The Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA), in conjunction with the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation and other industry groups, have joined forces to present a series of workshops designed to assist businesses along the rail route during rail construction. Two of the three sessions in the series were held recently, both well received by attending business owners.
The first session shared strategies for business owners to enhance customer engagement
and potentially increase sales. Neenz Faleafine of Pono Media conducted the presentation 
aimed at keeping owners up-to-date with the latest social media tools to help businesses better market their products and services online.
The Hawaii Small Business Development Center joined HART in the second session to share effective marketing strategies and practical tips for small businesses to survive the impacts of long-term construction projects.
More Help is on the Way!
The final session in the series wraps-up this Monday, July 24, with a panel discussion featuring local businesses along the rail route that successfully managed their way through the first two phases of rail construction from Kapolei to Aloha Stadium. The panelists will 
share their strategies and best practices that allowed them to efficiently navigate through rail construction.
HART representatives will also be on hand to present information on the many business outreach programs the organization has created to assist affected businesses.
The event's keynote speaker will be Yvette Rapose,
Director of Community & Construction Relations at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. She assisted many businesses to successfully work through
the construction of LA's extensive light rail project. A small business expo will conclude the event.
The workshop will be held this Monday, July 24 at Pearlridge Center, Level 2 Downtown near Sears from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Any and all interested business owners, whether along the rail alignment or not, are encouraged to attend!
