Sponsorship Opportunities

President's Message

For 161 years The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has been the "Voice of Business" in Hawaii.

 
Founded in 1850, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii has been part of the business landscape of our state for over a century and a half. Over the years, Hawaii’s economy has shifted from one dominated by a handful of large plantations and vast business interests to a tapestry of small companies, entrepreneurs, and a broad diversity of business and industry sectors.
 
The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii remains the premier business organization and the preeminent authority on business in the state.
 
The evolution of business in Hawaii has involved adaptation, adjustment, innovation and profound change in the way we do business and view business. In order to remain vital, vigorous and relevant, the Chamber continues to reinvent itself so that we provide essential value, offer products and services, and function in ways that are fresh and relevant for our members.
 
When I became president in May 2002, I made a pledge to run this organization like a business and to recognize its members as valued customers and investors. This has become a mantra for me and a principle guiding all decisions I make, every initiative the Chamber undertakes, and all activities we become involved in. Our team works hard to ensure that a customer-service attitude permeates all we do in support of our strategic goals.
 
Our focus is a relatively pragmatic one. We seek to grow membership, to ensure that sound financial and administrative management practices are in place here at the Chamber, to enhance the value of membership in the organization, and to strengthen alliances with other entities in both the public and private sectors. All of these efforts work toward the goal of improving Hawaii’s business climate and strengthening the state’s economy.
 
Looking to the future our broad strategies include:
 
•    A continued emphasis on timely, relevant communication to members
•    Continued efforts to increase the value quotient of membership in this organization
•    Continued efforts to build relationships and create working alliances with other constituencies
•    Increasing awareness within the business community of business’ role in improving the economy and steering the state into its future
•    Supporting a shift away from the old paradigm of government as a regulator of business and toward government as a facilitator whose role it to assist businesses to succeed and create jobs for Hawaii’s people
•    Enhancing the credibility and visibility of the Chamber as the voice of business in Hawaii
•    Raising awareness of the importance of the military’s economic, social, political and cultural roles in our Islands
•    In addition, we will work to strengthen ties and create a positive working relationship with all elected and appointed officials in the state

In addition to these goals, I intend to place special emphasis on business retention and dedicate efforts to the economic well being of Hawaii’s existing businesses.

The Chamber will work in partnership with government, labor, you – our members - and other business and trade organizations to achieve goals and advance issues that have been identified as critical to the success and growth of all businesses throughout the state.

Members of The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii represent a diverse cross section of the state’s business community, united by their commitment to building a strong, healthy and resilient economy and a better quality of life for all citizens. Our approach to solving problems and resolving issues is one of collaboration and consensus building. The Chamber’s role is to facilitate and coordinate efforts and to serve as a catalyst working together with state government, the military, public and private institutions and all businesses to find opportunities and capitalize on them.

Sincerely,

Jim Tollefson
President and CEO


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