Chairman's Message

I am honored to represent the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce (HJCC) as its 82nd Chair.  The Chamber started in 1900 as a means for businesses to assist one another in expanding their businesses.  This mission continues, and this year we will emphasize this by promoting a “Members Supporting Members Since 1900” theme.  I hope that members, when needing a particular product or service, will look in our B2B directory and call a member company first.  Our forefathers helped each other with the “tanomoshi” philosophy.  If we support each other’s businesses, we will all flourish, and as Chamber members, continue our prominence in the community.

Our Chamber’s major focus this year will be to attract and retain members.  We have the leadership of Arnold, Hirotsu, Candice Naito, and Tyler Tokioka, who will share in co-chairing the important Membership Development Committee.  We will call prospective corporate members, including inter-generational companies, who can benefit from the activities of the Chamber. We will continue to work closely with the Junior Chamber to recruit young professionals. 

 

Attracting and retaining membership is the responsibility of all members.  While the Board of Directors has been tasked with referring prospective members, we welcome referrals from members as well.  Why become a member?  Why should one retain their membership?  The following is a list of member benefits:

  1. Since 1900, the HJCC philosophy of “members supporting members” has led to business creation and expansion for members.
  2. We focus on business and leadership development for our diverse membership.
  3. We provide venues to network with other professionals which help to expand one’s business contacts and referrals.
  4. We educate members through various seminars, workshops and forums.
  5. We address critical business issues and seek solutions to Hawaii’s business problems.
  6. We serve as a bridge for Pacific-wide business opportunities in Hawaii.

To execute and deliver the above, I am fortunate to work with committee chairs who have a passion for the Chamber’s mission, and who have personally benefited from being a member.  These committed members will volunteer their time and talents to HJCC this year by providing leadership to the standing committees.

 

Please join me on July 14, 2007 at the Installation Banquet, where we will recognize outgoing Chair of the Board Glenn Nakamura, who has served amiably with his officers this past year.  We will also recognize the third Generational Award recipient ABC Stores, and the Kosasa Family.

 

Lastly, please join President Wendy Abe, the staff of the HJCC and me this year to make our Chamber one of the best business organizations in Hawaii.  I humbly ask for your support as we carry out the many projects planned by the Chamber in the coming year. I welcome your participation, encourage you to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Chamber members, while strategically growing your business through Chamber activities. 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Kathryn K. Inkinen

Chair of the Board