Name: Samuel Powell
Age: 39
Position: Director of communications, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii
First job: Park maintenance, Bullhead City, Ariz.
Favorite pastimes: Writing and guitar
Sam Powell says his priority is to let the public know the benefits of joining the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The new director of communications and membership marketing says there are real benefits. Sending the Chamber's message
For example, small businesses can enroll in any of five insurance plans that they wouldn't be able to qualify for by themselves. Also under development is a big new Internet site for the Chamber and discounts for members who want to develop Web pages of their own.
"My job is to communicate to the public that the Chamber is a proactive lobbying organization on behalf of business in Hawaii," he said.
Born in Laguna Niguel, Calif., Powell worked in membership development, public relations and other activities at South Coast Metro Alliance in Orange County, which represents businesses and property owners.
Russ Lynch, Star-Bulletin
By Jerry Tune, Star-Bulletin