Over 150 small business owners rally at the state capitol
to voice their concerns about small business reform in Hawaii.
Click here for bigger view of photo

On Wednesday, January 22, the small business community came together and held a rally at the State Capitol to call for strong legislative incentives for job creation and an improved business climate during 1997.

Principal organizers of the event were: Bob Sigall of Small Business Hawaii, Jim Proctor of the Chamber of Commerce, Bette Tatum of NFIB and Tim Moore of the Hawaii Congress on Small Business.

Groups participating in addition to SBH, NFIB and the Chamber, included: Building Industry Association, HAKU Alliance, Hawaii Association of Realtors, Hawaii Shippers' Council and Hawaii Restaurant Association.

Legislators, led by the newly formed Legislative Small Business Caucus, responded to the groups' demands. CoChairs, State Senators (and business owners) Norman Sakamoto (D), Sam Slom (R) and Representatives David Stegmaier (D) and Gene Ward (R) promised positive, effective action during the '97 Session which opened January 15 and is scheduled to adjourn April 29. Democrats Tom Okamura and Ed Case spoke, as did Republicans Barbara Marumoto, Cynthia Thielen and Quentin Kawananakoa.The Caucus has been holding briefings with business groups since November and its eight subcommittees introduced 100 specific business economic reform measures. The top 25 form the priority for the Caucus and represent tax cuts, regulatory reforms, privatization, insurance reductions, international trade incentives and bills designed to change Hawaii's hostile business climate currently ranked 50th.

The lawmakers pledged to hold hearings on more business bills than ever before, to work closely with the business community, open the doors of the Capitol to business options, and to make job creation and more take home pay the focal point of all efforts.

In return, Legislators stressed the importance of a continuing business presence at the Capitol, urging the groups to stay together and individual business owners to communicate directly and frequently with their lawmakers.

Meetings of the Caucus are open to all.

Want to get involved? Contact Bob Sigall, at 847-2046. If you have a FAX and are not already on the SBH Biz Fax Net, you can sign on at the same time by calling Bob. You may also contact Sam Slom directly for any legislative assistance, at his Capitol office, Room 208, (808) 586-8424 (FAX 586-8426).

The first Small Business Hawaii Share N' Tell Business Forum» of 1997 will provide you with important tips to help you do more business during the year.

These forums are a major member benefit. They combine networking, education and a social atmosphere to encourage you to do more business and tell you how to cut existing business costs. 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 Wednesday, February 19, at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Topics and Facilitators for the February 19 Forum include:

"Tax Preparation Tips for '97," Edward Perales, Tax Manager, Pendleton Tax & Business Services; "Seven Hot Tips for Business Success in '97," Ruth Chong, Handwriting Analyst; "Doing Business With Government Using EDI" Lloyd Wentworth, Jr., GWE Group, Inc.; "PR, Marketing and Advertising: Strategies That Work," Rich Budnick, Rich Budnick Associates; "Computers: When Should You Upgrade or Buy New?" Jane Brown, Automation Management Consultants; "Benefits From Employee Financial Aid Planning" Bob McWilliams, Bob McWilliams &Associates; "Growing Your One Person Business to the Next Level," Annette Silva, Bookkeeper ASAP!; "How To Train Your Employees To Ensure Customer Satisfaction" Cindy Rasmussen, Worldwide Store Fixtures; "Personal & Professional Goal Setting For the New Year" Ethan Tweedie, Dean Witter Reynolds; and "Sales: Prospecting Techniques in a Tough Economy" Jan Kaeo L'ecuyer, Focus International.

The cost of the Share n' Tell Business Forum 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. See the printed edition of Small Business News for a reservation form or call SBH at 396-1724 for a form or more information.

