As my year as Chamber president comes to an end, I have a lot of wonderful memories of this past year and renewed confidence in the future of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii.  I know that the incoming administration led by 2014-2015 President Dave Honma will ensure that our 63-year-old organization continues to thrive and remains a strong voice for business in our community and across the state.

Thanks to the work of our many committees and their dedicated chairs, we have made major strides in incorporating Japanese cultural traditions and history into our many programs and activities.  Several of our Social & Cultural and Education events have been aimed at reinforcing the importance and significance that the Japanese culture has had on our island and state.

During the past year, nearly 40 new members have joined our Chamber, and they bring new energy and ideas that will help us continue to grow and prosper in the years ahead.  Our goal has been to encourage their participation in Chamber committees and events so that they feel connected and are able to make many new friends and connections that support their respective businesses and bring value to their membership.

Completion of an updated strategic plan for our Chamber has been a major initiative this past year, thanks to the leadership of Past President Mike Miyahira.  Volunteering his time and expertise, he has helped our leadership determine our priorities, goals and objectives for the next 3 to 5 years, with the primary goal being membership growth and retention that will enable us to continue our work and support our mission:  "To promote the well-being of our community through business and personal relationships through the values of 'Kahiau' and 'Okage Same De'."

On May 25th, I had the opportunity to represent our Chamber at the annual meeting, festival and Kodomo No Hi of the Kona Japanese Civic Association, held at the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Kealakekua.  The event included food sampling, displays, children's games and entertainment.  It was also a great way to reinforce the friendship between our Chamber and the Kona Japanese Civic Association and to continue conversations about more ways for us to collaborate in the future.

On May 29th, we enjoyed a great "casino night" and fellowship at a Goji Kara hosted by Ivan Nakano and his team at Kama'aina Motors in honor of the 99th anniversary of that business.  It was a wonderful event with great food and fellowship, and we appreciate their hospitality.  Next year will mark their 100th anniversary, so we are all looking forward to the opportunity to join in that celebration.

At this year's annual meeting and installation on June 23rd, 11 representatives of our Sister Chamber, the Higashi-Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce & Industry, will be visiting from June 22-24.  This year marks the 15th anniversary of our Sister Chamber relationship so it provides a special opportunity to reinforce the importance and value of this friendship.  We hope that our members will attend to participate in the festivities and to install Incoming President Dave Honma and his officers and directors.

Throughout this past year, I have been continuously amazed by the ongoing support and involvement from our Past Presidents.  As my year comes to a close, I fully understand why they are so supportive - it's an amazing organization that we have had the privilege to lead as President.  Our leadership year goes so fast that our real legacy becomes our continued involvement and support in the future and mentoring and supporting incoming Chamber leaders.

I hope that our members have enjoyed the programs and events of the past year and most of all that they met new friends and had fun!  I know that the future of this organization is in great hands, and I am looking forward to many exciting events in the coming year.

Please check out the current benefits and discounts that you can take advantage of as a JCCIH member!   

Gina Tanouye, Allstate - Speegle Insurance Agency is dedicated to providing outstanding service with Aloha for your auto, home, renters, life insurance and financial service needs. Contact Gina Tanouye at tgina@allstate.com or 969-7767. For every referral the office receives, the member will receive a $10 gift card for allowing them to provide an insurance quote. 

Kagari Fujita, Ph. D, Big Island Wisteria, LLC is offering members translation services of Japanese to English, or English to Japanese at a discounted price. Contact Kagari Fujita at fujitakg@gmail.com   

Amelia Hayashi, Bob's Jewelers is offering members 30% off watches; 30% off gold jewelry (Po Son Hon collection excluded); and 30% off sterling silver jewelry.  Contact Amelia Hayashi at 935-8434. 

Diann Horita - With an office in Hilo, Eyewear Hilo has been serving Keaau, Papaikou, Kurtistown and Waimea for more than 4 years. Prior to beginning in Dec. 2008, the staff was employed by Eyewear Hawaii, Inc. and that same respected service is found at Eyewear Hilo.  When you desire superior cutting edge lens technology, call Eyewear Hilo at 935-1119. Members will receive a 20% discount. 

 
Joy Madriaga, Hawaii Petroleum, Inc., HPI offers dependable bulk fuel and lubricant delivery services to all districts of the island.  HPI's proprietary gas card program - Hawaii Fueling Network - provides a convenient, cost saving way for businesses and consumers to fuel. As a member, when you sign up with HFN, you will receive a discount on your gas purchase.  Contact Joy Madriaga at 969-1405 for further questions.  Applications are available at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii.  

Sandy Wilson, Wilson's Trophies, provides awards for sports and academics; signs and banners; corporate awards, gifts & recognition; custom and personalized products (made to order); wood and acrylic crafting (laser engraving and designs); special occasions (Valentine's, Christmas, etc.); jewelry items (earrings, pendants, hair picks and more). Members will receive awards discounts. Contact Sandy Wilson at 969-7077.   

Aloha,

Hawai'i Community College held its annual Student Recognition Ceremony in May to honor exceptional students for their talent and hard work. Ten students received "E 'Imi Pono Awards" of either $250 or $350, amounts that were determined by the Student Recognition Committee.

Gregory Voight.

Mahalo for your help supporting these deserving students!

New Programs Coming This Fall

Beginning this August, Hawai'i Community College will offer a new set of accelerated, online, for-credit classes that will lead to credential certificates.

Students will be able to study a variety of topics, including Business Foundations, Retail Foundations, Business Essentials, Entrepreneurship, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Classes are accelerated eight-week sessions that begin in the Fall 2014 semester. Students will receive support services that include tutoring, academic counseling, internships, and job development.

Hawai'i Community College was one of four University of Hawai'i campuses to receive a Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant (TAACCCT) to develop the classes. This project is funded, in the amount of $12.7 million, by the U.S. Department of Labor and Training Administration and administered by Hawai'i Community College.

The grant aims to align academic programs with industry needs and increase the number of adults who attain certificates, degrees and other industry-recognized certificates.

Many Hawai'i Island businesses are seeking work-ready individuals that have acquired critical skills to make operations run more efficiently. These certificates will enhance work-readiness and provide valuable knowledge to current and future employees.

This grant provides a tremendous win-win opportunity. These new programs will provide valuable skills and college credentials to community members while giving the business community access to a more skilled workforce.

William Tehero Jr., Business Program Coordinator, at myfuture@hawaii.edu.

 

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On May 15, 2014, members from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii participated in the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce 37th Annual Samurai Classic held at the beautiful Pearl Country Club. 

This annual tournament brings an opportunity of networking, friendly competition and a day filed with joy. 

Special appreciation to our team members who continue to bridge the positive relationship with our sister chamber in Honolulu.   

L to R: JCCIH members - Jon Arizumi, Eugene Nishimura, Mike Kaleikini, Russell, Peter Yukimura, Mike Murakoshi

Words of Wisdom

By Tommy Goya

Commemorative Logo

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai'i logo incorporates a bamboo design that overlays the Hawai'i Island profile.  The Hawai'i Island profile was a part of the incorporated logo since the Chamber was established in 1951.  The bamboo symbolizes the virtues of an organization that is strong, flexible and enduring.  Bamboo is revered in oriental folklore, traditions, religions, arts and craft and because it continues, even today, to have many practical uses.

The design also includes the Chamber "crest" with the letters JCC.  The black, red and gold colors used in the logo were chosen to reflect our rich legacy.  The logo was designed by Tommy Goya along with the artistry of Lee Mori of Creative Arts Hawaii to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Chamber in 2001.  

"Always be excited about tomorrow"

- Jack Welch, former CEO General Electric