Popular radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt makes the presentation of the Heritage Foundation's Four Pillars of Freedom Award given to Judge William Clark who served as National Security Advisor and Secretary of the Interior during Ronald Reagan's two terms as President.

GRIH Visits the Reagan Presidential Library and Heritage/SPN Event

President Jamie Story and TeamGrassroot recently attended the Heritage Resource Bank and SPN Leadership Development Breakfast in Los Angeles, California on April 23-26, 2009.

This year's event was held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and featured management and leadership experts providing strategies for advancing free markets and limited government. According to Story, it was a valuable session for all grassroots advocates, policy leaders, and think tank staff. In addition to seminars and networking opportunities, the two day event featured a State Think Tank Dinner and a Atlas Liberty discussion forum. Jointly sponsored by the State Policy Network (SPN) and the Heritage Foundation the annual event also afforded President Story the opportunity to visit the famous Reagan Presidential Library. For more information please visit: www.heritage.org/about/community/resourcebank.cfm

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Smart Business Hawaii
New Name and 2009 Small Business Awards Banquet

SBH, Small Business Hawaii is now, “Smart Business Hawai’i”. The name change was officially adopted by the SBH Board of Directors last month. Unique in the U.S. among business and trade associations, SBH began in 1976 as the “Small Business Association of Hawaii,” started by Lex Brodie, to provide effective advocacy for growing numbers of very small businesses (five employees or less) in Hawaii. In 1983, SBH officially became, “Small Business Hawaii.”

"SBH always has been, and remains, success oriented and solution based," said SBH President Sam Slom. "SBH believes businesses must act “smarter” in today’s business climate and make better decisions. As an organization, SBH continues to be in the forefront of enumerating those solutions and working for their adoption in the workplace, the community and at the State Legislature."

The annual SBH Business Awards banquet is happening on Friday, May 15 at the Waialae Country Club
from 5:30 to 8 pm. Since 1984 and up until last year's event the SBH awards had been given during the annual business conference in January. Last year, the Directors felt it was better to carve out a special day and event to honor the business awardees and mid-May is now that special time according to officials.

The awardees are chosen from SBH members and community leaders from nominees received by the Board of Directors and voted upon annually. The Directors also made several changes in the names of some of the awards to reflect SBH's new "Smart Business Hawaii" branding and to honor founder, Lex Brodie.

Awards for 2008 to be presented on May 15 include:

SBH Lex Brodie Business of the Year - First Hawaiian Bank, Inc (celebrating 150 years of service in Hawaii).

SBH Jean Fukuda Civic Leadership Award - Debi Halcro, Valenti Print Group for her service and leadership in behalf of many educational, business and charitable community organizations.

SBH Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Emily Pick, My Gym

SBH George Mason Outstanding Business Reporting (co-winners): David Shapiro and Sean Hao, both of The Honolulu Advertiser

Smart Business Success All Stars:
• Kedric Dean, Collection Management Services of Hawaii
• Arla & Walt Harvey, East Oahu Realty, Inc.
• Shelly Wilson, Wilson Home Care.

The awards banquet and program is open to the public. Entertainment and Silent Auction included. Sponsorships available (contact Malia at 306-3161). Advance reservations are required. Cost for the entire event including free parking is $100 per person for SBH members and their guests. Contact Darlyn and Smart Business Hawaii at 396-1724.

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