PO‘IPU — More that 500 people gathered Thursday evening for the annual general membership meeting of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce. Held at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa, the evening celebrated 99 years of promoting and bringing Kauai
PO‘IPU — More that 500 people gathered Thursday evening for the annual general membership meeting of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce.
Held at the Grand Hyatt Resort and Spa, the evening celebrated 99 years of promoting and bringing Kauai businesses together, while launching the 100th year of the chamber.
The evening featured Dr. John Aoki, the chief medical officer for HMAA.
“We are working to help people improve or maintain their health,” Aoki said to the crowd. “We have an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Aoki said studies had shown that by focusing on wellness efforts, companies save on the cost of health care.
“It’s much less expensive to maintain health,” he said, addressing how health care is now a team effort comprised of patients, providers and payers.
He described how one company was comprised of primarily younger women, who would benefit from expanded gynecological services and well woman services. Aoki said HMAA would provide data and tools for employers while coaching employees on where to make adjustments to maintain their health.
“Every $1 invested in wellness saves $3 in return on investment in medical costs,” Aoki said, explaining that HMAA provides unique utilization for companies by looking at health profiles of employees and targeting their wellness needs.
The evening also included Kauai Chamber business, such as the installation of the 2013 board of directors.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve this year,” said Kathy Clark, who stepped down as chair of the Kauai Chamber board of directors after a one-year term and will remain on the board. Clark is the president and CEO of Wilcox Memorial Hospital and president of Wilcox Health Foundation.
The Kauai Chamber installed new leadership on the board of directors.
“It’s gonna take you to make it the best year ever, as we celebrate the 100 the anniversary of the chamber,” said new Board Chair Jonathan Chun
Other officers include Cheryl Stiglmeier as chair elect/membership chair and Randy Kozerski as treasurer, while the board directors include Lisa Murphy Allen, Rory Enright, Christopher Gampon, Jaye Gayagas-Youn, Frieda Gayle, Brent Herrington, Stephanie Iona, Bradley Maruyama, Mark Phillipson, J Robertson, Abby Santos, Vianne Tabata, Michael Tresler and Melanie Zaima-Higashi.
The Kauai Chamber also said goodbye to three directors who were stepping down including Loren Kayfetz of Personal Financial Consultants, who served as treasurer from 2011 to 2012; Jimmy Jasper of JJ Broiler, who served as a director from 2009 to 2012; and Kirk Nakamoto of Bank of Hawai‘i, who served on the board from 2006 to 2012 and was board chair from 2010 to 2011.
The chamber welcomed 65 new members in 2012 along with hosting 11 after-hours events, two business before hours events, one luncheon and two workshops.