Small Business Hawaii (SBH) announced the 1996 winners of its annual small business awards. Presentations were made to recipients at SBH's 21st Annual Business Conference at the Ala Moana Hotel, January 8, during the luncheon program of the all-day event. The following received awards:

Dr. John M. Corboy, Hawaiian Eye Center, was recognized by his small business peers for his many successful community achievements, leading edge medical technology in his profession, marketing innovations and many years of business leadership and selfless volunteer hours on behalf of the people of Hawaii and the Pacific. Dr. Corboy has written articles, spoken out, given testimony for business climate improvement and volunteered his expertise in numerous private and non-profit organizations. As a dedicated advocate, Dr. Corboy has offered positive alternatives to solving Hawaii's economic problems and has been a staunch supporter of open, responsive and accountable government. He helped form the Molokai Business Association in 1996 to help boost the economic prospects, choices and opportunities on the Friendly Isle, and throughout Hawaii.

Hawaii Business Magazine, was selected as the "Outstanding Business Publication " during 1996 in very close competition involving several other local publications. Jeff Barrus Editor and Kim Jacobsen, Publisher, were honored for the continuing in-depth business articles, profiles, "Top 250" feature and entrepreneurial focus of the magazine. Business members voted the monthly "the most useful" publication for their business last year.

Rick Hamada, KHVH Radio, was named winner of the SBH / George Mason Editorial Award, for his consistent editorials on the importance of small business and the problems of governmental taxation and regulation and for his contribution to understanding Hawaii's legislative process.

Ann Botticelli, KITV-TV, host of the daily "Money Report," was selected for her knowledge and accuracy in reporting local business, going out into the field to interview sources first hand, and for many business "scoops."

Jack Schneider, JS Services,Inc ./ ESP, was awarded "Small Business Booster," for his strong community leadership and involvement and personal commitment to small business issues and projects. Without thought of recognition, Schneider volunteers to help SBH and others while encouraging small business owners to do their best under even the greatest adversity. And he does it with a smile!

Bob Peterson, owner of Peterson Sign Co., was awarded the coveted "Civic Leadership" for his active community and business leadership, assisting other businesses, serving numerous educational and charitable organizations as a volunteer, and for his positive efforts to improve the business and political climate in Hawaii.

Cited for legislative leadership and in recognition of the outstanding efforts to educate citizens and lawmakers about privatization and instilling competition in government, was Republican State Representative Quentin K. Kawananakoa, "Outstanding Lawmaker of 1996." Rep. Kawananakoa was a relentless advocate of better ways for our state to do business and in defining the relationship between government and the people who pay for that government.

Pamela Gottlieb, owner of Shared Resources, Director of Small Business Hawaii, business forum facilitator, monthly business columnist, employment counselor, co-chair of SBH's "YES" group, champion speaker for Toastmasters, and Cancer Society executive, was awarded the first annual SBH "Young Entrepreneur of the Year." As with many (too many) of Hawaii's youngest, best and brightest, Ms. Gottlieb recently relocated to Phoenix, Arizona for economic considerations.

More than 250 people attended the 21st SBH Conference. The theme was: "Small Business '97: Making Hawaii Work Again" Keynote luncheon speaker was Linda Crockett Lingle, Mayor of the County of Maui.

The 21st Annual SBH Conference held January 8 in the Ala Moana Hotel's Hibiscus Ballroom had the 250 members and guests rocking with a new enthusiasm as the year began. It was a clear departure from recent years' pessimism despite continuing hard times here.

This year's conference theme was, "Small Business '97; Making Hawaii Work Again!" and kept its promise to be more upbeat. The SBH Conference is the first major business forum of the New Year.

Motivational speaker, singer, author, and world-class athlete, who just happens to be blind,Craig MacFarlane, spoke on "PRIDE" at the opening of the day-long business event. His words were inspiring and he embodied everything that can be done by individual commitment.

Newly elected small business owners, and State Senators, Norman Sakamoto (D) and Sam Slom (R) offered their thoughts on the coming year from the perspective of small business owners suddenly on the inside after stunning first-time political victories in November, 1996.

Legislative leaders presented their outlook and perspective for the '97 Session a week before it opened. Emphasis was on "job creation," and "accomplishments, not words." Panelists included Senators Mike McCartney (D), Suzanne Chun Oakland (D), and State Representatives Lei Ahu Isa (D), Barbara Marumoto (R) and Gene Ward (R).

