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.

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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