Hawai'i's Oldest Business Group

Mercury Business Association (Mercury) provides members with a close-knit network of elite business professionals focused on not just growing their businesses, but growing their knowledge and positive impact on Hawai'i and the world.

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A message from our President

Nestled on the beautiful shores of Honolulu, our business community thrives in this dynamic and picturesque environment. When I moved to Hawaii, I found myself without a business network. Joining the Mercury Business Association transformed my experience, providing a platform to meet new people and connect with the local business community. The club has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth through valuable referrals and supportive relationships. Our mission is to gather and share business information among members, while creating social opportunities to build meaningful connections. We believe in a culture of reciprocity—giving and receiving knowledge and support to help each other thrive. As president, my goal is to foster an emotionally uplifting and positive environment for all members. We welcome new members and offer excellent educational opportunities through speakers who present on a variety of social and business topics. If you're interested in contributing to our community and watching your network grow and develop personally, please reach out. Together, we can achieve great success.

Sincerely,
Darshaun Nadeau
President
Mercury Business Association

Founded in the vibrant heart of Honolulu in the 1920s, the Mercury Business Association has been a cornerstone for business networking in Hawaii. We are a dynamic community of passionate professionals, dedicated to fostering business growth and personal development.

FOUNDER
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What We Do

The Mercury Business Association, plays a crucial role in the professional landscape by providing a platform for exchanging business information, fostering relationships, and creating growth opportunities. Membership significantly expands one’s network, facilitates business growth, and ensures members stay informed about industry trends. The Mercury mission emphasizes timely information sharing and mutual referrals, driving collective success. We believe engaging with diverse professionals leads to innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, leveraging Honolulu’s position as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. Joining enhances individual businesses and contributes to the community’s economic development.

We gather weekly at The Pacific Club, a place synonymous with elegance and history.

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Upcoming Meeting & Calendar

Monday

April 8, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

April 15, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

April 22, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

April 29, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

May 6, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Danielle "Dani" Moreno

Bristol Hospice Hawaii

"Danielle "Dani" Moreno (she/her) grew up mostly on the East Coast. As a first-generation daughter of a Filipino & Mexican household, caring & cooking for her family was something second nature. Through her familial background rooted in service & labor, she learned a passion & grew an affection for serving people & the land. With this affection began a natural step into hospitality with farming at the Culinary Institute of America, working as a pastry chef in New York City, sourcing beans as a coffee roastery owner, & becoming an award-winning level 3 sommelier in Washington, DC.

While professionally focused on land & culture, she personally struggled with her own experiences with the deaths of her employees & colleagues leading her to grieve through service as a volunteer with hospice patients in 2018. After almost 5 years of volunteering, she left a decade of experience in hospitality for hospice work as a Death Doula through the International End of Life Doula Association. As a Death Doula & Volunteer Coordinator at Bristol Hospice Hawaii, she now trains others on how to be present with the many emotional, physical, & informational demands that patients & their families need."

Monday

May 13, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Monday

May 20, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Rabbi Ryan M. Mallek

Chaplain, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Oahu, Hawaii

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ryan M. Mallek is a native of Hawaii. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 2007, a Master of Education from Hebrew College in Newton, Massachusetts in 2008 and a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies from the Schechter Institute in 2018. He was ordained by the Conservative Movement in 2018 and endorsed by JWB Jewish Chaplains Council.

Before commissioning as a Navy Officer, Chaplain Mallek served as a municipal Rabbi in the Galilee of Israel and the Jewish Congregation of Maui in Hawaii. Chaplain Mallek is currently stationed at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam on Oahu, Hawaii.

He specializes in interreligious dialogue and served as the Israeli Society Representative to the International Reference Group of the World Council of Churches and as advisor to the board of directors of Rabbis for Human Rights.

Rabbi Mallek received ordination as a Dayan in 2019 from the Integral Halakhah Institute. His Rabbinical Ordination and Master of Jewish Studies is from the Schechter Seminary and Institute in Jerusalem. During his studies, Raanan was an interreligious scholar and event coordinator for the Tantur Ecumenical Institute for three years. His certification in facilitation and negotiation is from the Conflict Resolution, Management and Negotiation Graduate Program of Bar Ilan University. In addition, Raanan has a Master of Jewish Education from Hebrew College.

Chaplain Mallek is married to his wife, Stephanie, and together they have two children, Ayah and Adam.

