Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Director

Wendy Laros. Courtesy photo.

Wendy J. Laros will serve as the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce’s new executive director.

“After an extensive search process, our Board of Directors is pleased to promote Wendy Laros to this leadership position,” said Board Chair Dale Suezaki. “Wendy’s lengthy background of community engagement in West Hawai‘i makes her particularly well-suited to advocate for local businesses.”

Laros, a long-time West Hawai‘i resident, most recently served as the chamber’s operations coordinator and prior to that was an active chamber member, especially with the Education and Workforce Development Committee and the development of the West Hawaiʻi Workforce Needs Assessment.

For over 25 years, Laros held various positions in management, marketing, sales and event planning at Jack’s Diving Locker, a locally-owned business.

Laros also holds a master’s of education in learning design and technology and a bachelors of arts degree in psychology, both from University of Hawaiʻi.

“I’m so honored to be the next executive director of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce,” said Laros. “I’ve had the pleasure of developing relationships and working with many chamber members this past year and in previous years. I’m very excited to further our journey together as we strengthen the local economy and promote our community.

In her new role, Laros will lead the nearly 500 members of KKCC, working alongside its board, committees, staff and volunteers. Laros will also be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives, monitor organizational performance, grow chamber membership while managing the budget and collaborate with other organizations and government entities. She will also be charged with directing, coordinating and implementing the activities and events of the organization.

“We are looking forward to having Wendy lead us into our 50th year of serving the community,” incoming Board Chair Matthew Grauso said. “There is so much positive momentum in the business community now with the expansion of air service between Kona and Japan, renewed development activity and growth in many regional sectors.”

About the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce exists to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West Hawai’i. The result of KKCC’s work is a community of choice as reflected in our quality of life, business and individual opportunity and manifest respect for our culture and our natural resources. For info, call 329-1758 or visit www.kona-kohala.com.