Jul 20, 2007 Haleiwa, HI
Message from Our New Chairman Josh Heimowitz

Over the last five years Kalani Fronda has been the chairmen of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership the Chamber has grown into an important and influential community organization. As Kalani moves out of the chairmen position, I say mahalo to him for his hard work and dedication. He is now President of the Affiliated Chambers and Business Organizations and a director on the main Chamber’s board. He will continue to work hard for us and represent our organization well.

On May 25 the Chamber held its annual installation dinner. This event signified the start of my term as the new chairmen for the board of directors. I truly view this opportunity a great privilege and look forward to working with the members of the Chamber and the community as a whole to improve life here on the North Shore.

The 2007/2008 Officers for the North Shore Chamber of Commerce include: Vice Presidents Ed D'Ascoli and Chet Naylor, Treasurer Norman Fujioka, Secretary Marianne Abrigo and Past President Kalani Fronda. In addition to the officers, the following individuals currently serving on the board are: Bob Boyle, Karen Campbell, Mike Lyons, Susan Matsushima, Johnny Moore, Paul Saccoccio and Jack Tyrrell.

I believe for those of us lucky enough to work and live on the beautiful North Shore we all have a responsibility to be actively involved and contribute to our community. I encourage you to find a way to get involved and make a positive difference. Here at the Chamber we are always looking for volunteers. If interested in helping out call our office at 637-4558. If not with the Chamber, find another group that is working to make life better for us here on the North Shore and get involved!

As we continue to work on our core projects and programs, I look forward to leading the Chamber board through a strategic planning process that will allow us to identify where the future will lead. Currently we have several new exciting projects happening. In partnership with Green Turtle Publications, we produced a new North Shore Map. Also, a new North Shore Driving Tour CD is being released, which was done in partnership with the Dude Brothers.

Special thanks to Senator Bunda and Representative Magaoay for helping secure funds for two more projects with which the Chamber is involved. Through the legislative process this session, we received a $100,000 grant to develop a disaster preparedness plan and train volunteers to assist when a disaster strikes. A $1.2 million dollar grant was awarded to start the planning and environmental assessment needed to realign the road at Laniakea.

Lastly, I encourage you to join us at Haleiwa Joe’s on Thursday August 2nd at 8:00 A.M. for our quarterly membership meeting. Guest speakers from Kamehameha Schools will discuss their North Shore plan. Hope tosee you there!