Chamber presents Pualu Awards
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce recently recognized nine individuals, businesses or organizations with Pualu Awards at its annual installation and membership banquet.
“Meaning to ‘work together,’ Pualu Awards were established in 1979 to honor those in West Hawaii for their dedication and hard work in the community,” said Vivian Landrum, chamber president and CEO. There were nine winners in seven categories and they were chosen by an awards committee from nominations received by chamber members and the public.
The Community Education award honors an individual or organization who promotes and supports education and enrichment programs that develop personal skills and lifelong learning. This year’s recipient is Laurel Gregory, sole librarian for University of Hawaii Center at West Hawaii.
The Environmental Awareness Award taps an individual or organization that exhibits sensitivity and concern for the environment through innovative environmental practices and is awarded to Lipps & Son General Contractor.
The Business Innovation Award recognizes a business or organization committed to improving or enhancing employee’s lives, or exhibits creative product development, marketing or customer service. Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory and West Hawaii Community Health Center each received this award.
The Lifetime Service Award taps an individual who has made a lifelong commitment to the community exemplified by his personal or business achievements. This year’s recipient is Virginia Isbell.
The Visitor Industry Marketing Award is presented each year to a person or group diligently working to promote the visitor industry in West Hawaii. Kai Opua Canoe Club’s Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Outrigger Canoe Race was the winner.
The Culture and Heritage award is awarded to an individual or organization exhibiting, through its actions, practices that promote island traditions and preserve the island’s multicultural heritage. This year’s recipient is the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.
Chamber Member of the Year recognizes the individual who advocates, promotes and supports the mission of the chamber through active participation on committees, events, membership or community service. Two recipients were recognized: Chamber Business Member of the Year, Kona Brewing Co., and a Chamber Individual Member of the Year, Hazel Beck.
For more information, call 329-1758 or visit kona-kohala.com.
RevoluSun expanding, adding employees
RevoluSun has purchased a new warehouse and will add up to a dozen new jobs on the Big Island by year’s end.
The company recently moved into a 1,800-square-foot warehouse, located at 73-4273 Hulikoa Drive in Kailua-Kona, and plans to expand its current sales force of nine to include new sales people and installation crews.
“We’ve been installing solar systems on the Big Island for two years, but because of increasing demand for our services, we have decided to plant some roots here,” said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun principal. “This will help us improve our levels of service for Big Island customers. We are very excited about growing our division here and furthering our involvement with the Big Island community.”
Szigeti heading
lodging group
George D. Szigeti has been named president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, effective Monday. Szigeti will replace Mufi Hannemann, who has held the post since January 2011.
Szigeti has been president and CEO of Better Brands Ltd. since 1997. Better Brands, a subsidiary of Young’s Market Co., is one of the nation’s largest wholesalers and distributors of beer, wine and distilled spirits. In addition to serving on the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association board, Szigeti was a board member and past president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, board member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, president of the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association and board member of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and several charitable organizations.