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  • NOMINATE

2019 Business Achievement Award Winners

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

BARBARA ANKERSMIT
Senior Advisor, Research Group Anthology Marketing Group

Arriving on the island’s shores back in the 70s, Barbara swiftly made her way to the top shelf among marketers, making history in pioneering the marketing research that led to the election of America’s first Japanese, Hawaiian and Filipino governors.

Over the years, she has continued to be a game-changer in her field, applying unwavering courage, honesty, and expertise in gathering market research for use by private businesses, politicians, and organizations with high-profile public issues; including the name change of Bishop Estate entirely to Kamehameha Schools, and the Honolulu Academy of Arts to Honolulu Art Museum. Her insights have transformed companies in every industry and driven the positive outcome of crucial social issues; drug addiction, diabetes, cancer research, and civil liberties among them. Ankersmit has led her Anthology research team to seek between the lines of public opinion to discover the most valuable truths and counsel.

Barbara founded Anthology’s Research Group in the mid- 1990s and currently leads as the Senior Advisor, President, and as an Anthology Marketing Group Partner. She has been a past president of Planned Parenthood Hawaii, and also the president of the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii for ten years and continues to serve on its executive committee. In recognition of such achievements, the Hawaii Chapter of the American Advertising Federation honored Barbara as its 2014 Advertising Woman of the Year.

By donating research for Ad2 Honolulu’s nationally recognized public service campaigns, Barbara is also invested in providing opportunities for Hawaii’s young marketing professionals. With over 40 years of professionalism and industry experience, she continues to be a pioneer in turning market research into innovative and effective marketing action.

COMMITMENT TO GREEN

Bikeshare Hawaii

The Cliffs at Princeville boasts a 22-acre resort complex nestled in the lush greenery on the North Shore of Kauai. With sustainable actions being a fundamental attribute at The Cliffs, their 2017 Sustainability Plan outlined 32 core metrics over six categories: climate change and resiliency, operations and community engagement, energy use, land use, and maintenance, water use and conservation, and waste management and recycling.

Equipped with solar energy systems, waste recycling stations, and filter-water stations, The Cliffs is strongly committed to reducing its environmental footprint to become a leader in sustainability performance. With their first formal sustainability report in 2018, they have already marked water usage reduction by 1.3 million gallons, 91 native trees planted on the property, and the new solar system produced 719, 213 kWh of renewable energy, nearly 50% of total energy demand, at The Cliffs.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR

Bikeshare Hawaii

If you work or live around Honolulu, you likely will have seen some of the over 130 conveniently located self-service Biki stops, launched in June 2017 by Bikeshare Hawaii. With a primary goal to provide a cheaper, healthier, faster alternative to driving and parking in urban Honolulu, Biki was already close to their one-millionth ride by August 2018.

To celebrate this milestone, Biki partnered with All Nippon Airways to give away two round-trip tickets from Honolulu to Tokyo and a Biki bike with an inscription of the lucky one-millionth rider’s choice. With social media making up 30% of Biki’s marketing efforts, they used their online platforms to launch their promotion on August 9th, including Facebook posts receiving over 200 likes, comments and shares, and 4 Instagram posts bringing in 462 likes.

Posts were also shared by Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Ulupono and KHON2, before the winning ride was taken about a week later amongst their record-breaking 4081 rides on August 17th. Less than $40 in social media promos were used, yet they received coverage from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, three major TV Stations, and Radio – totaling at 32 stories successfully engaging with a community of nearly 114 million people changing the face of eco-friendly transport.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

AHL

In over 73 years of business, Architects Hawai’i Limited has thoroughly proven their expertise as a multi-disciplinary architectural firm – leading educational, industrial, hospitality, and military projects, to name a few.

Their international experience has earned them rightful recognition as an industry leader, being listed as one of Architectural Record’s annual Top 300 Architecture Firms, and one of the nation’s top 100 Green Design firms by Engineering News Record, along with over 170 other awards for design. AHL was also the first Hawai’i company to receive the nationally recognized JUST. Label, which celebrates their commitment to providing its 87 employees an inclusive environment that supports social sustainability and corporate responsibility.

