Feb 5, 2020 | Education, Small Business
HNu Photonics LLC, an award-winning Maui science and technology company based in Kahului, brings another honor to Maui County for developing the Scorpio-V Mobile SpaceLab to study human biology on the International Space Station (ISS). “Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) applauds HNu for aiding a better understanding of the impacts of life in space on the human body,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “Over the last two decades the number of long-duration spaceflights have increased. Studies have shown the importance of additional research on the astronauts’ cognitive and behavioral activities due to microgravity.”
Scorpio-V, the space technology biological sciences division of HNu, designed the tissue and cell culturing facility which can perform biology experiments in space without the need for crew operations for as long as a month. “Scorpio-V’s Mobile SpaceLab, a fully automated, microfluidic and imaging platform, will perform the biological experiments on the ISS,” said Principal Investigator Dr. Caitlin O’Connell. “Our team of scientists will design and execute experiments to test the effects of microgravity on neurons and will control and monitor the experiments from Earth.”
O’Connell explained, “As the U.S. and other nations and organizations around the world expand space exploration, it has become imperative to better understand what life in space does to the human body in order to mitigate potential health risks. Furthermore, we think the neuron studies performed on the ISS with the Mobile SpaceLab will lend additional insights into earth-bound age-related cognition and decline.”
On Sunday, February 9, 2020, Northrop Grumman’s 13th commercial resupply mission for NASA, a Cygnus spacecraft on an Antares rocket, is scheduled to launch from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and carry the Mobile SpaceLab to the ISS. In 2019, HNu Photonics was the first instrument builder to successfully be awarded a grant from NASA’s Space Biology Program to use the Mobile SpaceLab for its own biological experimentation during a roundtrip mission to the ISS. HNu Photonics was previously awarded a grant from NASA to include its instrument on a Blue Origin launch. Additionally, they have a Space Act agreement with NASA.
HNu is honored to be part of the science investigation and technology demonstrations on NASA’s February 9th mission to the ISS.
Caitlin O’Connell, Ph.D., Scorpio-V Principal Investigator, HNu Photonics
Nov 20, 2019 | Education, Small Business
CyberHawaii, in partnership with the Maui Economic Development Board, brought a Cyber Readiness Workshop to Maui for businesses and nonprofits. Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems, networks, programs, and people against digital attack. Pulling together a panel and participants from business, government, cyber security and Information Technology (IT) professionals to share their knowledge, experiences and best practices, CyberHawaii identified cyber security vulnerabilities and risks, explaining what to do and who can help.
“It is important to know how to develop and implement IT protocols for your company,” said Jennifer Sabas from CyberHawaii. “Our workshop teaches to reduce and mitigate cyber threats, and establish a practical response plan for cyber incidents.”
CyberHawaii is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing Hawaii’s cyber security capabilities. The organization is working to build a community that manages cyber risk through various methods, including the sharing of information in a secure enclave via the Homeland Security Information Network, a threat-awareness platform, and encouraging cyber-hygiene best practices.
Kolton Krug, CyberHawaii intern, said, “ It is important to create a cyber risk defense strategy and tactical plan. Cyber threats increase by the day. We discussed cyber insurance and the importance of having a cyber security program to protect sensitive data.”
Sylvester Libed, Community Clinic of Maui, noted, “Companies can get fined if data is breached, so we take it seriously. Technology is evolving. We need to be aware of how to protect the network, and what to do immediately if a breach happens. A speaker from the FBI told us to report the incident immediately to authorities and engage a forensic IT expert if necessary.”
Cassie Coffin, Maui Aids Foundation Assistant Director, added, “First and foremost, we want to protect our clients’ safety and privacy. We learned about the top four cyber issues: Weak passwords, vulnerabilities in the software, phishing email, and USB devices, and how to create a plan with policies and employee readiness to mitigate cyber threats with a practical response plan.” For more information, contact CyberHawaii at www.cyberhawaii.org or www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/honolulu.
In May 2019 The Defensive Cyber Industry Consortium met with Governor Ige to develop the next steps to enhance the security of our critical infrastructure in Hawaii. This initiative is important to our federal and military partners, as well as our state, private sector and broader community.
