Business View Magazine March 2023

134 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 3 firms, shipping, and other companies that do business with the food industry in Hawaii.” “Our Executive Committee provides valuable guidance for the association. Many of them have been with us for decades and we are grateful for their leadership. Eddie Asato, Director of Sales and Business Development with Pint Size Hawaii, a leading frozen and chill distributor in Hawaii is our current Chair. Gary Okimoto of Safeway Hawaii is our Vice-Chair Maile Miyashiro of C&S Wholesale Grocers, which is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply is our Secretary/Treasurer,” Zirbel outlines. “We are fortunate to have prominent industry leaders who volunteer their time as advisors on our Executive Committee including, John Schilf, who is President of Rainbow Sales and Marketing, Paul Kosasa who is the CEO of ABC Stores, Derek Kurisu who is EVP of KTO Super Stores, Toby Taniguchi who is President of KTA Superstores, and Joe Carter who is VP and GM of the Odom Corporation/Coca-Cola Bottling of Hawaii.” “Charlie Gustafson with Tamura Super Market is our most recent past Chairman and he’s been incredibly supportive of our mission over the years. These industry leaders serve without pay and are truly selfless, wonderful people,” Zirbel continues. “Their service is something greater than themselves and their individual businesses are a great example of the Aloha spiriting being alive and well. During the pandemic, everyone was so busy dealing with the immense challenge of feeding the state in a time of unprecedented disruption, but even during this time our board and the executive committee continued to support our industry,” Zirbel states. HFIA serves as a forum for promoting food sustainability and security and a pro-innovation regulatory environment. Recently, a formal event was held to commemorate its 50 years of service to the food and beverage industry. Derek Kurisu, one o HFIA’s long-time Advisors, was inducted into their Hall of Fame. “We provide multiple high-value social and educational events where members can network to create positive change in our industry,” Zirbel says. “We have our annual social in January, which is a fun-themed event that we host at the Honolulu Country Club with about 300 food industry executives. It’s great company! Our events provide a unique opportunity for building productive relationships with other food industry leaders.” “We have our annual springtime golf tournament coming up on April 28th at Pearl Country Club which offers sponsorship opportunities and is another occasion to meet and socialize with Hawaii’s food supply chain executives. Everyone always looks forward to our one-of- a-kind annual convention, held this year from June 2-4 at the Aulani Disney Resort & Spa. “It’s a three-day event where food industry