Apr 3, 2019 | Environment, Events, Small Business
The 3rd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on May 8 & 9, 2019, presented by the Maui Economic Development Board with the support of County of Maui Office of Economic Development. Business owners, managers, start-ups and entrepreneurs interested in increasing their business knowledge, sharpening their professional skills, expanding their business network, and taking their business to the next level are encouraged to attend.
Listen to experts and business owners on employee engagement, technology in business, video marketing, data protection, success planning, tax strategies and more.
Learn more at www.hawaiismall.biz
Mar 6, 2019 | Environment, Events, Small Business
Hawaii has experienced enormous growth in distributed energy resources, primarily photovoltaic systems. This year’s conference will take an in-depth look at the innovative policies and technologies that continue to allow rapid growth in PV, and will compare Hawaii solutions with those in Colorado, California and other states. We will also ask what the right blend of fossil fuel and renewable energy sources is for the portion of our economy not covered by the Renewable Portfolio Standard. Come join the discussion at one of the nation’s leading energy conferences.
Jan 2, 2019 | Events
Akaku Maui Community Media presented its 5th Maui Walk of Heroes with a ‘Hands and Feet in Cement Ceremony’ honoring this year’s special guests, Former Maui County Councilwoman Chair Gladys Baisa; former Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) CEO and president Jeanne Skog; and Uncle Les Kuloloio, defender of Makena and treasured kupuna.
In the most outstanding outdoor party of the year, three of Maui Nui’s favorite heroes were proudly enshrined alongside previous inductees. “We are honored to enshrine the handprints and footprints of these Maui Nui true heroes in cement,” said Jay April, CEO and president of Akaku. “The positive influences that Gladys, Jeanne and Uncle Les have had on keeping Maui No Ka Oi is immeasurable. It is hard to imagine life on Maui without their amazing contributions to our common good.”
Baisa said, “I’m honored to be a hero at Akaku. I’ve always liked to bring people together to focus on a goal. I’m Ms. Fix It! If there’s a community problem, I’ll find a way to get involved because that’s what aloha is all about. If you want to do it well, you must commit your life to the job. My advice to the youth of today is to focus on appreciation. Be kind and do what’s right.”
Skog added, “I too am humbled to be honored by Akaku. For 33 years I was inspired by MEDB’s mission to solve problems in the community by building a stronger economy for a better quality of life in Maui County. I had a lot of support at MEDB where everyone works together. I’m now volunteering in the community and consulting—my way to ‘Pay it Forward.’ My advice for today’s youth is, ‘Be Fearless!’”
Also honored to be at Akaku, Uncle Les concluded, “For me it’s all about family and community, protecting sacred places, and how we all fit together. Live the true meaning of ‘aloha’ and be a true keeper of the culture, with a deep sense of kuleana. Our youth need to overcome obstacles, stand firm, and love one another.”
It was wonderful to be part of MEDB’s vision to lead and inspire innovation in business, education, and technology, helping to lead the community toward building a vibrant economy. What a joy to be honored at Akaku with Gladys and Uncle Les!
Jeanne Skog, MEDB Former CEO & President
Jul 25, 2018 | Community, Events
Maui residents Dr. Tom Vendetti, Robert Stone, and Keola and Moana Beamer recently received an award for “Environmental Activism in Film” at the 2018 Taos Film Festival in New Mexico. The award, inspired by the power of films to make positive changes for humanity, coincided with Earth Day. The theme of the 2018 festival was “Finding True Happiness in an Unsettled World”. Dr. Vendetti, Director of Mental Health Kokua, is also an Emmy award-winning director for his documentary films that lead to social change. “We are honored to receive the filmmakers’ activist award recognizing the mission to preserve the environment,” said Vendetti. “In my early twenties, I was convinced that finding the meaning of life was the path to happiness. So, I envisioned my own life as a quest.”
As a doctor and seeker, Vendetti made a multitude of documentaries in the psychological and environmental arena, which brought him insights that later extended into a fascination with other cultures and belief systems. Vendetti still works in mental health. However, his first visit to the Himalayas sparked his other career as an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker.
