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At this week’s Rotary meeting, we had the opportunity to hear from Sherry Menor, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, who shared an overview of the Chamber’s 2030 Blueprint — a long-term, data-driven plan to strengthen Hawaii’s economy and workforce over the next decade.
A major focus of the presentation was workforce development and talent retention, particularly the importance of expanding internship opportunities to give students real-world experience while still in school. Sherry emphasized that keeping local talent in Hawaii requires creating clear pathways from education to meaningful careers here at home.
She also spoke about the need to diversify Hawaii’s economy, supporting growth in areas such as technology, innovation, defense, agriculture, and small business, while continuing to strengthen core industries. This diversification, paired with a more competitive business climate, is critical to creating sustainable jobs and long-term economic resilience.
One standout example highlighted during the presentation was Waipahu High School’s on-campus health clinic, which is run by students alongside volunteer doctors. The clinic provides hands-on experience for students interested in healthcare careers while simultaneously serving the community — a powerful illustration of how education, workforce training, and community impact can intersect.
Sherry also addressed broader challenges impacting Hawaii’s future, including housing affordability and cost of living, noting that workforce solutions cannot succeed without addressing the realities families and workers face across the state.
Underlying the entire Blueprint is a commitment to collaboration and accountability. The Chamber’s approach brings together business leaders, educators, nonprofits, and government partners around shared goals, with measurable outcomes to track progress through 2030.
Sherry’s presentation offered a hopeful and pragmatic vision for Hawaii’s future — one that recognizes the challenges ahead while focusing on actionable solutions, partnerships, and local talent as the foundation for long-term success.