On Rabbi Ryan Mallek’s Academic Research

Since, 2021, Rabbi Mallek has been working academically at the doctoral level with his mentor, Prof. Mohammad Dajani Daoudi of the Wasatia Institute who he considers to be the Gandhi of the Palestinian people. His doctoral dissertation is on Martin Buber’s Philosophy of Dialogue and his Federalist Socio-Political Writings as a Framework for Reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis. In May 2020, Rabbi Mallek published two academic articles via Brill, Jews in Dialogue: Jewish Responses to the Challenges of Multicultural Contemporaneity. Free Ebrei Volume 2. Eds. Magdalena Dziaczkowska and Adele Valeria Messina. Leiden, The Netherlands. 2020:

- “Historical Developments of the Term Ger Toshav and the Halakhic Implications Therein”

- “Halakhic Guidelines for Relating to Non-Jews in the State of Israel” More of my writings can be found here:

https://shalomcrafter.weebly.com/my-writings.html - My blog that details my peacebuilding work in the Holy Land: https://shalomcrafter.weebly.com/

Monday

June 3, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

June 10, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

June 17, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Don Dietz

R, CRS
Oahu Realty Pro Team

BIO

Born and raised in the islands, as the son of an airline pilot, I have been fortunate to have traveled all over the world and can say without a doubt, Hawaii is the most beautiful place on the planet. Owning a piece of Hawaii is not just ‘owning a piece of paradise’, but it is also an investment in a real estate market that has seen values double every 10-15 years, since the 1960s. As a veteran Hawaii Real Estate Broker since 1990, I have represented 100s of clients and over a thousand home sales. I have experienced just about every scenario and type of transaction you can think of.

Put my experience and knowledge to work for you, to experience a smooth transaction and achieve your Hawaii real estate goals. You have your own busy life to lead, without the stress of a transaction that can very often go bad. 

My team and I help you sell homes and Buy homes, while working with reputable companies and affiliates to help save you money towards your closing costs.  We help you SAVE BIG, while getting the best representation available. 

Monday

July 1, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

Speaker

Carmela Tafoya

Mindvybe Partner/Coach

Carmela’s career began as a personal trainer in 1989.  She researched/learned first-hand strength training methods in Germany, developing her own successful exercise program, “The Honoring My Body Workout”. Her clients include celebrities, CEO’s, attorneys, physicians, and professional athletes including Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls, LPGA Senior Golf Professional Rosie Jones, and tennis great, Martina Navratilova. She is ACSM and NCEP certified. Today Tafoya trains exclusively on Zoom.

Most recently Carmela announced what promises to be her greatest achievement, investing in a new avenue for attaining wellness and fitness in the most important organ and nerve of the body, the “brain and vagus nerve”.  She has joined Innerstill Health (www.innerstillhealth.com), developers of the first of  it’s kind wellness technology that stimulates zones around the vagus nerve with undetectable frequencies that inspire homeostasis, resulting in feeling calmer, less anxious, quiets brain chatter and can enhance sleep.  Mindvybe*  improves overall wellness (www.mindvybe.com).

With community service key in Carmela’s life, she founded her non-profit, Positive Moves Inc., in 1994 (whose mission is “improving the lives of people living with special health considerations and medically diagnosed disease”).  Ten years later, in 2004 Tafoya co-lead the founding a new non-profit organization and assisted in creation of the first exercise program benefiting women's “pelvic health” (by increasing bladder control without the use of medications).  She served on the original design team and developed the training element and manual.  

In 1995 Carmela launched one of her proudest accomplishments, “Kids ARE Fit AND Healthy™”, a fitness and exercise program for children and their parents. Benefits include:  increased self-esteem, enthusiasm, energy, more restful sleep and fat-loss.  Look for a relaunch in 2025.

Certified through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Carmela’s media coverage includes writing for Jezebel, a magazine covering Southern culture and urban style, being featured in Atlanta Magazine, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 30306, A & U Magazine, Yoga Journal, The Palm Beach Post, The Town-Crier and Library Journal, and she has contributed to articles in U.S. News and World Report as well as numerous other publications. 

Carmela MOST enjoys watching her client’s reactions when they see the results they’ve always desired, and by becoming Hawaii’s first and only Mindvybe technician, she is currently doing a research trial with people who have memory issues.  Her mom is her first and most important candidate.  

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Monday

July 15, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

Speaker

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Monday

July 22, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

Speaker

Anna Covert

Founder of Covert Communication

Anna Covert is the founder of Covert Communication, the largest digital marketing firm in Hawaii. Over the past 20 years she has become recognized in the industry for her unwavering business ethics and love for the solar industry. A powerhouse, Covert has worked with over 150 solar companies and manufacturers worldwide with a focus on SunPower and Panasonic developing API technology solutions and featured as preferred marketing partner for their extensive dealer networks. A true entrepreneur, Covert has created numerous technology solutions and products that solve problems for consumers and business owners as they engage online and offline including Solar Wizard Plugin, Aerial Impacts, The MANA Solution, Confirmed Solar Sits, The GoodBots, and is a founding partner of Reactium.io an open source framework being used daily by IBM with contributors from over 60 leaders in the space including Apple and Microsoft.

From high end consulting with fortune 500 companies, to helping small businesses not be taken advantage of, her mission is to “lift up” the industry and protect all consumers from the escalating online marketing and media fraud that is plaguing the industry.