Robert Stone, an Emmy award-winning director, producer, writer, and cinematographer, and Vendetti have traveled around the globe, co-producing seven films that have gone on to air on the Public Broadcasting System. Additionally, they founded the Angkor Wat International Film Festival in Siem Reap, Cambodia. “Through telling simple stories that open the heart and emotions, we have raised awareness of the sacred in everyday life,” said Stone. “We simply want to make a positive difference that will help all of us.”
Keola Beamer is a multi-award-winning musician, legendary slack key guitarist, and world-renowned Native Hawaiian musician. His wife Moana has expanded her role in his performances through dance, chants, singing background vocals, and playing several ancient Hawaiian percussive instruments. Together, they have been traveling with Vendetti and making films that bring Hawaiian music and dance to the world.
My cause for years has been promoting happiness, as both a psychologist and a filmmaker. Our latest film Tibetan Illusion Destroyer creates awareness of the illusions that cause human suffering.
Dr. Tom Vendetti, Mental Health Kokua, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker
Mar 14, 2018 | Environment, Events, Small Business
Keynote speaker Karen McCullough
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), in collaboration with Maui County’s Office of Economic Development, will present their 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului on May 2-3, 2018. The event, coinciding with National Small Business Week, recognizes the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year’s theme, Plan, Build, Grow: Mapping A Pathway to Success, provides an opportunity to take any business to the next level, whether a one-person enterprise or a large-size company. Attendees will learn key strategies from national and local business leaders, in sessions, workshops and exhibits, on topics such as Business Growth, Customer Service, Entrepreneurial Psychology; Innovation, Tax Strategies, Social Media Management, and more.
According to Teena Rasmussen, Director of County of Maui Office of Economic Development, “Business owners are so busy working they rarely take time to reflect about their daily business or fly to a mainland conference. The Hawaii Small Business Conference offers owners a very affordable way to receive cutting edge information by nationally known speakers right here on Maui.”
Among this year’s presenters will be keynote speaker Karen McCullough, a well-known customer and employee engagement expert who inspires change in the workplace. McCullough helps organizations and leaders cut through generational stereotypes by leveraging their team’s strengths, enriching the work environment, and driving better results. For the last 15 years she has been developing creative solutions and implementing innovative methods inspiring people to connect, collaborate, and welcome change. Each of her presentations brings a realistic perspective on the future of a business.
During the Hawaii Small Business Conference, McCullough will speak on the topic “Going Beyond Your Brand—Delivering WOW Service”. She will focus on how businesses are redefining their mission and vision as their brands expand into customer and employee engagement. McCullough believes, “Your brand is the core of your company, the heart of your business, the soul of your culture, and the foundation for a great customer experience. The way you get beyond the brand is through employee and customer interaction.”
For a schedule of speakers, workshops, and online registration visit www.HawaiiSmall.Biz. For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, email smallbiz@medb.org or call (808) 875-2300
MEDB High Tech Maui
Feb 14, 2018 | Events
August 25, 2018
Grand Wailea Resort
4:30 PM Reception + Silent Auction
6:00 PM Dinner + Live Auction
Oct 4, 2017 | Events, Innovation
The 18th Annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), held on September 19-22 at the Wailea Beach Resort-Marriott, brought together scientists, engineers and space experts from around the globe. Organized and presented by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the conference drew more than 700 participants from 16 countries for one of the top scientific gatherings in the field of Space Situational Awareness (SSA). With an exciting technical and plenary program and internationally known speakers, the conference looked at the future of SSA, including the nature of the market and balancing commercial innovation with national security and international relations. “The 2017 AMOS Conference served as a beacon to take AMOS into a new era,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “It transformed it into the instrument required to lead the space community towards a more inclusive world.”
On the last day of the conference, MEDB hosted 160 Maui County middle school students in hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities during Student Space Exploration Day. “Each year we see students’ creativity blossom as they solve engineering problems in this fast-paced, high-energy atmosphere,” said Mapu Quitazol, MEDB Program Director. “The event provides our students the opportunity to learn about the different careers and technologies available in the space field. This year, we were especially excited to welcome former astronaut Dr. Janet Kavandi, Director of the NASA Glenn Research Center, who provided a first-hand discussion of living and working in space.”
“Today I learned about the many jobs an astronaut does in space” said Amelle Andrew, Lokelani Intermediate School 8th grader. “In the exhibit and poster session, I enjoyed learning about the huge telescopes on Haleakala that track satellites, and the importance of adaptive optics and imaging to track space debris.”
