Our
Story
The 9th Island Chamber of Commerce & Foundation is Nevada’s first Chamber dedicated to supporting Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, under-served businesses, and youth development. Our mission is to empower businesses, preserve cultural heritage, and provide pathways for emerging leaders.
Why We're Unique – Not Your Typical Chamber
we're a revolutionary force redefining community empowerment in Southern Nevada. While traditional chambers often focus solely on broad business advocacy, we intentionally fill the gaps they've overlooked, centering our efforts on underserved Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities.
This means championing cultural competency in a city that thrives on diversity, providing tailored support for small businesses and the dedicated employees who drive them forward. Imagine a space where aloha isn't just a greeting but a guiding principle where we preserve Hawaiian history through immersive programs, while equipping the next generation with job-ready skills that traditional institutions ignore.
This isn't about checking boxes; it's about transforming lives, strengthening communities, and ensuring that the spirit of the islands endures in the heart of the desert.
Our commitment extends to elevating women's leadership, fostering inclusive opportunities, and creating real, sustainable connections that uplift disconnected voices. In a world of generic networking, we're the bridge that honors heritage, ignites innovation, and builds an equitable future one where every member of our ʻohana can rise and shine.
Rooted in a legacy spanning more than half a century, our uniqueness lies in our unyielding focus on people first. We don't just host events; we curate experiences that blend cultural preservation with economic vitality, like our signature Aloha Business Expo that turns Las Vegas into a gateway for Hawaiian entrepreneurs.
Unlike others, we address the real challenges workforce gaps, cultural disconnection, and barriers for minority-owned businesses with hands-on centers dedicated to youth certification, women's empowerment, and small business acceleration.
Our History – From Hawaiʻi to Las Vegas
Built on Four Pillars Serving Our Community
We exist to preserve Hawaiian culture, support small businesses
Our Leadership – Guided by Excellence and Inclusivity
Our leadership reflects a bold vision grounded in cultural understanding, professional excellence, and inclusive collaboration.
Executive Council
Chuck Obina
As President, CEO and Founder of 9th Island Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, I have been committed to addressing Ohana through impactful non-profit management, community organizing, and project management. My Ohaha (family) life has been instrumental in building partnerships and strengthening outreach efforts to supporting our diverse populations. My Great Grandparents were ancestors Jovit Valencia Obina (Obena) and Antonina Soares immigrated from the Philippines and Portugal to Kohala, Hawaii. Which created our Ohana roots by producing 12 kids that resided across the world. He will always call Hawaii home even if it is on the 9th Island. This expanding family DNA to include Hawaiian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese among other European cultures. As the author of the 9th Island Hawaiian Cookbook, I bring nearly 10 years of experience bridging Hawaiian culinary traditions with the vibrant community of Las Vegas. Through authentic recipes and storytelling, the cookbook fosters a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture while promoting community engagement within the local food scene.
Brian Middlebrooks
Stacy Ackerson Sarver
Sandra Daley
Board of Directors
Dr. Althea Baranda Clark
Alvin Yeh
Brian G. Silva
Valerie Anne Mazzola
Melissa Anderson
Jeff Gitlin
Joivani Kai Jona
Kyle Fujimoto
Marc Matsuo
Michael H. Kaleilini
Patricia Malia Patinio
Tara Spangler
Joshua Manuel
Terrance Hallums
Garrett Carpio
Lore-Anne Gaspar
Kenny Cho
Daish Clark
Kanoa Poopaa
- Economic development for minority & Hawaiian-owned businesses
- Cultural preservation & education
- Youth leadership & workforce training
- A direct gateway between Hawaiʻi and the American mainland
All under one ʻohana.
- Business & Trade Development
- Cultural Exchange & Community Engagement
- Travel & Hospitality Integration
- Innovation & Education Collaboration