Anna graduated Cum Laude from Bentley University of business in Waltham MA with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and a minor in Management. In her spare time, she enjoys donating websites to nonprofits including the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Monday

August 5, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Don Mangiarelli

General Manager
Cyber Secure Hawaii

Don is a seasoned IT veteran with a 25-year track record of innovation in Hawaii. His tenure as IT Director for the Shidler Group saw him pioneer internet connectivity in commercial real estate, a move that shaped the modern office landscape in Honolulu. He later founded Enterprise Technology Solutions, providing cutting-edge IT services to some of the world's biggest retailers. Today, as the founder of Cyber Security Hawaii, Don is dedicated to protecting Hawaii's businesses from the rising tide of cyber threats, particularly those in the CAR FIRE industries (Car dealerships, Financial, Insurance, Real Estate). Outside of work, Don is a passionate advocate for digital literacy among seniors, an avid outdoor enthusiast, a gifted photographer, and a culinary artist who delights in creating fresh, homemade meals.

Monday

August 12, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Keli'i Akina, Ph.D.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee and President/CEO, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

Keliʻi Akina, Ph.D., is President/CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a public policy research institution dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, free markets, and limited, accountable government.  He is also a Trustee-at-Large in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a statewide elective position to which he was elected in 2016 and then re-elected in 2020 with 197,000 votes.

Dr. Akina is a leader who is transforming Hawaii's economy, government, and society. He is known for the phrase he coined, "E Hana Kākou!" which means, Let's work together! Over the past several years as a public policy adviser at the state and national levels, Dr. Akina has become a leading defender of the Aloha Spirit. His mission is to preserve the Aloha Spirit by which Hawaiians and people of all races are welcomed and encouraged to work together for a better future. As a Native Hawaiian and skilled chanter, Dr. Akina has dedicated his life to the education and financial advancement of both Hawaiians and all people in the islands, starting in the 1980's as the director of Youth for Christ on the Wai`anae and Nanakuli coast.

Monday

August 19, 2024
12:00PM
PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Ed Case

U.S. Representative
Hawaii's First Congressional District (O'ahu from Makapu'u through Central Honolulu and Leeward to Mililani, Waipahu, and Ewa and Kapolei)

United States Representative Ed Case has proudly represented Hawaii's First Congressional District (Honolulu from Makapu'u to Mililani and Kapolei) since 2019. He previously represented Hawaii’s Second Congressional District (remainder of O’ahu and all other islands) from 2002 to 2007. 

 

Congressman Case was born and raised in Hilo and graduated from Hawai’i Preparatory Academy in Kamuela, Williams College in Massachusetts and the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. He practiced law in Honolulu for over two decades, served as Hawai'i State Representative from Manoa from 1994 to 2002 in various positions including Majority Leader, and worked for five years as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Outrigger, one of Hawaii's oldest and largest hotel and resort companies.

 

Congressman Case is married to Audrey (Nakamura), his Hawai’i Prep classmate who worked for four decades as a flight attendant with Pan American and United. They have four children, two daughters-in law and two grandchildren.

Monday

September 9, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Monday

September 16, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Monday

September 23, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Monday

October 7, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Duane Barone, MA, LHMC

STAHRS
Executive Director

Duane, a licensed clinical psychologist, specializes in domestic violence counseling and has over 35 years of experience in mental health.  He has worked with diverse populations including adults with intellectual disabilities, severe mental health issues, and incarcerated youth.

Duane founded STAHRS, a non-profit organization, to introduce high school students to healthy relationship skills and violence prevention strategies.  He is passionate about empowering young people to avoid the negative patterns they may have learned while growing up.

Duane also utilizes STAHRS' materials in industrial team trainings to enhance communication, collaboration, and safety.

Monday

October 21, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Jerry Clay

Honolulu law firm of Clay Iwamura Pulice & Nervell
Senior Partner

Our speaker today is the longest serving member of the Mercury Club.  Many of you today use tablets, but when Jerry started at our club the tablets were made of stone.

All kidding aside, Jerry has been a valued member of our club and has helped many members with legal issues. He was a senior partner in the Honolulu law firm of Clay Iwamura Pulice & Nervell for over 50 years where he practiced in the areas of business law, construction law and all forms of alternative dispute resolution. He has taught numerous professional seminars on mediation and arbitration, has also authored several professional books and articles regarding ADR and construction law. At 83 he is starting a new business, Clay Partnering and he will be sharing his game-changing concept with us today…

Monday

October 28, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Monday

November 4, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

November 18, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

November 25, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

BIO

Monday

December 2, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Monday

December 9, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Monday

December 16, 2024
12:00PM

Our Weekly Business Luncheon is a vibrant meeting point for professionals to network and share insights. Held at the Pacific Club, this tradition fosters connections and collaboration across diverse industries. It's an ideal opportunity to grow professionally and expand your network.

PAST MEETING
UPCOMING

Speaker

Success Stories

Our Case Studies

Every week, our members gather at The Pacific Club, a place synonymous with elegance and history. These luncheons are more than meals; they are opportunities to connect, share ideas, and forge lasting business relationships.

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TESTIMONIALS

Client Experiences

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Alexander Hayes
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TESTIMONIALS

Client Experiences

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Emily Hughes
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TESTIMONIALS

Client Experiences

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Christian Cooper
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Blog

Resources & Articles

Find professional resources for insights and developments in Hawaii's business community.

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Ready to be part of the legacy?

Come Join Us

Coming join a Mercury meeting and see how it fits. Just fill out the form and someone from the club will reach back to confirm. See you soon!

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