Star-Advertiser’s Francis takes reins as Chamber of Commerce chairman

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii kicked off a new fiscal year Thursday with new leadership that includes Dennis Francis, president and publisher of the Star-Advertiser, as chairman of the organization representing about 1,000 member companies as the voice of business statewide.

The Chamber welcomed Francis, new President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara, and several new directors at Hilton Hawaiian Village during its 163rd annual membership luncheon attended by about 850 people.

Francis assumes his role guiding the Chamber from outgoing chairman Barry Tani­gu­chi, who as president of Hawaii island-based grocery retailer KTA Super Stores was the organization’s first chairman from a neighbor island.

Menor-McNamara, a Chamber executive since 2006 who has been chief operating officer since 2010, will be the Chamber’s first female chief executive when she takes over Sept. 1 from Jim Tollefson, who headed the organization for 12 years and was on the board for seven years before that.

The Chamber also welcomed six new directors to its board, which is made up of more than two dozen professionals.

Francis pledged to work diligently to ensure that the voice of business in Hawaii continues to be heard.

"It is indeed an honor and privilege to be the new chair of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii," he said. "Our lives and livelihoods of our families, friends and neighbors depend on a thriving business community and require critical partnerships with government, organized labor and the broader community. It is our duty to be effective advocates on business issues."

Menor-McNamara welcomed Francis and said she looks forward to his guidance. She also thanked Tollefson and Tani­gu­chi, and promised to help members and the state prosper.

"The success of Hawaii’s businesses is critical to the success of the state of Hawaii," she said.

Tollefson said running the Chamber, in his view, has been the best job in Hawaii. "It’s been an honor and a great adventure," he said. "Thank you very much."