Meet Your Local Committees
Standing Committee
STANDING COMMITTEES
Economic Development Committee
Economic Development Committee
This committee works to enhance the general business climate on Hawai‘i Island and to support a stable and healthy economy. The Committee also organizes informative presentations for members which focus on issues that affect businesses.
Chair:
HICC Vice President Tracie Yoshimoto, The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo
Co-Chair
HICC Past President Keith Marrack, Edward Jones
Meetings:
3rd Thursdays of each month, 12:00noon
(Dates and times subject to change)
Demystifying AI with Kealani Solutions
Tax, Tips, and Overtime with Anchor Financial Solutions
Government Affairs Committee (GAC)
Government Affairs Committee (GAC)
The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) monitors legislative measures at all levels of government that may affect the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, its members, or the business community in general. It works closely with the State chamber, The Chamber of Commerce HAWAII, and its alliance of Chambers of Commerce and trade business organizations to speak with one voice on issues of similar concern to legislators. The GAC recommends a course of action to the Board of Directors, so the Board can make decisions that further the purpose and objectives of the Chamber.
HICC, with support from the GAC has also developed partnerships with other local Chambers of Commerce and business organizations to present a variety of moderated forums featuring election candidates and those addressing issues which affect our community. The purpose of these events is to educate our members and community about those issues which affect us.
Chair:
HICC President-Elect Bonnie Irwin, University of Hawai’i at Hilo
Co-Chair:
Joy Dillon, Mary Begier Realty
Meetings:
1st Tuesdays of each month, 12:00pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
Talk Story with Senator Schatz
Finance Committee
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee manages the financial affairs of the Chamber so that it remains stable and fiscally sound. The committee ensures that Chamber funds are well-spent and are in the members’ best interest. Additionally, the Finance Committee provides the Board with information pertaining to the financial condition and submits a report at least once a month to the Board for review.
Chair:
HICC Treasurer Joshua Vierra, First Hawaiian Bank
Meetings:
2nd Tuesdays of each month, 9:30am
(Dates and times subject to change)
Membership Committee
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for developing marketing strategies to increase Chamber membership and support member retention. This committee works with Chamber members to ensure that they are getting the best value from their membership. Additional member benefits or improvements are handled by the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee offers New Member Orientations, where new members are introduced to the Chamber leadership and learn more about the benefits of Chamber membership.
Chair:
HICC Director Jim Staub, HFS FCU
Meetings:
2nd Wednesdays of each month, 1pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
Chamber Cash Mob at Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
Business Afer Hours at Waiakea Ace Hardware
Southwest Airlines Business After Hours
The social and “fun” activities of HICC are coordinated by the Social Committee which promotes fellowship and networking among members and other Chambers of Commerce. The Social Committee plans the Chamber’s near-monthly Business After Hours (pau hana) events and other member get-togethers.
Chair:
HICC Director Vanessa Carlson, University of Hawaii at Hilo
Meetings:
3rd Thursdays of each month at 5:00 pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
Chamber Young Professionals Program
Young Professionals Committee
Young Professionals Student Speed Networking at UH Hilo
Young Professionals & Pacific Media Group Career Fair
This energetic committee of young professionals organizes and hosts events for our younger members and their employees. Focusing on networking events and topics relevant to the 21-45 year-old age demographic, this group looks to develop other young business leaders through their Lunch & Learn Survival Skill Series, and popular pau hana networking events. The Young Professionals recently started the Young Professionals Recognition Program, where YP’s are recognized for excellence in their workplace, industry or profession, demonstrate strong community service, and advocate for business.
Co-Chairs:
Colby Miyose of UH Hilo, and Grant Omura of Commonwealth Hawaii
Meetings:
2nd Wednesdays of each month, 5:00pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
Social Committee
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Military Affairs Committee
Military Affairs Committee (MAC)
Our military is an integral part of our community and supports Hawaii’s economy and national security in significant ways. The military is Hawaii’s second largest source of economic activity, contributing about $8-$10 billion annually and providing over 100,000 jobs across our State. The Military Affairs Committee (MAC) was formed in 2016 and serves as Hawaii Island’s partner for the Military Affairs Council of the state Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The Military Affairs Committee’s mission is aligned with that of the Military Affairs Council in focusing its priorities on the 3C’s—Commerce, Communications and Culture.
Chair:
Director Mary Begier, Mary Begier Realty
Meetings:
2nd Wednesday of each month, 12:00pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
Hosting US Navy Rear Admiral Ryan Mahelona & Family
Pōhakuloa Training Area Officers and their Families
Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament
The Golf Tournament Committee is responsible for planning and carrying out the Chamber’s Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament held during the President’s Day weekend in February each year. Named after past Chamber president and committee member Whitey Rose, the tournament is held as a fundraiser to support the Chamber and its endeavors. Additionally, this event allows Chamber members and professionals to network and socialize with one another while supporting a good cause. Many corporate sponsors donate goods or services as prizes or as auction items for the tournament.
Co-Chairs:
Past HICC President Randy Kurohara – Aloha Grown, Community First Hawai’i, Creative Arts Hawai’i
Past HICC President Toby Taniguchi – KTA Super Stores
24th Annual Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament
Social Committee
Social Committee