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Chamber Committees & Groups
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit member organization led by a Board of Directors. The Board relies on a strong set of committees that work to:
- Identify issues in the community and provide solutions.
- Develop Chamber initiatives and positions for board approval.
- Oversee and evaluate Chamber programs, events and fundraisers.
- Provide expertise and guidance.
Chamber members are encouraged to join one or more of the groups below. Virtual meetings are scheduled once a month, usually one hour. Involvement is an opportunity for Chamber members to work on topics of interest, build professional networks and connect to community - all while helping the Chamber achieve its goals!
For more information, please contact the Chamber at info@kona-kohala.com or 808-329-1758.
Economic Development Committee
- Goal: To create a beneficial economic environment for the West Hawai‘i business community.
- Committee Chair: Ross Wilson, Jr. with Current Events.
- Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the third Tuesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.
Education and Workforce Development Committee
- Goal: To facilitate connections to promote opportunities between the education and business communities for the development of Hawai‘i Island's existing and future workforce.
- Committee Chair: Dr. Farrah-Marie Gomes, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Hawai‘i.
- Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.
Golf Committee
- Goal: Oversee the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament.
- Committee Chair: Pam Latinis, Global Real Estate Advisor, Ventures Sotheby's International Realty
- Meetings: No standing meetings. This group will convene in the months leading up to the tournament, typically scheduled in May.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.
Government Affairs Committee
- Goal: Provide input and assess legislative issues at the local, state and federal levels that affect the West Hawaiʻi business community.
- Committee Chair: Jacqui Hoover, Executive Director & COO the Hawai‘i Island Economic Development Board and President of the Hawai‘i Leeward Planning Conference.
- Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Thursday of the month from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.
Health & Wellness Committee
- Goal: The goal of the Health & Wellness Committee is to promote increased access to healthcare and wellness services in West Hawaiʻi.
- Committee Chair: Judy Donovan, Regional Manager of Marketing & Strategic Planning - Kona Community Hospital
- Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.
Membership & Marketing Committee
- Goal: Works to effectively communicate with Chamber members and the community-at-large the mission, vision and values of the Chamber along with promoting membership recruitment and retention.
- Committee Chair: Michelle Conrey, ALTRES, Regional Manager
- Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Tuesday of the month from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.
Permitting & Housing Task Force
- Goal: Encourage improvements and efficiency to government permitting, planning and regulatory processes for commercial and housing development.
- Task Force Chair: Dennis Boyd, Director of the West Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center
- Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the second Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.
Sustainability Committee
- Goal: Promotes sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.
- Committee Chair: Teri Leicher, Managing Partner of Jack's Diving Locker
- Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.
Young Professionals Committee
- Goal: This committee is currently developing the Chamber's new Young Professionals Program.
- Committee Chair: Samantha Collins, Area Leisure Sales Manager with Fairmont Orchid
- Meetings: Virtually on Zoom, typically the second Friday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
- Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee