Biz Wrap: Lights Out for Bay Lighting; Saving Money

According to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, almost half of all Americans — including Big Island residents — are economically fragile, meaning they could not come up with $2,000 within 30 days in the event of an emergency.

In the spirit of America Saves Week (Feb. 25 – March 2), we offer links to programs that encourage and promote savings to help you achieve your financial goals.

In the world of Big Island business, the owners of a well-known lighting company are retiring while other businesses are busy hiring and promoting folks. Here’s a look at what’s happening around the Big Island this week.

Lights Out for Hilo’s Bay Lighting & Design

After more than two decades of providing lighting for Big Island homes and businesses from the same location in Keaukaha, Bay Lighting & Design is closing its doors at the end of March. But unlike other recent store closings around Hilo, this one is not due to the economy.

“We’re doing fine financially but someone wants to rent the entire building, so we decided to retire,” said Barbara Tamm, who founded the store with her husband in 1984.

“This is good for us,” adds Tamm. “It’s a retirement so we’re happy.”

The store, located at 76 Kalanianaole Street is holding a sale throughout the month. It will close its doors at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29.

Wayne Higaki New Chief Development Officer at NHCH

Wayne Higaki. Courtesy photo.

North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) has announced the appointment of Wayne Higaki to the expanded role of chief development officer and vice president, public affairs.

Higaki’s additional responsibilities include overseeing the hospital’s marketing, communications, and fundraising development. He also leads the hospital’s Community Advisory Group.

Higaki’s tenure with NHCH began when the hospital was still under construction in 1996. He has been involved in many varied leadership roles over the years, most recently, as the organization’s government representative while serving as vice president of public affairs.

New Director of Institutional Advancement at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center

‘Imiloa Astronomy Center recently announced that Margaret Shiba has been named to the newly created position of director of institutional advancement.

For the past eight years, Shiba worked with the UH Foundation and also served as the chief development officer for UH-Hilo.

She will work closely with Ka‘iu Kimura, ‘Imiloa’s executive director, to enhance the facility’s private support base.

Na Leo ‘O Hawai‘i Has a New General Manager

Baron Sekiya. Courtesy photo.

Hawaii Island’s community access television station has a new general manager.

Baron Sekiya was president of the board of directors of Na Leo ‘O Hawai‘i for almost two years before being named as general manager. In his new role, he will execute policies set by the board of directors.

Sekiya has been involved in media for over 30 years and his work has appeared in The New York Times, ABC-TV, USA Today, and Newsweek. After working for West Hawaii Today and the North Hawaii News for 18 years, he co-founded the news website Hawaii 24/7 in 2008.

Tips on Saving Money

Did you save any money this week? Do you have a savings plan? This week marks America Saves Week. Coordinated by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council, the week-long program was created in 2007 to promote good savings behavior and a chance for individuals to assess their own saving status.

According to the 2013 Annual National Survey Assessing Household Savings, only 43% of Americans reported that they have a spending plan that allows them to save enough to meet their goals. Less than 50% of those polled know their net worth.

America Saves is a national campaign involving more than 1,000 non-profit, government, and corporate groups that encourages individuals and families to save money and build personal wealth. The program offers ways to test your knowledge about saving money, picture your savings goals, and assess your savings progress.  For more info go to: www.americasavesweek.org/.

If your business has an opening, closing, promotion, retirement, new product release, special event, award, new location, or expansion, please let us know. Email us at [email protected].