LIHU‘E — The key message at the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce’s General Membership Meeting, Christmas Party and 22nd Annual Silent Auction at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort Thursday evening was one of hope and encouragement for businesses in 2011. “You survived
LIHU‘E — The key message at the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce’s General Membership Meeting, Christmas Party and 22nd Annual Silent Auction at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort Thursday evening was one of hope and encouragement for businesses in 2011.
“You survived the year, you’re still here and presence matters,” Chamber President Randy Francisco said to a crowd of approximately 400 members who attended the holiday celebration despite an intense rain storm and island-wide flash flood warnings.
“I visited about 50 or 60 businesses last week, and they say they’re beginning to see the light and feeling positive,” he said. “We survived ‘08, ‘09 and 2010. Let’s move on and continue to provide good customer service, good price points and provide the public with what it wants and needs.”
Chamber Board members for 2011 were also sworn in. They include: Board Chair Kirk Nakamoto, Chair-elect and Government Affairs Chair Kathy Clark, Vice Chair Jonathan Chun, Public Relations and Promotions Chair J. Robertson, Events and Activities Chair Bradley Maruyama, and directors Jaye Gayagas-Youn, Frieda Gayle, Randy Kozerski, Laurie Goodwin, Jimmy Jasper, Abby Santos, Gail Shigematsu, Cheryl Stiglmeier, Kamika Smith, Michael Tresler, Lisa Wall, Sharron Weber and Melanie Zaima-Higashi.
Outgoing members include 2009 Board Chair Kurt Akamine, treasurer and membership chair Sally Motta, and directors Chris Gampon, Jeff Mira and Shawn Smith.
The event was more of a holiday celebration than a meeting and, as such, there was no keynote speaker.
