A new benefit was just launched by the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce which is a video-teleconferencing service now available to Chamber members and its affiliates. Marking the Chamber’s first anniversary since it relocated to its offices on Rice Street, the
A new benefit was just launched by the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce which is a video-teleconferencing service now available to Chamber members and its affiliates.
Marking the Chamber’s first anniversary since it relocated to its offices on Rice Street, the Chamber applied and received a grant from the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau as part of a one-time Community Outreach Grant in 2008. The purpose of the grant which was funded from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority via the Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau/Kaua‘i Visitor Bureau was to support programs that benefit Kaua‘i residents. The funds were provided to five communities throughout the island.
The Chamber’s idea for a grant request for the video-teleconferencing equipment was a result of the high fuel and energy costs that affected businesses and residents throughout summer and fall of 2008. The increased transportation costs caused many businesses to reduce their travel budgets. The new office provided the chamber an opportunity to review current benefits offered to its members and the concept for the video-teleconferencing equipment was added to the upgrade the conference room that’s made available and free to its members.
Chamber President Randy Francisco recognized that many businesses don’t have the benefit and convenience of a meeting room that is also centrally located. As a result, the idea to have a conference room that included video-teleconferencing equipment that enables members to meet electronically without the added expense of traveling off-island was recognized as an important benefit that would be returned to its members in costs savings in addition to travel time. The grant was one of several grants awarded by the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau including the new sign marker at the entrance to Waimea Town.
The Chamber also received free and courtesy installation of the equipment by business owner Adam Orens, owner of A&B Audio Video Installations LLC, who can be reached at ab.audiovideo@yahoo.com
Additional support during the past year including installation of the Chamber’s telephone, network, computer and Internet systems was provided by business owner Mark Gregory of IT Kauai, Inc. and who can also be reached at www.itkauai.com
The mission of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce is “To promote, develop and improve commerce, quality growth and economic stability in the County of Kaua‘i.”
For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at www.kauaichamber.org or for the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau visit www.kauaidiscovery.com
• Randall Francisco is the president of Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at randall@kauaichamber.org
