67th JCCIH Installation Draws Leaders from Across the State and Japan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Barbara A. Hastings, JCCIH Communication Co-Chair
bah@hastingsandpleadwell.com
808-959-0797
July 12, 2017
67th JCCIH Installation Draws Leaders from Across the State and Japan
HILO, HAWAI`I (July 2, 2017)—Continuing the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai`i (JCCIH) mission to promote values-based business and interconnection, JCCIH welcomed State and Japanese leaders of government and commerce at its 67th installation at the end of June.
Audrey N. Takamine of Takamine Construction, Inc., was inducted as the 2017-18 president of the JCCIH, becoming the fourth woman to lead the organization.
“When Craig and I founded Takamine Construction,” she said, “we set our philosophy as ‘building long-term relationships,’ and that’s a major goal I have for the Chamber. These friendships across the state and with Japanese business leaders foster that goal.”
Lt. Governor Shan S. Tsutsui, a Maui native, gave the keynote remarks, calling on businesses to “acknowledge the rich history of the community and the State and remain grateful for the contributions and sacrifices of generations past.”
From Japan, dignitaries and delegates from sister city Higashi-Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce & Industry (HHCCI) joined the celebration. Tsutsui noted that he was encouraged by the relationship between Higashi-Hiroshima and Hilo business communities “in exploring unique business opportunities while gaining a better understanding of one another.”
Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai`i (CoCH) represented statewide business interests. JCCIH works with CoCH to promote mutually beneficial programs and legislation.
The group from HHCCI included the chamber Chair Kazuyuki Kihara, Executive Councillor Katsuhiko Muneto, Councillor Takashi Shohara and his wife Yuko Shohara, Councillor Masao Ninomiya and his wife Ruriko Ninomiya, Councillor Atsushi Isobe and Managing Director Kazunari Ohara.
Besides Takamine, the other 2017-18 JCCIH Executive Officers include:
First Vice President: Stephen N. Ueda, Suisan Company, Ltd.
Second Vice President: Donn S. Mende, HFS Federal Credit Union
Treasurer: Joseph F. Skruch
Immediate-Past President: Russell M. Arikawa, Ginoza Realty, Inc.
The installation drew a record crowd of more than 250, requiring a change of venue.
“We are very grateful that the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel opened its doors to accommodate our Installation, said Takamine. “I look forward to working with our new officers; I also welcome the many new members that JCCIH has attracted over the past year. We intend to continue that growth.” JCCIH now has more than 300 members from businesses and professions.
Takamine is a 2002 graduate of the University of Hawai`i-Hilo College of Business and of Waiakea High School.
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai‘i fosters economic sustainability as well as perpetuating the Japanese cultural heritage and traditions in Hawai`i. Its mission is to promote the wellbeing of our community through business and personal relationships that embody the values of Kahiau & Okage Sama De. In Hawaiian, Kahiau means giving without expecting anything in return. Okage Sama De is a Japanese proverb, which means I am what I am because of you.
The Chamber sponsors the popular annual Taste of Hilo, set this year for Sunday, Oct 22; the Chamber hosts business and cultural events and information sessions throughout the year and works with other business organizations as a watchdog over state and county legislation.
For information about JCCIH programs and membership, visit the website at www.jccih.org
Media Note: Photos available here
Caption: Audrey Takamine, new president of Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, right, with Stephen Ueda, first vice president, left, and installing officer Lincoln Ashida, center.
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