Aloha,
Thank you for your interest in supporting a network of businesses that advocates equal opportunities for persons with disabilities as members of Hawaii’s business community.
By becoming a member or project partner you will help this chamber pick up where job placement leaves off. Efforts will be placed in advanced mentoring to assemble resources and refine individual skillsets to operate, manage and/or own a business.
This chamber practices a “rising tide lifts all boats” strategy in that the economic wellbeing of the business community results in a healthy and vibrant Hawaii. All fellow citizens should be able to enjoy the fruits of their time, talents and labor – the American dream.
The Chamber of Commerce for Persons with Disabilities – Hawaii was incorporated December 31, 2012 as a non-profit organization to serve a special needs constituency. In April 2013, our endeavors adopted this mission:
“The Chamber shall maintain a leadership role in the community through programs, services and events that enhance the quality, general welfare and economic well-being of businesses owned by, serving or associated with persons in Hawaii having disabilities.”
Membership dues, project partnering, associated enterprise and personal involvement finance our activities. Our community value can be demonstrated by our past, present and future projects such as:
Legislative Advocacy
Support of House Resolution 70, which declares October as Travelers with Disabilities Month and encourages the Hawaii Tourism Authority & HVCB to improve marketing of Hawaii as a desired destination to disabled travelers.
Support of House Bill 1430, which appropriates $400,000 for fiscal year 2013-2014 to establish and operate a comprehensive service center for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals.
Support of Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2013 (H.R. 647) to establish tax-free savings accounts (529 college account model) for individuals with disabilities to pay for medical care, assistive technology, job training and education.
Marketing Events
The chamber’s official launch will recognize and award an individual or organization making a difference for persons with disabilities in Hawaii. The presentation, announcements, media interviews, pupu & light refreshments will be at the state capitol, room 329 at 10am.
The Art Show for Artists with Disabilities at Honolulu Hale is set to be an annual event that occurs during the entire month of October. The show will advertise and market all forms of media by select local, national and international artists.
Marketing Programs
The cocpwdhawaii.com website provides news & information and is "reader interactive". It is developed as a mobile ready tool extending out to smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Your customers will have a platform to “advise” you & your businesses in growing the bottom line.
Business Building Program
Individualized mentoring for those that want to own & operate their own business. Services include skill & resource analysis, crowd-funding, & business planning.
Other Actions
Expand disabled student awareness programs by establishing peer driven one on one, face to face relationships with their fellow students. A practice of inclusion will change attitudes and prevent bullying of disabled students
Launch an internet base video campaign via a “submit your vacation video” contest. Travelers with disabilities submit their vacation videos to be used for a series videos marketing Hawaii in an “Accessible Aloha” campaign.
Develop information sharing and commenting platform for smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop access that allows consumers to help businesses grow.
Establish business seminars, conventions & expositions to demonstrate services & display products that benefits owner, managers or serve persons with disabilities.
Inclosing, we hope to include you and your organization as a member of this chamber in our media releases, newsletters, promotions and special events. Use the attached membership application form or CLICK HERE to download a pdf membership form that you can fill out on your computer & return by email.
Mahalo,
Marsha Joyner, President pro tempore Derek Tamura, Vice president pro tempore
There are five (5) member classes:
General Member shall consist of those professionals or business organizations that have been accepted as members of the Chamber and are in good standing. A general member shall be listed on all membership lists as a member, pay dues, be entitled to all membership privileges, may be elected a Director or Officer and be entitled to one (1) vote.
Non-profit Member shall have a 501(c) designation. A non-profit or charitable member shall be listed on all membership lists as a member, pay dues, be entitled to all membership privileges, may be elected a Director or Officer and be entitled to one (1) vote.
Trustee Member shall be those professionals or business entities desiring to further the activities of the Chamber by being more financially involved. Trustee member shall be listed on all membership lists as a member, pay dues, entitled to all membership privileges and trustee benefits, may be elected a Director or Officer, and be entitled to one (1) vote.
Associate Member shall be those individuals, professionals or business entities providing products or services to members of this Chamber. Associate members may be listed on all membership lists as a member, pay no membership dues, not hold office, and cast no vote.
Honorary Member shall be those individuals, professionals or business entities having performed distinguished public service with regards to the mission of this Chamber. Membership is by vote of the Board of Directors. Honorary members shall be listed on all membership lists as a member, hold an honorary title, and are not entitled to membership privileges. Honorary members shall pay no membership dues, not hold office, and cast no vote.
CLICK HERE to download the membership application. Save to desktop, complete form, save & click the send as an email attachment.
