NorthShore Chamber of Commerce

Membership Meeting

Thursday, March 26, 2009, WaimeaValley

I. Sign in and networking

II. Opening/ Business

A. Welcome and Call to order: Chair Josh Heimowitz welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 8:30 am.

B. Approval of Agenda: It was moved and seconded that the agenda be approved. The motion carried.

C. Introductions: The board, staff and new members were introduced. Ron Valenciana introduced Jay Lee Fussilee, Miss Diamond Head. She is looking for support for her entry into the Miss Hawaii contest. May 15 is the deadline to advertise. Luis Silva announced he will have a new restaurant at Rosie's Cantina. It was announced that the Haleiwa Farmer's Marker will open April 5 with 40 vendors.

D. Approval of Minutes and Financial Statement: It was moved and seconded that the minutes be approved. The motion carried. It was moved and seconded that the financial statement be approved. The motion carried.

III. Committee Reports

A. Chairman's report: Astrategic planning session was attended by the Board of Directors at the TurtleBay. Thank you to Bob Boyle for making the meeting rooms available to us. At our next meeting the report will be available and we will be looking for your feedback. Volunteers are needed to help with the various committees. A $4000.00 grant from Hawaii Community Foundation was received to cover the cost of the consultant.

B. TelephoneExchangeBuilding: Paul reported that the building permit was working its way through the system. We will need volunteers to help: plumbing, electrical, painting, landscaping, brick laying and more. We are looking for affordable bids. Target is 90 days to complete.

C. Installation Dinner and Business Expo.: Bob Boyle reported that the Installation Dinner is coming up. We are hoping to get Senator Inouye to speak. Date and place to be announced. The Business Expo. went very well and we are planning for the second event. Just a note that occupancy has been high at TurtleBay. Union says TB is the only one not laying off. Keep a positive attitude.

D. NorthShore Map: Jo Jean Schieve reported that the map is on the street. Thank you to those who advertised and to Antya for keeping the map going. Please feel free to call with any questions.

E. Executive Director: Antya reported that April 22 is Business After Hours at Dole. We are looking for volunteers to help in the office and will need help for our visitor center when it opens. Disaster Preparedness- we are working with neighborhood board flooding committee. We are also working with a committee on the Historical Walking Tour.

IV. Public Officials

A. Senator Bunda's Office/ Laura Figueira: Laura reported that they were half way through the session. We have a short fall on the budget. Some of the issues being discussed are: Civil Unions, Laniakea realignment, Kaena Point over night fishing and restoration of endangered species. Senator Bunda and Chamber met with Brennan Morioka, DOT head regarding Laniakea. The project’s consultant has been chosen since scope was decided and should start on Environmental Assessment as soon as contract is signed. Laura commended Antya for being such a strong advocate for Laniakea and the businesses regarding business legislation.

B. Representative Magaoay's Office/ Judy Fromin: Judy presented a handout from the Representative with highlights of the session. Please feel free to call with any questions, 586-6030.

C. Council Member Donavan Dela Cruz/ Reed Matsuura: Reed presented a handout from the Councilman. Making buildings more energy efficient, recognition to Haleiwa IGA on over 102 years of business and wishing the Sakai's well in their retirement and earned income tax credit for low income individuals were some of the highlights.

V. Guest Speaker: Sherry Menor-McNamara Spoke on Understanding the Legislative Process and gave an Update on Current Bills Impacting Business. Worker's Comp., Card Check, Health Premium Increase, Tax Increase, Guaranteed Bankruptcy (retain 100% of employees). It was a very informative presentation.

VI. Announcements: Next Meeting 4/30/09 Haleiwa Joe's

Haleiwa Art Walk this Saturday

Business After Hours, Dole Plantation, 4/22/09 6pm

Haleiwa Farmer's market 4/5/09

WHS Robotics Benefit Luau Dole 5/14/09

Taste of Waialua at the Sugar Mill 4/11/09

VII Meeting Adjourned at 10 am