Maui Mayor Linda Lingle will keynote Small Business Hawaii's 21st Annual Business Conference. The dynamic Neighbor island leader is a pioneer in privatization, coalition building and innovative public services. She is already rumored to be a front runner for Governor in '98.

The SBH Conference theme is, "Small Business '97: Making Hawaii Work Again!" The first major business event of 1997 will be held Wednesday, January 8, from 8 am to 1:30 pm at the Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom.

Motivational speaker and world-class blind athlete, Craig MacFarlane, will also be a major speaker at the day-long business event.

Several newly-elected small business lawmakers will be featured speakers on a '97 Legislative panel. The agenda will be upbeat reflecting the election results and predicted changes in the business climate ahead.

Business awards, Success Stories and special events will also be featured.

Advance reservations are required. Total cost for SBH members and their guests is $30. This is a good opportunity to bring valued employees, associates and clients. The cost is $40 for non-members and those paying at the door if space is available. Call 396-1724 for more details.

The November 5 election produced major changes in the Hawaii State Legislature - even though the Governor, the media, and many incumbents who managed to eake out narrow victories try to downplay the impact. The voters - and especially small business - did send a wake-up call. Many in government - and their media supporters - still haven't heard it, but it is loud and clear.

In terms of numbers, on the surface there appeared few actual changes; Democrats still control all four Congressional members and dominate the State Senate 23-2. But business leaders like the BIA's Norman Sakamoto (D) and SBH's Sam Slom (R) won decisively with small business volunteer support. Sakamoto beat Judiciary Chair Rey Graulty in the Primary; Slom swamped 22-year incumbent Ways & Means Chair Donna Ikeda 2-1 in the General, even though Ikeda outspent Slom 25 - 1 ($300,000 to $20,000).

In the House, Republicans increased from 7 to 12 of 51 total. More importantly, they can now demand a roll call vote on any bill. Galen Fox (R) and SBH member Lei Isa (D) won open seats. Democratic incumbent Annelle Amaral was stunned by Mark Moses; Bob McDermott defeated Lennard Pepper, Dave Pendleton ousted Devon Nekoba and Sam Aiona defeated Jim Shon. Republican incumbent Eve Anderson and Senate Minority Leader Michael Liu, fell in high profile races.

What happened was historic for Hawai'i. It signalled the rebirth of a two-party system after nearly four decades. Business owners, long known for their political inaction, made a decisive statement.

In late November, the ruling Democrats were still battling each other for control of the State House (Souki) and State Senate (Mizuguchi), rather than getting on with the business of the people. The new voices and some returning free market champions, along with a stronger and more unified business coalition (see story at right) guarantee that it won't be politics as usual down at the Capitol come January 15; the start of the 60-day 1997 Legislative Session.

One of several ballot issues that passed November 5 called for another citizens Constitutional Convention to be held in 1998. SBH strongly supported the measure. The last Con-Con was held in 1978.

Major political incumbents, the Democratic Party, the Governor, League of Women Voters, The Honolulu Advertiser and Honolulu Star-Bulletin opposed the Con-Con. They said they feared "emotional" single issues (same sex marriage, initiative, etc.) and domination by State Legislators.

The way around that is to have citizens and non-office holders prepare now to serve in the Convention. SBH encourages business members to agree to run and serve in '98, and will help assist in their non-partisan campaigns.

The Governor-appointed Attorney General, said she might challenge the election based on an interpretation of how blank ballots are counted. Another issue a Con Con might consider is an elected Attorney General, responsive to the voters and not just the Governor.

The final Small Business Hawaii Share N' Tell Business Forum (tm) of the year will provide you with important end of the year strategy to help you do more business-and position you for 1997.

You won't want to miss this major member benefit. If you haven't attended recently, or are a new member, this is something you won't want to miss. Bring an employee, friend or client.

The member Forum will be held on Wednesday, December 11, at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. You can do major business networking, learn something new for your business and enjoy the surroundings away from the office.

Members, and their guests, may choose one of nine exciting and educational Table Topics, led by a knowledgeable member-facilitator.

Topics and Facilitators for the December 11 Forum include: "New Opportunities for Women in Business in Hawaii," Cherylle Morrow, Innervation, Inc.,"What is Your Business Exit Strategy?" Stan Jacobs, Mass Mutual Insurance; "Buy a Franchise or Franchise Your Business: How to Choose," Bob Baer, Robert J. Baer Marketing & Franchising; "How to Create A Web Page for Your Business," Melvin Ah Ching, Melvin Ah Ching Productions; "Workers' Compensation: What to Expect from Recent Changes" Erroll Hopkins, Jerry Hay, Inc.; "How to Beat The Stacked Deck on Wall Street," Ron Kent, Kent/Qualtrough; "Labor Law Changes Impacting Your Business" Michael Marsh, Case Myrdahl Lombardi; "Smart PR: How to Score With the Media," Joyce Torrey, Joyce Torrey Public Relations; and "Retaining Your Customers in a Tough Economy" Joyce Edwards, The Systemcenter, Inc.

Members are encouraged to utilize the SBH business exhibit tables and to bring brochures, products, or complimentary items for other members. There is no additional charge. The Forum is a good opportunity to host employees or business associates.

A full luncheon program with introductions of all participants completes the Forum.

Since this is the final 1996 forum and a festive holiday event, members are invited to donate door prizes to be given away. Call SBH (396-1724) if you can provide small gifts.

The cost of the Share n' Tell Business Forum is $25 and includes the entire program, luncheon and parking. Advance, paid reservations are required and will be accepted as received on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservation form is available in the regular issue of Small Business News.

Hawaii's small businesses will speak with a clearer, more resonant voice next year. SBH, NFIB, the Chamber's Small Business Council and half a dozen more groups joined in a new Legislative Coalition Thursday, November 14 at the State Capitol. Bob Sigall of SBH and Jim Proctor of the Chamber spearheaded the effort that will operate under the umbrella of the Hawaii Congress on Small Business. The objective is to more closely monitor legislative business actions and to coordinate individual organizational activities and events.

Representative Gene Ward and newly-elected Senators Norman Sakamoto and Sam Slom offered their ideas and pledged to create a Small Business Legislative Caucus similar to the House Caucus under Ward and David Stegmaier. Want to join? Contact Sigall, at 847-2046.

Know of a secretary/receptionist/office manager looking for a new career? SBH is looking for such a person and can provide a challenging opportunity in our 3-person office in Hawaii Kai

. Must be excellent communicator, "people-oriented," energetic and creative self-starter, willing to accept maximum responsibility for office. Should be interested in, and knowledgeable about, business in Hawaii and local issues.

Will train right person. Competitive salary and benefits, and advancement potential.

Interested? Send resume with salary and other requirements to the SBH office, Attention: President. The address is 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, Suite 212, Honolulu, HI 96814-3203. For more information call 396-1724.