Inaugural West Maui “Business On the Grill” Event a Success

(Left to Right) Host and MBB co-organizer Kahu David Kapaku, attendee Jenny Kehoe, MBB Co-organizers Grace Fung and GylianSolay, attendee Molly Balzano, and MBB host Trisha Anderson at the First-West Maui Business on the Grill event. Courtesy image MBB.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui Business Brainstormers hosted their very first “West Maui Business On the Grill” event in which business owners and managers are invited to seek fresh ideas to overcome problems they face with everyday operations.

The August event at the Pioneer Inn focused on challenges presented by Joe Pluta, president of the West Maui Hospital and Medical Center Foundation.

The non-profit critical access hospital, started by the West Maui Taxpayers Association, faces a funding challenge in which representatives hope to raise $2 million by the beginning of 2016 to support the successful grand opening and start up of the facility.

The first West Side “Grillee” Joseph Pluta at the 1st West Maui Business on the Grill (image courtesy)

During the Business On The Grill event, Pluta had 20 minutes to present three challenges that the hospital foundation faces including: (1) overcoming uncertainties of financially and operationally meeting medical needs of the West Maui Community; (2) successful integration of an initial giving campaign into ongoing budgetary support from or by local businesses, property owners, and visitors; and (3) encouraging major investments into medical services accessible and available in West Maui with confidence and profitability.

An estimated 35 attendees contributed to the structured brainstorming event by offering solutions, ideas, and suggestions that  included but were not limited to: hiring a professional fund raiser whose salary could be supported by a major contributor; host a fundraising ball or dance; and creating a questionnaire seeking community input on what types of services they would be willing to underwrite with a donation.

The audience at the First West Maui Business on the Grill (image courtesy)

Organizers say the West Maui Business On The Grill event provides an outlet for business owners and managers to discuss their challenges with other business leaders who may be able to help in providing a clear path to resolution.

In addition to focused discussion on one business, other attendees were also allowed by lottery to ask a “Quick Fire” business question to the group.

In an organization press release Pluto encouraged other businesses entrepreneurs to participate saying, attendees also have the opportunity to meet new business leaders, develop new friends, receive ideas they did not consider before, and benefit from the communication and feedback.

Audience participating in the brainstorming at the 1st West Maui Business on the Grill. Photo courtesy MBB.

The West Maui Business On The Grill event is an extension of the MBB Business on the Grill, which meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Maui County Business Resource Center in Kahului.

The next West Maui Business On The Grill event is scheduled to take place from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014 at the Pioneer Inn.

Those interested in attending can register online at the organization’s meetup website at the following direct LINK.

***Della Nakamoto/MBB contributed to this report.