Business Advocacy & Government Affairs Staff

Sherry Menor-McNamara
Vice President
(808) 545-4300, x394
smenor-mcnamara@cochawaii.org



  July 11, 2008

              Volume I, Issue 13

     
Inside this issue
 
 

Final Outcome

 
 


 

Final Outcome

The legislative season is officially over. On July 8, the Governor vetoed 41 bills, and the Legislature overrode 13 of her vetoes.

As you are aware, we sent Action Alerts on a few workers' compensation bills, asking our members to send messages to the Governor and legislators. We are glad to report that HB 2386, HB 2388, and HB 2929 were vetoed and not overriden during the special session.

A BIG mahalo to you for participating in the process. We truly appreciate the time you took to voice your concerns. Also, at this time, we encourage you to send a "thank you" note to your legislators and governor. Click here to send a message via the Chamber's Legislative Action Center. 

Your support and commitment are critical to our business advocacy efforts, so we encourage you to continue to participate in the legislative process and get involved in activities. You can be a part of this effort by becoming a "Business Advocacy" sponsor and/or joining a Chamber committee. Information available in following sections.     

Also, the Chamber is participating in the "School Supplies for Hawaii's Keiki" drive. Let's help our keiki in getting the supplies they need. Additional information below.

Have a wonderful and safe summer!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sherry at 
smenor-mcnamara@cochawaii.org. Thank you for your valuable time and support! PARTICIPATE: ENHANCE YOUR STANCE!

“We are all in this together”

 

 



 

 

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DONATE School Supplies for Hawaii's Keiki

 
 


DONATE School Supplies for Hawaii’s Keiki


WHO:             We need YOUR help!

WHAT:           Donate School Supplies For Hawaii’s Keiki

·         Folder paper

·         Notebooks

·         Binders

·         Pens/pencils

·         Rulers

·         Crayons

·         Calculators

·         Backpacks/school bags

 

WHEN:          NOW – July 26th

 

DROP OFF:  The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii

                    1132 Bishop Street, Suite 402

                    (808) 545-4300, X394

 

WHY:           Over 1,500 youth are homeless and unable to afford school supplies to get a proper education.



COORDINATING SUPPORTERS:  The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, Aloha United Way's Society of Young Leaders
 

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"Healthy Workforce" Forum Coming This Fall

 
  Are your health care premiums increasing? Worksite wellness programs are gaining popularity across the nation. From small businesses to big businesses, these programs are being implemented to alleviate the high costs of health care.

Find out how to start a worksite wellness program, what other companies are doing with their programs, and how these programs are helping with the bottom line as well as improving the overall health of their workforce.

This fall, the Health Issues Committee of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii will be sponsoring a symposium on "A Healthy Workforce" which will focus on how to start a worksite wellness program, as well as address mental wellness issues.  In preparation for this symposium, we would like your feedback to ensure that what we offer will best address your needs.  To help us, please take a moment to take our survey.  Click
here to take the survey.

If you are interested in being a speaker, exhibitor, or sponsor, please contact Sherry at smenor-mcnamara@cochawaii.org or at 545-4300, x 394.
 

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Business Advocacy Sponsorships

 
 

Business Advocacy Sponsorships Now Available

As a member of the Chamber, you help support our business advocacy efforts.

The Business Advocacy sponsorships enable your Chamber and the Business Advocacy and Government Affairs Department to elevate the level of services provided to members and excel in their role as informed representatives and passionate advocates for initiatives that positively impact the business climate of Hawaii.

Sponsorship packages range from $500 to $3000 and are for the 2009 calendar year. Depending on the level of financial commitment, the amount will include sponsorships and exposure on printed materials, e-newsletters, the Business Advocacy & Government Affairs website, and promotional materials related to advocacy initiatives and activities.

If you are interested in becoming a Business Advocacy sponsor, please contact Sherry in the Business Advocacy & Government Affairs Department at (808) 545-4300, x394, or  smenor-mcnamara@cochawaii.org.

 

 

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Chamber Committees

 
 


JOIN A CHAMBER COMMITTEE

 
 

Committees Play A Key Role In The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Efforts



At  The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, our most valuable asset is our members and the most valuable resources are the Chamber committees.

Served by our members who represent business from all sizes and industries, these committees provide a forum for discussion on subject-matter issues that affect business. Committee members provide valuable input, expertise, resources, and recommendations on the Chamber’s business advocacy efforts.

Additionally, the committees coordinate educational and informational forums, as well as special events. For example, the Environmental Affairs Committee has been coordinating forums on energy and sustainability and has been a part of the “Green Business Program,” which recognizes members who exercise excellence in energy, water, recycling and other sustainable activities.  The Military Affairs Committee coordinates activities during Military Appreciation Month and plays a key advocacy role in military affairs in Hawaii. This year, in response to the rising healthcare costs, the Health Committee will be organizing a worksite wellness program forum.  The committees will continue to seek proactive ways to address issues facing business.

We cannot afford to stay silent. Now is the time to join a committee and help make  a difference. Here is your opportunity to be a part of the policy-making process and work with other business leaders to address critical issues, represent members’ interests, and make recommendations to improve the state’s overall business climate.

Listed below are some of the Chamber's committees.

  • Armed Services 
  • Education
  • Environmental Affairs
  • Health Issues
  • Human Resources
  • Land Use and Land Transportation
  • Maritime Affairs
  • Military Affairs
  • Small Business
  • Tax
  • Tourism and Air Transportation

Committees generally meet once a month for about an hour.

For a complete listing of committee descriptions, click
here. If you are interested in joining a committee(s) and would like additional information, please contact Sherry at (808) 545-4300, x394.   

 



 

 

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