Jennifer Sabas, CyberHawaii
May 1, 2019 | Education, Small Business
On May 8-9, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), with the support of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, will present their 3nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC) at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Attendees will learn key strategies from national and local business leaders, in sessions, workshops and exhibits, on topics such as employee engagement, technology in business, video marketing, data protection, success planning, tax strategies, and more.
“This conference condenses a number of important, relevant topics into a short period of time,” said Gerry Smith, MEDB’s Director of Business Development. “It gives people access to experts who provide invaluable insights to expand knowledge and find solutions to problems. It also provides a forum to network with like-minded people and industry peers.”
On Day 1, Jules Kremer, Technical Project Manager at Google, will speak on ‘Google My Business: Free Tools to Empower Small and Midsize Businesses’. On Day 2, Kremer will be joined by her colleague, Alexandrina Garcia-Verdin, to go further in depth in a workshop on using free Google apps to grow one’s community and business. After 20 years in the technology industry focused on software development and business strategy, Kremer joined Google in 2010 leading a team of strategists and analysts focused on strategic market intelligence. Recently, she began leading the Developer Relations teams for Cloud Startups, Higher Education and G Suite Developer Platform—all tools for organizations to use.
“Small business owners have so much to do,” said Kremer, “from building a business plan to building a team and working with customers. At Google we’ve seen a need to understand the tools and services that can help small businesses when they’re just starting out and as they grow. I’ll be sharing an overview of some ways Google can help build both the business and customer engagement.”
On Day 2, three-hour workshops running parallel both morning and afternoon include: Essential Systems for Small Business Success; Tax Strategies for Small Business; How to Use Free Tools to Grow my Community and Business; and Intellectual Property and Branding.
As a Maui resident, I’m excited to share technology with local Hawaii business owners, empower them for success, and help local businesses navigate today’s online world.
Jules Kremer, Technical Project Manager, Google
For more info visit: www.HawaiiSmall.Biz.
Apr 24, 2019 | Education, Small Business
On May 8-9, 2019, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), with the support of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, will present their 3nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The event, coinciding with National Small Business Week, recognizes the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Attendees will learn key strategies from national and local business leaders, in sessions, workshops and exhibits on topics such as employee engagement, technology in business, video marketing, data protection, success planning, tax strategies and more.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy in Hawaii,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “It is critical that they be nurtured and protected if we want our overall economy to grow. That’s one of the main reasons why this conference was created—to help small businesses grow.”
TJ Schier, President and Founder of SMART Restaurant Group, will give the conference keynote, speaking on his 7 Essential Systems for Small Business Success. Among the insights Schier will share during his keynote and during his Day 2 workshop are his three-pronged strategies for building a team of top performers. Schier noted, “It includes focusing on the mission, to provide a compass for everyone on the business team; retaining the right people and letting the wrong people go; and creating a magnetic culture to attract more of the right people.”
TJ has written numerous books and designs training and guest service programs on topics such as building a team of top performers, hiring, guest service and systems. Following his keynote, TJ will moderate a panel featuring Kim Svetin, Moloka‘i Drugs, Danny Boren, Skyline Eco-Adventures and Lisa Paulson of Maui Hotel and Lodging Association to discuss how Engaging Your Front Line Increases your Bottom Line.
Opening day also includes Talk Story segments with business owners Rachael Ray, U’I Gallery; Teri Edmonds, If the Shoe Fits; and Jason Higa from Zippy’s Restaurants, talking about their business experiences. On Day 2, four three-hour workshops provide an opportunity to go deeper into some of the topics. Further information can be found at www.hawaiismall.biz
“My workshop on Essential Systems for Small Business Success will help companies become more effective.”
TJ Schier, SMART Restaurant Group President and Founder
For a full conference schedule and list of presenters, visit www.HawaiiSmall.Biz.
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.
Nov 28, 2018 | Community, Small Business
Pamela Norris, a Maui resident and entrepreneur, has participated in numerous High Tech Maui business development programs offered by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). Norris, winner of the Small Business Administration’s 2016 InnovateHer Challenge locally hosted by MEDB, is the creator of ICEBUDDY™ Systems, Inc., a portable cooling system comprised of the QPACK and QOOLER that enables ice, water, medication, and emergency supplies to be stored and easily transported.
