e-mail to 826-6496, or e-mail debra@writedirection.com.
The Women in Business Roundtable began four years ago, designed to be a flexible, informal organization that brings business women together to network, support and mentor one another. There are no membership fees. Guests pay per event. For those interested in getting involved on the WIBR planning committee, contact Jason at 826-1846.
Chamber workshops are on excellence
- On Jan. 19 and Jan. 20, Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce officials sponsor a series of training sessions offered by Joe Constance of Constant Training, at the Aloha Beach Resort-Kauai in Wailua, in the Ali’i Room. On Jan. 19, the session from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. is on customer-service excellence, and the session from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. is on the five keys to success in managing and motivating.
On Jan. 20, the sessions are dealing with difficult people and conflict from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and building positive attitudes in the workplace from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $69 per person per session for Chamber members, $60 per person per session for four or more Chamber members, and $79 per person per session for non-members. Fees include refreshments, workbooks, and materials. To register or for more information, contact the Chamber office at 245-7363, or e-mail pua@kauaichamber.org.
Business After Hours functions on
- The first Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours functions of the new year include one hosted by leaders of Lisnacolla on Jan. 26 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Terrace Restaurant at Kauai Lagoons resort in Lihu’e. Leaders at the Regency at Puakea assisted-living elderly apartments in Puhi host a Business After Hours function at the facility on Feb. 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The charge at both functions is $10 per person for Chamber members, $20 per person for all others. To register or for more information, please call the Chamber office, 245-7363, fax 245-8815, e-mail info@kauaichamber.org, or see the Web site, www.kauaichamber.org.
Keoki Gold served on Island Air flights
- Island Air flight attendants serve only Hawai’i-made beer on all flights now, a spokesperson for the interisland carrier said in a press release. “The change was made to give passengers a unique experience, as well as to support Hawai’i’s breweries,” the airline spokesperson said. Keoki Gold, made by brewmasters at Lihu’e’s Keoki Brewing Company, is served, as well as brew from the Big Island. It served domestic beer before. Keoki Gold beer is a medium-bodied beer that is pale golden in color. “We’re very excited that a large company like Island Air is willing to partner with us to provide its passengers with a refreshing taste of the islands and some aloha spirit,” said Keoki Brewing Company brewer Brodie Birkel.
Deadline coming for HTA culture proposals
- Rex Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency for tourism, has announced he and other HTA leaders are accepting requests for proposals (RFP) for the 2006 Hawaiian culture program. The RFP deadline is Tuesday, according to a press release.
The program’s criteria are designed to address the goals and objectives identified in the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015 for the Hawaiian culture initiative.
The objectives include: strengthening the relationship between those in the visitor industry and members of the Hawaiian community; nurturing the Hawaiian culture by creating visitor experience, activities and marketing programs that are respectful and accurate; and supporting Hawaiian programs and cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and other artist that preserve and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture.
“We are pleased to launch the Hawaiian culture program that will help to increase collaboration between Hawai’i’s visitor industry and the Native Hawaiian community,” said Johnson.
“Through the guidance of our Hawaiian Culture Program Advisory Council, we will be supporting programs that provide both our residents and visitors with unique opportunities to experience our host culture and what makes Hawai’i special.”
The application and information packets are available at www.hawaii.gov.tourism.
Interested parties may also call 1-808-973-2258 to request a packet.
Cost-U-Less reports good December
- Officials at Cost-U-Less, who operate a store in Kapa’a, said in a press release that same-store sales (those store open at least 13 months) in December were up 10.9 percent compared to the same month in 2004. Sales were $28 million last month, $57.3 million for the last quarter of 2005, and $215.8 million for fiscal 2005, a spokesperson said in a press release.
“Nearly every unit (store) recorded its best-ever sales for the month, and we believe we fared better than most of the retailers we compete against,” said J. Jeffrey Mender, president and chief executive officer.
