Chamber networking event open to the public
The public is invited to the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce’s networking event, AfterHours, from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at Big Island Honda in Kailua-Kona.
Attendees can network with West Hawaii’s business leaders and entrepreneurs while enjoying live music, pupu and refreshments. All three hosting organizations, Big Island Honda, Lavakids and PATH 5, will give the latest updates on their projects and promotions.
The chamber’s monthly pau hana — which meets every third Wednesday of the month — is a networking event affording attendees the chance to link with others in the local business community, network with and meet new members, and exchange business cards.
General admission is $30; $15 for chamber members and first-time nonmembers. Registration and prepayment is required; register at www.kona-kohala.com.
Info: Contact the Chamber at 329-1758 or email info@kona-kohala.com.
Downey to speak at BIPC’s 50th anniversary event
The Big Island Press Club is celebrating 50 years of service to the community with a 50th anniversary dinner slated 5-9 p.m. Thursday at Nani Mau Gardens, 421 Makalika St. in Hilo.
For five decades, BIPC has actively advocated for freedom of the media and the public’s right to know, holding government and those elected to serve the public accountable. It encourages and grants scholarships to the upcoming and future generations of would-be-newspeople and media supporters, and seeks to improve local and global communities.
The keynote speaker is Kirstin Downey, who covers the federal government and how it affects the lives of people in Hawaii.
Downey, a local girl who went to Kailua High School, was part of Washington Post metro staff that won a 2008 Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the campus massacre at Virginia Tech University in 2007. Downey was awarded a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University in 2000-01 for her extensive coverage of sexual harassment in the workplace. She is also the author of the historical books, “The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR’s Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience” and “Isabella: The Warrior Queen.”
The celebration will also feature music reminiscent of BIPC’s “Imu” shows and a brief presentation of the Press Club’s history and accomplishments.
The evening will begin with no-host cocktails at 5:30 p.m. with buffet dinner and the program to follow.
Tickets are $30 for members, $35 for nonmembers and $20 for students, available online at www.eventbrite.com. Tickets will also be available through BIPC board and 50th anniversary committee members.
The BIPC invites all to come celebrate with us and meet members of the media in our community.
VFW plans fundraiser
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kona VFW Post 12122, will hold a plate lunch fundraiser on Sept. 30 at KTA Super Stores parking lot in Kailua-Kona.
Form 10 a.m.-2 p.m., plates comprising 1/2 pound of teriyaki beef with a scoop each of rice and corn will be sold. Donations of $10 can be made the day of the event or meal tickets obtained from many of the members or at the Post. Proceeds will be used to support the Post and its veterans.
Info: Contact Don Zero at (509) 879-1040.