Page 5 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - March 30, 2022

Premier Trade Show Features Over 200 Exhibitors From Hawai‘i And Beyond
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en the local community.
“It’s not just an exhibit for us,
ship funds.”
Finally, Hannemann is confident
... it will show that we did it well, wediditinasafewayanditwillall be a part of our economic recovery.”
but an opportunity to have some great auction items ... to stay at resorts and take a trip to the main- land,” he notes. “Best of all, it all goes to (HLTA and HRA) scholar-
that this year’s show will create a buzz of excitement that will rever- berate throughout Hawai‘i and far beyond its shores.
This year’s event will also fea- ture a number of key sponsors. Here’s a brief look at these vital contributors.
“I anticipate it’s going to be great
MARCH 30, 2022
HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK 5
VEDGECO HAWAI‘I
The founder and CEO of VEDGEco Hawai‘i, Trevor Hitch, launched his company in 2019 after seeing “how little freedom of food choice for plant-based options existed in the foodservice indus- try.” Now, he operates the nation’s first vegan food service distributor while supplying plant-based meats, seafood, dairy and eggs to scores of foodservice operators.
“What is exciting about plant-based options for operators is that there is so much potential revenue to add to their menus,” explains the Chicago native who’s called Kailua home for the past 12 years. “Their customers want these products and all the operators need to do is find which plant-based options are the right fit for their brand and their customers and keep it on the menu.
“We want operators to make solid margins with plant-based op- tions while offering inclusive options to all their customers,” he adds. As for this year’s Hawai‘i Hotel & Restaurant Show, Hitch is grate-
ful to be a part of it and will be introducing new product innovations. “VEDGEco is incredibly excited to be one of the show sponsors,” he says. “As a member of the Hawai‘i Restaurant Association, this premier trade show is our first opportunity to meet the greater foodservice Hawai‘i community and introduce our innovative,
delicious brands in person.”
Founded by a group of physicians in 1996, UHA Health Insurance has built its reputation on principles such as trust and reassurance. In doing so, the agency has gained the confidence of thou- sands who have come to admire it for its clear and straightforward approach to health insurance.
its breakfast sponsor.
“Over 30,000 jobs in the hotel industry alone
As the company explains, “Health insurance can be complicated. We’re here to make it simpler.”
were impacted by the pandemic,” the company says in a prepared statement. “With tourism be- ing the largest industry in Hawai‘i, we recognize the importance of supporting the Hawai‘i Hotel & Restaurant Show ... The pandemic has been hard for businesses of all sizes and as a member of the Hawai‘i Restaurant Association and Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association, supporting our restaurant and hospitality members and clients across the state is a priority.”
UHA also recognizes the need to champion cru- cial industries in the islands, especially the tourism sector. It’s why the company chose to be a part of this year’s Hawai‘i Hotel & Restaurant Show as
UHA HEALTH INSURANCE
Finding Ways To Fund Homeownership In Hilo
Dennis Santiago’s mission in life is to help people achieve their dream of homeownership.
As a mortgage loan originator with USA Mortgage Hawaii, he helps individuals
and families get home loans — VA, FHA, USDA, Conventional loans— at competitive rates. Using the company’s specialized app, potential buyers can do everything from scan and upload documents, to signing
and closing their loan electronically, even contacting Dennis Santiago directly with any questions or concerns.
“We provide a smoother experience from
start to finish, and in most cases people find that using our app is fun,” he explains. “We take a
lot of the fear factor out of it. Even people who aren’t tech-savvy, they’re loving it. Coupled with customized attention, the technology really helps.”
That’s not to say you can’t stop in to chat with Santiago one-on-one if that’s preferred.
“Borrowers can count on getting personalized service from me,” he assures.
The easy-to-use app offers other benefits, too, like hybrid closing, which means time spent physically signing closing documents is reduced from hours to mere minutes.
Santiago family hails from Kohala in the north and he is well-versed in the unique aspects and intricacies of homeownership on the Big Island.
It’s why he does loans in every lava zone — yes, even 1 and 2. USA Mortgage Hawaii is also a full-service direct lending firm and its multiple lending partners ensure more sources of money at great prices. This focus on meeting people where they’re at is what drew Santiago to USA Mortgage Hawaii in the first place.
“Their philosophy is making loans work for you, not trying to find a way to make it harder to decline you,” he says.
“We’re geared up to get more people into homes, especially our local people,” Santiago adds. “Let’s do this!”
Find USA Mortgage Hawaii in Hilo at Hilo Shopping Center, 1221 Kilauea Ave. Unit 50. Learn more online at usamortgage.com/branch/hilo, or by calling 808-936-2202.