“My career has been dedicated to saving lives,” Norris explained. “I spent years as a first responder during natural disasters where I saw people lose their lives due to not having their medicine with them, not having food or water, as well as a lack of medical supplies. Seeing turmoil due to lack of refrigeration catapulted me to create the ICEBUDDY™ Systems to respond to unmet needs, and to save lives by prepositioning emergency preparedness products.”
Norris explained, “The QOOLER utilizes a patented, encased, non-toxic gel, which is capable of keeping its contents cold at the 36-46-degree range for 72 hours. That is three days of cooling capability without the use of ice or gel packs, that would otherwise melt and sweat on whatever is stored.”
The QPACK module is an innovative, modernized backpack meeting military specifications. Its unique flexibility enables carrying whatever is available, be it 120 ounces of water, a 10-pound bag of ice or a dozen 16-ounce water bottles. The built-in bladder and spigot allow access to water critical for life itself and necessary for taking most medications. It can be carried as a backpack, but it also fits on wheelchairs and walkers for the elderly and disabled. Rescue crews can airdrop medical supplies in difficult to reach terrain.
“Recently, the African American Heritage Foundation of Maui has collaborated with ICEBUDDY™ to provide free QOOLERs and QPACKs to needy citizens in Hawaii,” Norris noted. “They are seeking tax deductible contributions that will be used for this humanitarian purpose. We at ICEBUDDY™ Systems desire to make this revolutionary product available globally, particularly to vulnerable populations living on islands.” Visit www.icebuddy.net for information.
MEDB’s High Tech Maui business programs are focused on helping local entrepreneurs gain the needed edge and skills to succeed.
Pamela Norris, Founder, ICEBUDDY™ Systems
Oct 17, 2018 | Small Business
In just one weekend, you will experience the highs, lows, fun, and pressure that make up life at a startup. Surrounded by smart, passionate people and with the best tools and strategies at your disposal, you’ll take giant leaps in learning skills to create a business, build a team, and connect with the right people and resources.
The Startup Weekend Maui Series includes three (3) warm-up events to give you valuable tools for your business: Pinching Your Pennies; Lean Startup Canvas; and Pitch Bootcamp.
For more information and to register, please go to www.startupweekendmaui.com
Apr 25, 2018 | Education, Small Business
Small businesses will learn pathways to success at the 2nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC) on May 2-3, 2018 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. The theme of this year’s event, “Plan, Build, Grow: Mapping A Pathway to Success”, provides resources via a network of experts along with hands-on skills necessary for businesses to accelerate growth.
The HSBC coincides with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week, celebrating both America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Topics include customer service, business growth and scaling, social media management, innovation, tax strategies and more. Additionally, speed-networking with industry leaders will allow opportunity for questions and answers.
Gwen Woltz, co-founder of Wahine Media, is a leading social media strategist and one of the early voices in the social media revolution in Hawaii. Her keynote “Social Media Reality Check—Gone are the Days of Free” will help attendees envision their perfect world on social media and the most effective route to get there. “Being a small business owner from Hawaii myself, my hope is to inspire other business owners to approach social media with confidence and a plan,” Woltz said. “I think one of the biggest misperceptions about small businesses in Hawaii is that we are limited because we are on an island, or that we can’t compete with mainland businesses. I hope to show attendees that Hawaii small businesses are not limited but are empowered to do things a little differently. Hawaii small businesses have a unique advantage that no other small businesses have: a strong sense of place and community, a perfect formula to thrive on social media.”
Woltz will speak on Day 1 followed by a Panel in which she will lead a discussion with three Maui businesses who are leading the way with social media. On Day 2, she will present a workshop, “Maximizing Your Social Media Budget”.
Participants can attend the all-day conference on Wednesday, May 2 or any of the smaller group workshops on Thursday, May 3, or both. Various sponsorship opportunities are available. For information visit www.hawaiismallbusinessconference.com or call (808) 875-2300.
My social media clients are in a variety of industries. From budget to best practices, I help them embrace new ways to connect with their audience.
Gwen Woltz, Wahine Media
