CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kevin Matsuda and his colleagues on the Young Business Roundtable are focused on creating success.
Optimism is strong
in the youngHow did you get involved in the Young Business Roundtable?
>> Day job: Senior credit services officer at American Savings Bank Kevin Matsuda
>> Board appointment: Chairman of the Young Business Roundtable
>> Young Business Roundtable: A Hawaii-based group of young professionals working to promote successful business practices and provide venues for current business and community topics.
>> Program directors: Donn Arizumi, Dara Fujimoto and Nina Inuo for community forums; Steven Kaneko and Alison Shiroma for creating success; Tracy Nakashima, Deborah Noji and Asako Shimazu for networking; and Jodi Kimura for legal.
After attending my first Young Business Roundtable event in 1999, I eventually ended up serving on the event committee doing a variety of tasks from writing expense receipts to performing various aspects of event operations. Since assuming the role of chairman in January 2002, I am very proud of the momentum we have built.
What are your goals as chairman?
Our top initiatives include creating fresh projects that attract present and future leaders to lend their time and energy to understand and improve Hawaii's changing environment. We also recognize community, industry and business leaders and invite them to speak either to the group or in private.
What has your participation in the roundtable meant to your job at American Savings Bank?
A lot. Some of the skills I have gained at American Savings Bank have helped me manage the variety of responsibilities serving as chairman. At the same time, working alongside our board members has expanded my perspective, which has helped in managing a number of the company's initiatives.
You have a program called Creating Success, what's that about?
The Creating Success series showcases a rising, successful small or big business or a specific topic or speaker who has been in the news. Speakers share their wisdom and give advice to younger professionals. The program allows successful executives from all industries to give back to current and aspiring professionals by mentoring them. Our last event featured Dick Tomey, former head football coach of the University of Arizona and University of Hawaii and now San Francisco 49ers assistant coach, who spoke about "Coaching Your Team to Success." Our next speaker is Herman Frazier, the new athletic director of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, who will be speaking about planning and management.
What's the mood among Hawaii's young professionals?
Generally speaking, optimistic. Those I've spoken with are positive on Hawaii's long term outlook. The health of the economy, balancing family and career aspirations, and home ownership are the some of the top issues for the 20- and 30-somethings.
Are there industries that are more anxious than others?
For Hawaii there is hospitality, transportation, medical services and investment services. It's probably safe to assume nearly all of Hawaii is concerned with our short-term outlook.
What is your personal outlook for Hawaii's economy?
Cautiously positive. With a possible war in the Middle East, fluctuating oil prices and increasing tension in East Asia, Hawaii's top industries, tourism and military-related activities, may be impacted greatly in the short term. Hawaii real estate prices have trended up sharply in certain locales creating substantial wealth. Although the appreciation trend is not sustainable, Hawaii has benefited from the spending created via low-rate home equity loans and through programs from the auto manufacturers. Ultimately, those businesses that fare well will be those that can anticipate market conditions and plan accordingly.
Inside Hawaii Inc. is a conversation with a member of the Hawaii business community who has changed jobs, been elected to a board or been recognized for accomplishments. Send questions and comments to business@starbulletin.com.
