Last Word: HFIA Board Gathers to Set a Path Forward continued from page 24 Proactive Positive Legislation to Pursue for 2024: Government Relations and Advocacy Committee: • Improve statewide food security and resilience with DA Bux funding. • Work with state agencies to promote grants for food supply chain companies so they can reduce operational costs and bring down the cost of food. • Funding for disaster preparation and distribution networks. • Support sustainable food initiatives and infrastructure. Networking: Convention and Social Committee • Sponsor local students and have a career fair for students to learn about food industry careers. • Keep current events and build on their success. • Build bridges to help members educate each other about their services and products. Community Service and Education Committee • Create targeted educational events for various categories of employees within the food industry. Expand the types of employees receiving HFIA emails, so they are aware of our events and educational programs. • Reach out to members to increase the number of individuals participating so that more people have access to events and HFIA’s shared knowledge base. • Continue alternating between in person and online events and try to do hybrid events in the future so that the most members possible can attend. Industry and Community Relations: Membership Committee • Create conduits for local students to enter the food industry such as job fairs and sponsoring students' educational certifications by working with ClimbHI. • Reach out to Made in Hawaii Festival vendors to ensure they know about the benefits of membership. • Host special membership events to connect with any non-members in the industry. • Reach out to former members to get new contacts and reengage. HFIA has been building momentum in a number of these areas and will continue to use this valuable insight to set our course as we move into the future.
VISION A strong, sustainable, and resilient food industry in Hawai‘i. MISSION
Improve conditions in the Hawaii food and beverage industry by actively promoting the strength, sustainability and resilience of Hawaii's food and beverage retailers and suppliers through highly effective: ✓ Advocacy ✓ Networking ✓ Education ✓ Industry and Community Relations VALUES ✓ Integrity: Carry out all our work with the greatest responsibility and accountability. ✓ Service: Benefit the public and our stakeholders. ✓ Sustainability: Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Preserve a livable environment and enable local businesses to thrive. ✓ Resilience: Work with the entire food supply chain, non-profits, and government to ensure that, in times of crisis, we can ensure food security. ✓ Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Enhance a diverse, equitable and inclusive food system.
26 | HAWAII FOOD INDUSTRY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023–2024
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