Chamber Staff

As President and CEO of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Wendy Laros advocates for a successful business environment on the west side of Hawaiʻi Island. This was amplified during the pandemic as Laros voiced her members’ concerns in virtual venues serving on the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness and testifying at several hearings during the 2021 State of Hawaiʻi legislative session.

For Laros, virtually connecting to conduct meaningful work is very familiar having earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi, Manoa in a program that focused on technology and online learning. In her role as the Chamber’s CEO, she combines these transferrable skills with decades of experience in Hawaiʻi’s tourism industry and small business involvement.

Motivated by the collective force of the Kona-Kohala Chamber, Laros continually strives to strengthen the local economy and enhance the quality of life for her community – a place where she has lived, worked and raised a family for over 30 years.

Lydia Hoeppner joined the Chamber staff in 2017 with a friendly smile and welcoming nature. As our Accounts and Membership Services Manager, Lydia is in the perfect position to help our members get the most from their membership.

Naturally gifted with ‘attention to detail’, Lydia applies her skills in managing the Chamber's nearly 500 membership accounts. Her past experience with information systems, tracking parts, and assisting engineers in engine development at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) translates well to her current Chamber administrative details. Look to Lydia to update your member profile, pay dues or register for events.