HONOLULU — The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i hosts its annual Chamber Week starting Tuesday, Jan. 19.
The virtual, week-long series, “Pushing Forward, Together,” will include a panel discussion and presentation of pivot success stories, 2021 forecast on legislative initiatives, a meet-and-greet with state legislators, trivia fun with young professionals and a host of networking opportunities.
This event series is presented in partnership with Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Maui Chamber of Commerce and Moloka‘i Chamber of Commerce.
For registration and more info, visit cochawaii.org/events. Presented by The Queen’s Health System, Chamber Week 2021 is open to all free of charge. Fee registration options include food and drinks to support local restaurants.
“More citizens voted in 2020 in both local and national elections and we were inspired to boldly launch a candidate-endorsement process,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, chamber president and CEO. “Chamber Week is an opportunity for elected officials to hear directly from our businesses.”
Jan. 20 is the opening of the state Legislature as well as the presidential inauguration. Businesses across the state are asked to join the chamber for a week of participatory democracy and strengthen relationships with the state Legislature to inform them of the business community’s most-pressing issues.
A new event this year is “Elevating Voices from the Classroom,” which will showcase legislators and students as they answer the questions: What is a challenge in your community and what is a potential solution? This panel is an opportunity for students, teachers, legislators and industry partners to connect.
The events are as follows:
Tuesday, Jan. 19
• 10 a.m.: #4HI Pushing Forward, Together presented by First Insurance Company of Hawai‘i. Attendees will meet Hawai‘i’s newest government leaders who are focused on working together with Hawai‘i’s business community to find solutions for the economy;
• Noon: Elevating Voices from the Classroom. Attendees will hear from youth as they advocate for issues and seek solutions, including students from Kapolei High School, James Campbell High School, Pearl City High School and Waipahu High School;
• 5:30 p.m.: YP Trivia Night — Policy is Not Trivia, But Tonight, It’s a Game! Attendees will come together for an evening of fun and games where young professionals can test their knowledge of current events and the Legislature;
Wednesday, Jan. 20
• 1 p.m.: From Hawaii to the Hill: Legislative & Policy Outlook Webinar. Attendees will hear from experts on 2021 legislation that will impact the business community, learn how the legislative process works locally and nationally, the benefits of joining a Chamber policy committee and getting involved to help support their businesses;
Thursday, Jan. 21
• 10 a.m.: Voice of Business Panel Discussion Webinar. Attendees will hear stories and lessons learned from local business leaders who pivoted for success during the pandemic;
• 5:30 p.m.: Legislative Meet & Greet Virtual Reception. Attendees will be able to network with legislators from the safety of home/work office and share their thoughts with legislators according to their county in separate Zoom breakout rooms.
