Whether its Business Before Hours or Business After Hours, the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce provides over 20 networking opportunities through the year for businesses to meet and conduct business. Networking in this recession is recognized as an even more important
Whether its Business Before Hours or Business After Hours, the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce provides over 20 networking opportunities through the year for businesses to meet and conduct business.
Networking in this recession is recognized as an even more important aspect of conducting business on Kaua‘i where relationships are an integral component of a business’ success, especially where the predominantly Asian-Pacific Island cultures reinforce the importance of contacts, introductions and maintaining strong relationships.
For the third consecutive year in a row, Costco Wholesale hosted another Business Before Hours, this time, during the spring season unlike in previous years when the event was held at the end of summer. To the surprised attendees, this year’s breakfast menu also included a buffet of hot entrees including scrambled eggs, tons of spam and lots of Portuguese sausage catered by Mark’s Contemporary Flavors. All this was complemented by pastries, fruit and beverages from the store in addition to freshly brewed coffee provided by the Kaua‘i Coffee Company, which has become a familiar sight at many, many Kaua‘i events. As in the past, Warehouse Manager Fidel Cardoso’s objective of hosting the Business Before Hours since its inception was to support the chamber’s businesses, especially small business owners, by providing chamber members an opportunity to showcase their products and services as well as network and learn about the services available to Costco members. This year’s exhibitors included Jeani’s Organics, Health & Fitness, Customized Spiritual Journeys and Universal Solar. A special presentation by Dru Bailey of REC Solar and whose company recently installed the solar system above the Warehouse and other Kaua‘i projects provided information about the economic and sustainable-energy benefits/decrease in a business’ carbon footprint to the nearly 80 attendees. One of the interesting behind-the-scenes look for members and their guests attending this exclusive event was watching the store prepare for its opening prior to the Warehouse opening at 9 a.m. As an added benefit, attendees also shopped prior to the doors opening to Costco members.
At the other end of Lihu‘e, for the first time at the Lihu‘e Industrial Park Phase II, a Business After Hours was held which was sponsored by Senter Petroleum Inc. and Leadership Kaua‘i.
The 80 attendees, many of whom were at Senter Petroleum for the first time, were greeted with a local-style buffet of Hawaiian and Pan-Asian cuisine catered by Gaylord’s at Kilohana. In addition a bar was cleverly set-up at the tail end of a truck by the bartender who served an assortment of wine, beer, soda and water. The company was also “true blue” with oil barrels serving as “tables” for attendees which provided everyone a “softer” industrial look (not to mention the doilies!). Hosts Bryan Barbata, Roger Cable, Ron Morin and their team at Senter Petroleum Inc. and co-host Mason Chock, Executive Director of Leadership Kaua‘i and his team provided attendees a great networking evening and information about a true partnership between business and community-not-profit that provides leaders for Kaua‘i’s business and community. The evening included a special presentation by Chock who presented two plaques to Roger Cable, Vice President and representatives from Chevron Hawaii Inc. for their commitment and contributions to Leadership Kaua‘i. The mission of Leadership Kaua‘i is to provide a cadre of home-grown business and community leaders for Kaua‘i. In addition to this “Mahalo Reception” and Open-House, attendees were informed about another segment of Senter Petroleum Inc.’s business which was about its solar subsidiary.
The Chamber’s next Business After Hours will be another Open-House at The Kaua‘i Publishing Company, The Garden Island newspaper building on Kuhio Street on June 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Attendees will have an opportunity to visit the newspapers’ completion of a multimillion dollar renovation that was a vision of Mark Lewis when he arrived in 2006 to become the newspapers’ publisher. From the streetscape, passersby will notice an updated look including the newspapers’ marquee and the U.S. Flag.
To reserve a space for this event and the Chamber’s 2nd Quarter General Membership Meeting sponsored by Central Pacific Bank, visit www.kauaichamber.org or call 245-7363.
• Randall Francisco is the president of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at randall@kauaichamber.org.