Small Business Success Story Awardees included Judy Nakai of Neil Nakai, Inc.; David Lee of Coyne (Serta) Mattress Co., and Miche'le Harris of Blue Moon Builders. Lee brought the house down with his Jerry Seinfeld approach to success!

The Conference keynoter, Maui Mayor Linda Lingle, a potential U.S. Senate or Gubernatorial candidate for 1998, was the outstanding business speaker of the day. Her straight talk about government, privatization and real business incentives brought a standing ovation.

As reported last month, members re-elected five Directors to the SBH Board in December. Director and "Young Entrepreneur" co-chair, Pamela Gottlieb relocated to Arizona and vacated her seat.

Under the By-Laws, the Board has the option to appoint a Director from among active membership. Gottlieb had suggested Helen Rapoza, a small business owner, and active "YES" and SBH volunteer, to replace her.

The Board decided to accept the recommendation and appointed Ms. Rapoza for a term of one-year; she can run for a full three-year term in October, 1997.

Ms. Rapoza is the owner of Helen's Haven, a facial salon located in the Kahala Mall office area. A more complete profile will be included next month.

Members are always encouraged to actively participate in SBH projects and organizational planning, including serving on the Board of Directors. Directors are unpaid.

40-Plus of Hawaii is an employment support organization for professional and management level individuals over 40. For 25 years, 40-Plus has been of service to the Honolulu business community with "no fee" placements and it has helped more than 1,200 of its members find new careers. All 40-Plus members are carefully screened before undertaking a training program that has proven more than 90% effective.

The 40-Plus program assists its members in all phases of their job search, including: resume preparation, interview techniques and how to network in the business community. 40-Plus has a fully functional computer room to help sharpen members' skills in Windows based PC's. An e-mail address (fortypl@aloha.net) keeps 40-Plus in touch with members and businesses, along with a Web Site at:

Three areas with recent developments:

1) This slow economic period has been a mixed blessing for 40-Plus. Fewer available jobs, of course but the membership has been better matched to the current openings and thus, through it all, we have kept the same basic "turn-over" ratio in membership exceeding our 1995 placements.

2) The most significant change at 40-Plus over the last year has been our entry into the world of the Internet, with both e-mail and a World Wide Web page. These features give us a wider presence than just Hawaii but the emphasis on job placements and membership has stayed in Hawaii.

3) Of more interest on the "human" side, has been the great success of our female members this year in finding new positions. Although they average about a quarter of 40-Plus' recent membership, they make up nearly half of this year's placements, "beating" the guys two to one.

Small Business Hawaii again joins with Francorp of Chicago to present the 3rd annual "Franchise Your Business" Seminar as a special member benefit.

The seminar will be held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel, on Tuesday, February 25, from 8:30am to12 noon. The cost to the general public is $145; SBH members may register in advance for $75.

Mark Siebert, president of Francorp, international specialists in franchise development, will return as seminar facilitator. Members who attended last year found Siebert and the seminar very worthwhile and took away new ideas and valuable tips.

For special SBH reservations, contact Ms. Leslie G. Vloedman, Seminar Coordinator, at 1-800-372-6244, or call SBH (396-1724) for details.

Junior Achievement of Hawaii will hold its Hawaii Business Hall of Fame awards luncheon to honor its 1997 inductees. This years laureates are Malcolm T. Koga, Jack I. Miyashiro and Dr. John Henry Felix.

The cost of the event is $58 for an individual or $550 for a table of ten. For information or reservations contact Pam Huch Kekumano, Junior Achievement of Hawaii at 524-2211.

Bob McWilliams of McWilliams Associates West, announced that the 1997 calendar is open for scheduling the free presentation: - Financial Aid for College Seminars.

Companies, organizations, schools and individuals wishing to schedule a free seminar presented by Bob McWilliams should contact McWilliams Associates West as soon as possible to get the best available date and time.

For more information on financial college aid and consultation services, contact Bob at 637-1248.