Lokelani STEM teacher Iokepa Meno exclaimed, “Once again MEDB has brought together scientists, students and the international space community to learn and celebrate everything about space. Mahalo MEDB and AMOS organizers for inviting our next generation of explorers to this amazing conference!”
I learned about the properties of light used to study space objects at the Boeing exhibit and enjoyed meeting all the exhibitors at AMOS.
Amelle Andrew, Lokelani Intermediate School 8th grader
Sep 20, 2017 | Events
Jaycie Iha from Maui Waena Intermediate School and Axl Reitz Daguio from Maui High School were among twenty talented PBS (Public Broadcasting System) Youth Fellow storytellers from 13 states, who convened in Washington, D. C. this summer. The third annual Student Reporting Labs (SRL) Academy was an initiative of PBS NewsHour to advance the future of journalism and public media. The middle- and high-school fellows worked alongside public media mentors to produce original digital content and sharpen their journalism and productions skills. The Fellows also helped program leaders develop strategies to engage young people with the news and current affairs, and ensure that diverse youth voices are active in the conversations about critical issues facing the nation.
During the 2016-17 school year, these young journalists contributed to the NewsHour’s broadcast and digital platforms. While they were in D.C., they created stories on numerous subjects. “It was an amazing experience,” said Iha, Maui Waena 8th grader, recalling her experience of journalistic inquiry and media production. “I learned so much and made inspiring connections to real journalists and students who love telling stories as much as I do. Along with three other students from various states, I produced a story about the Quander family. This family is one of the oldest recorded African American families in the U.S., whose ancestors worked for George Washington. My Academy opportunity reconfirmed my journalistic career decision to tell important community stories to the world.”
Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena Intermediate School Technology Club Advisor and trip chaperone, said, “The opportunity that this Academy gives students is remarkable. They bring together the best and most dedicated media students from around the country and help them hone their journalistic skills. Students tour the PBS studios, have lunch with real reporters, editors, and producers, have their work critiqued by industry experts, and meet kindred spirits. Most of all they see that the world and their opportunities to make a difference are much greater than they knew.”
Without our STEMworks™ Afterschool program made possible by a partnership with MEDB’s Women in Technology, Iha would not have been prepared or selected for the SRL Academy.
Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena Intermediate School STEMworks™ Facilitator and Technology Club Advisor
Aug 30, 2017 | Events
Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) Project presented a workshop for K-12 teachers on Exploring the Watershed through STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Education. Featuring WIT’s STEMworks™ Watershed Curriculum, the event focused on how GIS (Geographic Information System) Story Mapping can be utilized to protect and maintain the health of our island watersheds.
“The purpose of the workshop is to expose teachers to the power of using Story Maps to present spatial or geographic data in elementary, intermediate, and high school classrooms,” said Emily Haines-Swatek, workshop presenter and King Kekaulike High School STEMworks™ Facilitator. “Using ArcGIS Online, the teachers learned how to combine authoritative maps with narrative text and images that tell an integrated multimedia story.”
Shea Rodriguez, St. Anthony Middle School math teacher, said, “GIS mapping gives my students the chance to develop a variety of skills, and share cross-content knowledge in a hands-on technology approach. One of the most significant techniques offered in the workshop is to enable the students to do their own research. They will learn to gather and apply data to create valuable products that can be used in the community beyond the classroom. WIT’s STEMworks™ program also provides the chance for students to collaborate while they learn about Hawai’ian culture.”
WIT Team Member Denissa Andrade noted, “WIT is committed to supporting educators with essential STEM training and resources necessary for successful student engagement. Thanks to the funding MEDB received from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), students are learning the importance of protecting Hawai’i’s watersheds and they are becoming stewards of our islands.”
With the NOAA funding, WIT also supports student experimental field trips to local watersheds such as Kealia Pond, a 704-acre bird sanctuary on Maui’s south coast. Led by biologists, naturalists, and other industry professionals, students observed Hawaii’s endangered wetland birds and migratory visitors firsthand. Using technology such as GPS and mobile devices, students were tasked with creating Story Maps to promote watershed awareness in the community.
Teachers learned how to introduce their students to the power of GIS Story Mapping with free online mapping tools to explore and analyze data.
Denissa Andrade, MEDB WIT Team Member
