HAWAI`I SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK

1998 ANNUAL REPORT - OFFICIAL MESSAGES

A Message from Senator Inouye

........I am pleased to extend my warm greetings to the Hawai'i Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network.
........Hawai`i has weathered a variety of economic storms. Current economic conditions require businesses to be more creative, more aggressive, and more efficient. Government must work to support our small businesses through a reduction of red tape and burdensome regulations, as well as through incentives to the extent they are possible. We must work closely together, setting our sights on improving and solidifying our economic foundation for a more prosperous and productive tomorrow.
........The SBDC is to be commended for its efforts to provide the needed resources, and entrepreneurial skillsand training to assist Hawai`i's small businesses. Over the years, your services have helped to create new business initiatives and job opportunities, and have revitalized existing businesses. You have demonstrated that with determination and hard work, businesses can succeed. I am certain that the year ahead will be challenging and rewarding. There is much to be done. The SBDC is an important part of Hawai`i's ecnomic development. I wish the SBDC continued success the years ahead................................Aloha,

[ Return to 1998 Annual Report Main Page ]

A Message from Senator Akaka

.......The University of Hawai`i at Hilo Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network plays a vital role in the development and growth of Hawai`i's small business community. The SBDC has been successful in nurturing new business startups and assisting established small businesses in Hawai`i.
.......Over ninety percent of all firms in Hawai`i are considered small businesses and they provide the majority of employment opportunities here in the islands. For over five years, the SBDC has provided assistance and counseling to over a thousand small businesses.
.......Encouraging the development of small businesses trough financial and information assistance has a positive impact on the strength of the U.S. economy. The SBDC provides valuable assistance to Hawai`i's small business community.
.......I wish the staff of SBDC continued success in fostering a supportive business climate for Hawai`i's small businesses.
Aloha pumehana,

[ Return to 1998 Annual Report Main Page ]

A Message from Governor Cayetano

.......Small businesses in Hawai`i are the backbone of our local economy. They account for more than 90% of our island firms and provide the majority of all newly-created jobs. The Hawai`i Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network has helped many entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Hawai`i become successful through its counseling, training, research resource and advocacy activities.
.......The Hawai`i SBDC Network - a partnership program with the University of Hawai`i at Hilo and the United States Small Business Administration - outlines its success stories and challenges in this annual report. Economic impact surveys offer clear evidence the the Hawai`i SBDC Network has accomplished musch to encourage and support economic development statewide.
.......Given our state's tough economic times, the Hawai`i SBDC Network is making a difference in our business community by consulting with over 800 companies and conducting 130 workshops last year. I congratulate the staff for their dedicated efforts and for their excellent work on behalf of Hawai`i's small businesses.
.
................Aloha,

[ Return to 1998 Annual Report Main Page ]

A Message from the U.S. Small Business Administration
Andrew K. Poepoe, District Director

.......The Hawai`i Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is an essential program in the successful development of small businesses in the State of Hawai`i. SBDC provides professional counseling and training programs through which small business owners and small business management can start a new business or continue a current business successfully, thus helping to create and to maintain jobs in Hawai`i. SBDC has made a major contribution to the continuing development of the State economy.
.......The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) extends thanks to State Direector Darryl Mleynek for his excellent work with small business, and SBA extends congratulations and thanks to the staff of SBDC for the continuing excellent work that you do with small business customers. You have made a difference to many businesses continuing to do business in Hawai`i today.
.......Special thanks to President Kenneth Mortimer and to Chancellor Rose Tseng for their support of the SBDC program. The U.S. Small Business Administration appreciates your help on this program in these very difficult economic and restricted budget times.
.......The economy of Hawai`i continues to struggle as the largest industry segment in our State, tourism, continues to remain below its peak visitor numbers. It is important for organizations in the profession of aiding small firms and entrepreneurs, to increase efforts to help these businesses in these difficult times. The years 1999 and 2000 will be crucial years in the development of small businesses in Hawai`i and as we enter the new millennium with its associated problems. Professional help can make a difference.
.......SBA pledges to work cooperatively with SBDC so that our joint work will help to improve small businesses and will help to improve the overall business climate in Hawai`i.

Aloha,

[ Return to 1998 Annual Report Main Page ]

A Message from the Univeristy of Hawai`i at Hilo
Rose Tseng, Senior Vice President, University of Hawai`i
and Chancellor, University of Hawai`i at Hilo

.......As we prepare for the next millennium, Hawai`i is faced with creating new business opportunities and meeting the challenges of a global economy. The majority of business firms in Hawai`i are classified as small businesses, and thus it is important for the Big Island and the State of Hawai`i that small businesses are provided the training and assistance needed to operate successfully and compete in an ever changing business and economic environment. The Hawai`i Small Business Development Center Network headquartered at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo with offices on Maui, Kaua`i, O'ahu, and the Big Island, is the organization providing excellent educational opportunities for Hawai`i businesses and its entrepreneurs.
.......The recent Annual Economic Data released by the Hawai`i SBDC is impressive, and clearly indicates the positive impacts and continued success in meeting the ever changing needs of its small business clientele. I would like to commend all of the innovative management and staff who contributed so much to the goals of Hawai`i business men and women. The 20 employees of the Hawai`i SBDC Network provided counseling tp over 800 companies and conducted 130 training events in 1998. Likewise, I am pleased that businesses have responded favorably to the seminars and consulting resources of the Hawai`i SBDC Network.
.......A highlight of 1998 was being named one of three recipients of the 1998 Hawai`i State Award of Excellence, `Oihana Maka`i (Endeavors IN Excellence). Recipients received a framed feather lei representing diligence and patience, which are characteristics of organizations that endeavor to excel. We are very proud of the Hawai`i SBDC Director, Mr. Darryl Mleynek and his entire staff. This award is tribute to their professionalism, work ethic and committment to Hawai`i and its small business sector. As we move toward increasing our presence in the Pacific Rim and global marketplaces, the exceptional leadership of the Hawai`i SBDC Network management team will be vital.
.......As you read throug this annual report, I know you will join me in offering my heartiest congratulations and continued success to the Hawai`i Small Business Development Center Network

Mahalo nui loa,

[ Return to 1998 Annual Report Main Page ]

If you find any problems with this site please email: [email protected]