The Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals recognized three East Hawaii young business and community leaders during its second annual Young Professional Recognition Gala held Oct. 8 at the ARC of Hilo.
This event is meant to highlight the young professionals in the community who demonstrate professionalism and excellence in their industry or professions, volunteer their talents selflessly to help build a better community, exemplify leadership, and are inspirational role models to their colleagues and peers.
Honorees also show strong interest in the HICC and support its mission.
Lara Sonoda, assistant vice president and commercial banking officer for First Hawaiian Bank, was selected as the 2022 Young Professional of the Year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sonoda worked late hours and weekends to help small businesses qualify for PPP loans and navigate the ever-changing financial and legal landscape at that critical time.
In addition to Sonoda’s work at FHB, she is a key contributor to the community and volunteers her time with the Lambda Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi, Hilo Rotary Club, Big Island Press Club and Special Olympics.
Sonoda now serves as the treasurer for the HICC and helps sponsor seminars and programs to help members conduct better business.
Samantha Collins, senior sales executive at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort &Spa, was the recipient of the 2022 Professional Excellence Award.
Throughout her 15-plus years in the hospitality industry, Collins has constantly inspired her team to get things done with her “can do” attitude.
She has worked at various hotels across the Kohala Coast and throughout Maui, and has earned multiple top honors for continuously exceeding her goals.
As an active member of the HICC’s Young Professionals Committee, Collins has coordinated multiple professional development classes and recently chaired the HICC’s first Career Fair. She also spends her time volunteering as a director for The Food Basket, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Committee.
Dennis Lin, community relations administrator for HPM Building Supply, received the 2022 Chamber &Community Service Award. Through his work at HPM, Lin develops, maintains and elevates the company’s community relations initiatives throughout the state.
Lin serves as the chair of the Hawaii County Windward Planning Commission, board chair of the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, and chair of the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Business &Economics Advisory Board. He also is involved with several other community nonprofits.
Lin was the founding chair of the HICC’s Young Professionals Committee and serves as a director for the HICC.
The HICC is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to assist businesses and promote the Hawaii Island. Established in 1898, HICC has served as the voice of business in East Hawaii and beyond for over 120 years.
The organization represents nearly 300 businesses and more than 700 employees.
For more information, please visit www.hicc.biz.