IN THIS ISSUE

Aloha Chamber Members,

The Chamber is busily preparing for the 2022 Legislative Session, which opens on January 19. In conjunction with the opening, we are holding our 9th Annual Chamber Week, “Rallying in 2022,” as turning a new page in our economy will take all of us rallying together to move our state forward. Here’s your chance to get engaged. Line-up of activities include:

• Tuesday, January 18

• Wednesday, January 19 – Opening of Hawaii State Legislature
• Thursday, January 20

• Friday, January 21 – YP Trivia Night: Policy Is Not Trivia But Tonight Its a Game! Presented by Ulupono Initiative

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. 
 
Speaking of rallying together, the Education and Workforce Development team has been doing some amazing work connecting our students with work-based learning opportunities, as well as with mentorship programs. This afternoon, the Chamber’s Young Professionals (YP) is partnering with high school students on the YP High School Mentoring Thinkubator Summit to discuss current challenges and possible solutions. Additionally, the team created a first-ever Work-Based Learning Advisory Board comprised of students to strengthen the connection between high schools and industries. The YP program is 300 members strong and one of its most popular programs, Mentor Hawaii presented by American Savings Bank, which pairs young professionals with C-Suite executives for a six-month mentorship, is accepting applications beginning Monday, December 20. Interested mentees should sign up quickly, as slots fill up quickly.
 
While we have faced challenges over the past two years, with these types of initiatives, there are opportunities to inspire and provide hope for our future.

Laulima & mahalo,

ADVOCATING FOR BUSINESS

• Launch of Energy Relief Grant to help fund energy efficiency improvements for qualifying organizations hit hard by COVID, which supported more than 800 local businesses and nonprofits.  
• COVID-related energy management trainings.
• Creation of a Strategic Advisory Board to help broaden the impact and benefits of energy efficiency for residents and businesses.
• Hotel Relief Bonus initiative to help the hard-hit hospitality sector with rebates of up to three times the standard amount.

SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY

GEN Flynn hosts the Matrons of DDG 118 ​

US Army Pacific Commanding General, GEN Charlie Flynn, hosts the Matrons of DDG 118, named after the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, U.S. Senator (Sep. 7, 1924 – Dec. 17, 2012). The purpose of the event was to honor Irene Hirano Inouye, sponsor of the USS DANIEL INOUYE, together with Matrons of Honor Jessica Inouye and Jennifer Sabas. Pictured above are the Matrons with the DDG Commanding Officer, CDR DonnAnn Gilmore.​

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE

Efforts are underway to build Hawaii’s technology talent pipeline so companies like yours can find  local, highly skilled employees to hire for your IT-related positions. The recently released Hawaii IT Workforce Needs Report illustrates that positions such as Software Developer, Computer User Support Specialist, Computer Systems Analyst and Information Security Analyst are in high demand today and forecasted to grow in demand in the next 10 years. 

BUILDING OUR MEMBERSHIP

TOGETHER, WE STAND