Most recently, I had the honor of addressing the Kauai Filipino Chamber as the new president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. Raised in Hilo, it was especially special to address fellow neighbor islanders. In my
Most recently, I had the honor of addressing the Kauai Filipino Chamber as the new president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. Raised in Hilo, it was especially special to address fellow neighbor islanders.
In my new role, I’m excited about the journey ahead of us. One of the messages that I delivered to our membership was that we will never settle for the status quo.
We need to constantly refresh our products and services, be forward thinking than reactive, reinvent ourselves when needed, be more vocal on issues, and connect with stakeholders to offer solutions to problems. We can be a part of shaping the future of Hawaii and really drive the direction for the majority, rather than the minority.
Laulima, which in Hawaiian means many hands working together toward a common goal, is a beautiful word and one that I have communicated to my membership as a principle we will embrace as we move forward. Practicing the principle of laulima is integral to building a better business climate and enhancing the economic growth of our communities.
One of the primary benefits of being a member of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, is having a full-time advocate as the “Voice of Business” on issues that impact our members.
As the Chamber moves forward, we need to advocate for legislation that lowers the cost of doing business, builds a sustainable and diverse economy that results in quality jobs, and creates a work and living environment that enhances the quality of life for the people of Hawaii.
For the first time, we introduced a business package for this legislative session because we felt it was important not only to play defense but offense and to offer solutions and shape legislation.
Also, one of the biggest responsibilities is to continually interface with lawmakers to ensure that they understand the implications of legislation on the state’s businesses and economy. It’s a continual information process that requires many communication platforms, but the greatest tools are strong relationships and candid dialogue. This needs to happen with a unified voice.
We can do this through our Alliance. In 2009, the Chamber convened chambers and a number of trade organizations from across the state and formed the Alliance, which includes the Kauai Chamber of Commerce. Randy Francisco, President & CEO of the Kauai Chamber, has been an outstanding business advocate for Kauai and an instrumental participant in the Alliance.
The Alliance works collaboratively on issues of common concern, especially on legislative matters.
It is critical that we continue to strengthen this relationship and serve a more vocal and unified role at the Legislature. Our chamber looks forward to continued collaboration with the Alliance in protecting jobs and strengthening our state’s economy.
We also look forward to working with our legislators. Kauai is well-represented by Sen. Ron Kouchi, Reps. Jimmy Tokioka, Dee Morikawa and Derek Kawakami.
The price of inaction is too high and we will only fail by failing to try. So, we need to work together and let the world know that Hawaii is open for business.
Additionally we need to be proactive in our efforts. With more than 2,000 bills introduced each session and 76 legislators at the State Capitol, it is incumbent on the business community to keep our legislators updated and to provide input on legislation and let them know how bills impact you. It’s not fair to expect our lawmakers to understand each bill. We have the responsibility to let them know.
While we recognize that the cost of doing business in our state is high, Hawaii also has its positives.
Although we may be small in size as a state, we more than make up for it with pride, tradition, talent, innovation, and of course aloha.
So, let’s make 2014 the year of change, opportunity and progress.
• Sherry Menor-McNamara is president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
