• Chamber Committees 

    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 or in-person 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.

      JOIN A COMMITTEE 

    Economic Development Committee 

    • Committee Goal: To create a beneficial economic environment for the West Hawai‘i business community.
    • Committee Activities: Hear from high-quality guest speakers on topics that pertain to economic development and the Chamber's priorities. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. Occasionally, participates in site visits. 
    • 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 

    • 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 Activities; Conduct the West Hawaii Needs Assessment. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • 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

    • Committee Goal: To create a successful fundraiser for the Chamber.
    • Committee activity: 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

    • Committee Goal: To provide input and assess legislative issues at the local, state and federal levels that affect the West Hawaiʻi business community.
    • Committee Activities: Draft the Chamber's annual Priorities & Position Statement recommendations for Board approval. Make recommendations for new or altered positions. Oversee, assist, or provide input for candidate forums, panel discussions and meetings with government officials. 
    • 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 UpThis is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

     

    Health & Wellness Committee

    • Committee Goal: To promote increased access to healthcare and wellness services in West Hawaiʻi.
    • Committee Activities: Oversee the Chamber's Health & Wellness Expo. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • 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.

     

    Housing & Water Development Task Force

    • Committee Goal: Focuses on two of the Chamber's top priorities.
    • Committee Activities: Hear from subject matter experts, meet with government officials. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • Task Force Chair: Bill McCowatt, Planner with Hale Hawaii Design.
    • 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 task force.

     

    Membership & Marketing Committee

    • 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 Activities: Oversee the Annual Membership Drive, Alii Circle Program and AfterHours Networking Program. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • 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.

     

    Sustainability Committee

    • Committee Goal: To promote sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.
    • Committee Activities: Oversee the Kuleana Green Business Program. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • 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

    • Committee Goal: To inspire existing and future leaders to advance and grow within our community.
    • Committee Activity: Develop the Chamber's Young Professionals Program. Once Board approved, oversee the program that may consist of networking opportunities, professional development and community service. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • Committee Chair: Samantha Collins, Area Leisure Sales Manager with Fairmont Orchid
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom or in-person, 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 Shyla Victor at shyla@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

     

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