AHL intentionally creates developments that meet the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations. This philosophy integrates the LEED – Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design – sustainable building system into their process and led them to run a Free Green program in 2009, helping small businesses become more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

Since its beginning, AHL corporate philosophy has been rooted in the community. With 50 staff participating in the national 1% program, connecting nonprofits with design firms willing to give pro bono time, they donate 1000 hours annually.

BUSINESS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Christina Hause
Vice President of Marketing, Sales & Business Development
Kaiser Permanente

Since joining Kaiser Permanente as their VP of Marketing, Sales, and Business Development, Chris has been recognized both by local and national organizations for her tireless leadership and impact on the community. In March, she was named in Hawai’i Business Magazine’s ‘20 for the next 20: People to Watch’, as well as honored with the National Executive Impact Award by Linkage in November 2018, among other awards.

Chris uses her health battles as an inspiration for others to make patient’s experiences more comfortable and compassionate. Known as a visionary and trailblazer at Kaiser Permanente, she encourages her team to reach their fullest potential to accomplish stellar business results. Her attention to diversity in identities, personalities, ideas, and approaches within her professional environment has been a critical contributor in attracting and retaining talent for Kaiser.

Aside from her strong business acumen in Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid markets, and her proactive leadership in creating cutting-edge strategies to benefit both public and industry welfare, Chris is also passionate about giving back to her community. She serves on several boards, including the Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, the Hawaii Foodbank, and the Hawaii Horse Show Association.

BEST FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS

Hawaiian Pie Co.

The Hawaiian Pie Company’s buttery fruit pies and delicious baked treats have been cherished by customers since its founding on the Big Island in the 1930s as “Holy’s Bakery.”

After reopening in the 80s in Manoa, Richard and Janet Hori then decided to retire and close Holy’s Bakery doors once again. However, the passion for baking among the Hori family members never ceased, and eventually, in 2014, the younger generation’s yearning to carry on the legacy was fulfilled with the rebirth of their family business under the name of the Hawaiian Pie Company.

In the past four years, they have quickly grown from a small local business to be in grocery stores statewide as well as Costco, and Hawaiian Airlines First Class. The Hawaiian Pie Company has built up an Instagram following of over 17,000 loyal customers and has noticed a strong demand to expand on the mainland. Members of the Hori family are known to be doers, experimenters, and risk-takers, while genuinely valuing their customer relationships and product quality.

Through integrating their traditional ways with generational changes (such as updated branding and the use of digital marketing), the Hori family continues to share their legacy and celebrate their roots every day through their products.

HOSPITALITY EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Kelly Hoen
Area General Manager
Outrigger Hospitality Group

Previously serving as General Manager for The MODERN Honolulu, The Royal Hawaiian, and The Princeville Resort, Kelly Hoen currently applies her hospitality service talents in her position as Area General Manager for Outrigger Hospitality Group.

With over 30 years of experience in this industry, Kelly has spent many of those years serving on the board of organizations that support Tourism and Community, including 24 years of dedicated work on the Board of Directors of the Hawai’i Lodging Tourism Association. She has also been involved in numerous service culture mentorship, and training programs serve on Outrigger’s Charity Walk Committee in support of Hawai’i’s visitor industry and is a critical player in Outrigger’s OZONE initiative, centered on the global conservation of coral reefs and oceans.

Kelly leads by embodying Ke `Ano Wa`a, “The Outrigger Way,” focusing on a balance of caring for the host, caring for the guests, and caring for the place. She has reinvigorated many signature Outrigger experiences, including the culmination of the Outrigger’s 70th anniversary with a platinum pool party, restoring an authentic surf-centric guest experience.

Kelly continues to pour her heart and soul into every endeavor and will oversee her fifth rebrand later this year with the modernization of Outrigger Reef.

BEST NEW BUSINESS

Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina

In 2016, The Four Seasons debuted their first luxury experience on the leeward coast of Oahu – the Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina. Bordered by the nature preserve of Lanikuhonua and the Ko Olina lagoons, the resort offers guests a multi-faceted personal sanctuary.

