Our community consists of many leaders. This month’s column is about some of those individuals who, by doing what they do best, contribute to making our community a better place to live, work, play and conduct business. Five such leaders
Our community consists of many leaders. This month’s column is about some of those individuals who, by doing what they do best, contribute to making our community a better place to live, work, play and conduct business.
Five such leaders on Kaua‘i are recipients of the Small Business Administration’s 2008 annual awards.
• Marynel Valenzuela, owner of Ink Spot Printing, Kaua‘i Small Business Person of the Year
Marynel’s story is that of a young woman whose career plans did not involve becoming a small business owner/entrepreneur. But as a result of mentoring by Ink Spot Printing’s former owner, she eventually grew into the business, which has become the island’s largest printing and graphics company.
Ink Spot produces a full range of products. Even after the doors are closed for business, she and her team can often be found continuing the elf-like work, making sure that event tickets, posters and letterheads are being designed and printed. In her spare time, she volunteers in numerous business and community events.
• Jonathan Ota and family, owners of Tip Top Motel Café & Bakery, Family-owned Business for Kaua‘i and the state of Hawai‘i
The Tip Top Motel Café & Bakery, under the leadership of another generation of the Ota family, Jonathan Ota, continues the tradition established in 1918 by this iconic Lihu‘e restaurant. Tip Top continues to be a place where discussions and decisions are made about Kaua‘i. Conveniently located within two blocks of the state, county and Lihu‘e business district, the restaurant has changed as our economy has changed. What has remained the same is its consistent quality of food and service. The restaurant and bakery now includes a sushi bar. Tip Top was selected as the Family-Owned Business for Kaua‘i and the state of Hawai‘i.
• Lori Cardenas, owner of Aunty Lilikoi’s, Kaua‘i’s Exporter of the Year
Lori Cardenas, entrepreneur and owner of Aunty Lilikoi’s located in Waimea Town, is Kaua‘i’s Exporter of the Year. Her line of products has grown and found its way into kitchens near and far, offering a taste of Kaua‘i’s famed lilikoi. Customers can now order products year-round through the county’s Kaua‘i Made Web site.
• Joan Conrow, writer, Kaua‘i’s Small Business Journalist of the Year
Joan Conrow, Kaua‘i’s Small Business Journalist of the Year, is the writer behind many of the articles you’ve probably in Hawaiian and Aloha airlines’ in-flight magazines. She also writes for Kaua‘i People. She continues to demonstrate leadership in her coverage of our island and its businesses.
• Ernie Pasion, president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i’s Minority Small Business Champion
Ernie Pasion is the final winner and is Kaua‘i’s Minority Small Business Champion. Pasion works full time for the county of Kaua‘i, and the rest of his time is spent volunteering for numerous Filipino organizations as well as his church. He is this year’s president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Kaua‘i. He wears a small business hat when running his part-time tax and accounting consulting service.
On behalf of the Kaua‘i community, we congratulate each winner.
During April, the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce will observe Small Business month by hosting two events.
The third annual Small Business Exposition will take place April 22 at the Hilton Kauai Resort. The day begins with a Business Before Hours event at 8:30 a.m., featuring breakfast keynote speaker Jane Sawyer, team leader for entrepreneurial development and public information with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Hawai‘i district. Sawyer will address the state of small business on Kaua‘i.
From 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be workshops and panel sessions. The luncheon keynote speaker will be Derek Kurisu, executive vice president of KTA Super Stores on the Big Island, who will talk about managing your business the “local” way.
The day wraps up with a Business After Hours pau hana reception until 6 p.m. In addition, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. there will be a free small business expo that is open to the public.
The next day, April 23, the Small Business Administration will hand out its annual awards to the aforementioned Kaua‘i recipients during a ceremony aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
For more information, call the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce at 245-7363 or visit www.kauaichamber.org.
• Randy Francisco is president of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at info@kauaichamber.org
