3 reasons why these Top 250 companies beat the odds No. 1 Reason for Big Gains: Strategic Growth Many Top 250 companies are Hawaii institutions that have defined local business culture for decades and employ the most experienced and talented…
When we started the Wahine in Hawaii Business program last year, we knew that successful women prefer to be known for their accomplishments, not their gender. At the same time, gender’s influence on career attainment is unmistakable. Of the 753…
Despite her relatively young age, Christine Camp is remarkably accomplished. She’s the founder and president of Avalon Development, one of the state’s largest real estate firms. At 38, she became the youngest chair of the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce. She’s…
Hawaii employers are dissatisfied with the verbal and math skills of high school graduates applying for jobs, according to a recent study. So state educators are targeting the problem and asking local businesses for support. The program, called Step Up!…
Barbara Hastings has been an advocate for Big Island businesses for over a decade. She is also one of the most well-informed women in Hilo, serving as the eyes, ears and voice of the local business community. As president of…
“Maui is an excellent place to start a new business,” says Vaughn Vasconcellos, president and CEO of Akimeka LLC, headquartered in Kihei’s Maui Research and Technology Park. Its high-tech neighbors include local companies Oceanit and Trex, and large federal contractors…
In this economy, diversifying is one way to survive. That’s why in April, after its own gross billings plunged about 30 percent, local architectural firm Pacific Atelier LLC acquired an audio-visual company. The purchase of Providence Technologies LLC, dba Projectors…
“Networking has the potential to reverse the brain drain,” says Danielle Scherman, founder and president of Social Wahines, a social and professional networking group. What started off three years ago as an intimate monthly get-together of Scherman and her 30-something…
The Problem The hibiscus has incredible colors, textures and blossoms, but usually lacks a scent. Enter the Hibiscus Lady, Jill Coryell, who has created gigantic, colorful AND sweet-smelling hibiscus that are sold here and on the Mainland. “What sets me…
Barbara Tanabe, president and CEO of Hoakea Communications, is a pioneer. She crushed both color and gender barriers in the 1970s when she became one of the first Asian-American women TV reporters and anchors. Destinations Tanabe is a big fan…
If you are in downtown Honolulu at lunchtime, consider feeding your mind as well as your body. The downtown annex of the Contemporary Museum is in the soaring First Hawaiian Center at 999 Bishop St. The gallery is upstairs from…
Estimated $30,000 to $50,000 What is It A 1949 “Foam Sandwich,” designed by Bob Simmons,considered the father of the modern surfboard. The 11-foot board used the then-new technology of Styrofoam, sandwiched between plywood planks and trimmed with balsa-wood sides, then…