Named one of “Hawai’i’s Best New Hotels” in Hawai’i Magazine’s 2018 Reader’s Choice, the resort is defined by the culture, history and rugged beauty of the leeward coast. By celebrating local employees and infusing local culture into the guest experience, The Four Seasons at Ko Olina aims to share and embody true aloha spirit.

Their growth is tied to a strong commitment within their community, such as through sponsoring the Run Ko Olina, Ko Olina Children’s Festival, Kapiolani Radiothon for Kids, and Blue Zones – a program dedicated to health and wellness in West Oahu. The resort also has a strong presence at local events – such as Oahu’s annual charity walk, career development seminars, and the yearly leeward coast job fair.

The creation of #FSWayfinders earned them two pinnacle awards for outstanding PR and Social Media in the Americas, as they found a way to connect guests to Hawaiian culture and challenge the perception of Oahu being “only Waikiki.”

SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

Jasmin Rodriguez
Director of Marketing and Communications
Adventist Health Castle

Before moving to Hawai’i over 15 years ago, Jasmin Rodriguez held positions ranging from Deputy Vice President and Director of Communications for all 22 municipal hospitals in the City of New York to a journalism focus with La Prensa. She then ran Operations of Communications and Government Relations at Saint Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center in New York.

Throughout her 30 years of extensive career experience, Rodriguez has always found that healthcare is her passion. Under her current role as Director of Communications, Marketing, and Philanthropy for Adventist Health Castle, they have seen market share growth rates on an upward trend, increasing from 56.3% to 63.1% since 2006, winning them over 200 Ilima, Astor and Koa Anvil awards.

Her leadership efforts endure in her membership of the Adventist Health System, comprising of 21 hospitals across California, Oregon, and Hawaii as well as inboard membership of multiple community programs, such as the Puna Project. Alongside other commitments to community initiatives and in hosting and producing her radio and TV show, Jasmin’s exceptional negotiation skillset and financial acuity continues to save Castle millions of dollars in media, sponsorship, and overall marketing every year.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Christopher Hong
Principal
English Hong Architecture LLC

With his interest in architecture deepening during his university study abroad experience in Northern Europe, Chris’ passion has since continued to fuel several professional accomplishments. After working with NBBJ, a competitive architectural firm based in Seattle, Chris brought his expertise back to the islands and has since established a remarkable presence in the local architectural community.

He has served as a board director and VP of The Honolulu Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, before being personally asked by the AIAH leadership to take on the presidency in 2017. The Hawai’i Architectural Foundation has celebrated Chris with the AIA Honolulu Medal of Honor – a token to his inspiring commitment to the field. He also serves on the Dean’s leadership council at Cal Poly SLO’s College of Architecture and Environment Design and, since 2012, has been an active volunteer with the Build Committee for Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, who recognized Chris as their 2012 Volunteer of the Year.

Now managing his architectural firm, English Hong Architecture, Chris has continued to embody a balance of design excellence, public service, board service, mentorship and overall professional advocacy in all that he pursues.

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Barbara Campbell
Vice President Retail Management & Leasing
Outrigger Hospitality Group

Overseeing all aspects of retail management and leasing for Outrigger’s commercial and hotel properties, Barbara Campbell is committed to leading in her position with passion, drive, integrity, and humility.

She has not only played a critical role in overseeing Outrigger’s properties, including the entertainment, dining and retail portion of the company’s $460 million Waikiki Beach Walk project, but she has also made a significant impact within the community. Barbara had board responsibilities in some civic and community organizations, including her pivotal efforts as Board Chair and currently Vice-Chair for Waikiki Community Center – leading them to stability and prosperity in a time when they doubted their future. She is a founder of Waikiki SPAM Jam and recently wrapped up its 17th street festival greatly benefiting Hawaii Foodbank, as well as holding membership in multiple professional organizations, such as the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Having served on Outrigger’s Political Action Committee, Barbara is unafraid to call for employee action and act as a voice when the tourism industry is affected, serving as a role model within her field. Over 20 years later, Barbara’s dedication to her work remains unwavering as she drives phenomenal success in all that she pursues.

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