Small Business News
October 2004 | Online Edition
Small Business Views
By Sam Slom, President and Executive Director of Small Business Hawaii
Happy Birthday to Lex Brodie, 90 this month, the legendary businessman, surfer, educator and founder in 1975 of Lex Brodie’s Small Business Association of Hawaii, forerunner of Small Business Hawaii. Lex will be honored--and roasted--Saturday, October 2 on the Perry & Price Radio Show at John Dominis.
Great news that SBH, in partnership with Summerlin Insurance, is once again able to offer members of SBH an affordable, group comprehensive medical insurance coverage with choices, beginning October 1. Hopefully, sole proprietors and contractors next.
SBH’s next Pau Hana networking party will be 5-8 pm Oct. 21 at new member Gordon Biersch Brewery at Aloha Tower. See you!
Agricultural theft has been a major, under-reported crime on every island in Hawaii for years. The defense of his crops by Oahu Laotian farmer Khamxath Baccam that resulted in the shooting of a previously 21 time convicted criminal stealing his crops, put the issue in focus. Rick Hamada of KHVH radio and I have started a defense fund for the farmer who faces a 2nd degree murder charge. Want to donate? Contact me.
Recently, some have suggested that SBH is to "too slanted, too partisan." The truth of the matter is, like Fox News, SBH always tries to be fair and balanced and opens its pages and meetings to guest member commentaries of any view. However, SBH does have an agenda: open, passionate, comitted support for the free, competitive, non-monopoly market and support for change within our community. SBH makes no political endorsements (only PAYCHECKS HAWAII our political action affiliate does that) but SBH always offers opportunities of expression and position to politicians of various political persuasions. Have a comment?
SB News is printing a listing of suggested pro-business candidates from PAYCHECKS HAWAII in time for the General Election on page 3. The mega bucks being spent on campaigns have helped small business printers and advertising specialty firms.
The state’s new Welfare to Work project--which offers you new workers in exchange for your training--rolls out October 1. Dick Rowland and the Grassroot institute did much to facilitate this program through donation of services of Ted Abraham and the American Institute for Full Employment.
Grassroot also to honor SBH member George Mason, Friday, October 1 at the Hale Koa with the prestigious George Washington Leadership Award. Also honored will be DCCA director, Mark Rektenwald and the late Desmond Byrne of Honolulu Information Service and Common Cause.
"Hawaii’s Entreprenurial Spirit" is the name of the new business TV series produced by HawaiiReporter’s Malia Zimmerman. The business friendly program debuts on OC 16.
The takeover of city bank by central Pacific Bank is now complete; 80%+support.
After 50 years, Foremost Dairies no more.
Your days of enjoying check float ends Oct. 28 with a new federal law.
Some former state HIOSH employees, and independent safety officers, fiercely loyal to deposed DLIR’s Jennifer Shishido and James Decker, now "consultants" earning commissions based on safety fines to business, recently slammed HIOSH for becoming too "business friendly" in Pacific Business News. Is theirs a conflict here? Awaiting response from DLIR director Nelson Befitel.
Deaths of SBH members Tom Malone CEO of Aloha Petroleum, and Sharon Young are real losses. Also, James Gary of Pacific Resources. Condolesences to the families.
Educational indictment: the current Burger King commercials (like others) have to tell us that "The Angus Diet is not a real diet," and that "Dr. Angus is not a real doctor." A helpful hint would be to place the same warnings on political ads and speeches.
Gas prices down everywhere in the country--except Hawaii.
SBH Employer tip of the month: Talk up "total pay or total compensation" with your employees. This is intended to remind employees of what they actually take home in health insurance and other benefits in addition to salary only.
The annual Hawaii Tax Institute cosponsored by Chaminade University Tax Foundation and Chaminade University are cosponsoring a one-day seminar on "Business Succession Planning in Plain English," on October 28 at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel. The sponsors are offering a special reduced registration fee of $155 to SBH members. Call Tom Cabrinha at 533-4244.
You can still purchase yellow ribbons through military support groups or City Mill.
Don’t forget to regularly check our website at www.smallbusinesshawaii.com for the most updated alerts and events.
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