From Chamber President Jim Tollefson – May 4, 2011

 

APEC Host Committee looking for Hawaii’s best in Innovation

“APEC 2011 Hawai‘i Business Innovation Showcase”

 

As a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) 2011 Hawaii Host Committee, one of the committee goals is to create opportunities for Hawaii businesses to gain exposure to the worldwide audience during the APEC 2011 Leaders Week, November 7^th through the 13^th. To support this effort, the 2011 Hawaii Host Committee, in partnership with The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Kaua‘i County, the City and County of Honolulu, Maui County and Hawai‘i County, is providing an opportunity for businesses registered in the state to showcase innovation in businesses, products and services to an international audience during APEC 2011 Leaders’ Week through the APEC 2011 Hawai‘i Business Innovation Showcase. Visit www.apec2011hawaii.com for more information. Requirements are listed below.  

 

The Host Committee is looking for businesses and business-related projects which:

·         are attractive to markets outside Hawai‘i, including the APEC member Economies;

·         have developed unique, leading and cutting-edge innovations in product development, technology, marketing or delivery;

·         have positively impacted Hawai‘i’s business environment;

·         have growth and investment potential; and

·         have adopted environmentally sound programs and practices.

 

The statewide program will award up to 35 Recognitions of Excellence to companies from each county and one overall statewide winner.  Applications will be reviewed by evaluation panels in each county. County winner applications will then be reviewed by a state evaluation panel to vie for the overall statewide awards.  Awardees will receive recognition at various APEC 2011 Hawai‘i programs that could include displays at APEC 2011 Hawai‘i venues, virtual displays and media opportunities.

 

Businesses can visit www.apec2011hawaii.com to download an application form. Submissions should include information about the organization, qualifications and expertise, and a project description. The application deadline is June 30, 2011. Announcement of the Business Innovation Showcase awards is September 1, 2011.

 

The APEC 2011 Leaders’ Week will take place in Honolulu on November 7–13 with the Leaders’ Meeting on November 12 and 13, and is the culmination of a series of events held throughout the year in the United States. The Leaders’ Meeting is expected to attract approximately 20,000 attendees including the leaders of the 21 APEC member economies, ministers, business leaders and news media.

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