Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s “Chamber Week” goes virtual with statewide call for businesses to participate

The week-long series called Pushing Forward, Together starts January 19 and aims to create a bridge between the business community and Hawaii Legislature.

HONOLULU (January 2020) – Chamber of Commerce Hawaii will host its annual Chamber Week starting Tuesday, January 19. The virtual week-long series themed, “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 Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Kauai Chamber of Commerce, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Maui Chamber of Commerce and Molokai 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 Chamber President & CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. “Chamber Week is an opportunity for elected officials to hear directly from our businesses.”

January 20 is the opening of the Hawaii State Legislature and the presidential inauguration. Businesses across the state are asked to join the Chamber for a week of participatory democracy and strengthen relationships with the Hawaii State Legislature to inform them of the business community’s most pressing issues.

A new event for 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.⁠

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The events are as follows:

Tuesday, January 19

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (HST)  –#4HI Pushing Forward, Together presented by First Insurance Company of Hawaii – Attendees will meet Hawaii’s newest government leaders including Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Hawaii Island Mayor Mitchell Roth who are focused on working together with Hawaii’s business community to find solutions for the economy.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (HST)  – 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.⁠ Special Guests: Governor David Ige, Senator Michelle N. Kidani & Senator Bennette E. Misalucha

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM (HST) – YP Trivia Night – Policy is Not Trivia, But Tonight, It’s a Game! – Attendees will come together an evening of fun and games where young professionals can test their knowledge of current events and the Legislature.⁠ The grand prize includes two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines.

Wednesday, January 20

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (HST) – 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 business. Guest speakers: Executive Director of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Jennings Imel,Small Business Support, Administrator of Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Dan Kouchi & Osaki Creative Group President Kurt Osaki

Thursday, January 21

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (HST) – 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 PM – 7:00 PM (HST) – 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. Includes a registration option with food and drinks from Maui Brewing Company.

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About Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

As the “Voice of Business” in Hawaii, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is a statewide, non-profit organization whose mission is to serve as the advocate for business in Hawaii. A recipient of the national ACCE Chamber of the Year Award in 2018, the Chamber’s 4Hawaii efforts serve its 2,000+ member organizations and the business community under the pillars of Economy, Environment, Education and Entrepreneurship. The Chamber advocates on behalf of business; supports its members with training, business building and networking opportunities; and serves as a liaison between civilian and military communities, working to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Hawaii. Visit cochawaii.org.