I recently attended a reception for Richard Henderson, who had just been inducted into Junior Achievement of Hawaii’s “Business Hall of Fame.” It was a nice evening at the Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, and a nice tribute to him.

From the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald:

Henderson was born in Hilo in 1928 and graduated from Punahou High School in 1946. Armed with a degree in business from Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, Henderson returned to Hilo in 1951. He joined The Realty Investment Co., which became his springboard for launching and managing a number of Big Island businesses, including nine theaters, an insurance agency, a wireless phone company, several car dealerships, Comtec Cable Co., KPUA and KWXX radio stations.

In addition, Henderson served for 15 years in the state Senate, often in leadership positions. Over the years he has also supported and served in key roles with many non-profit organizations on Hawaii Island.

It was also interesting to hear more about Junior Achievement (JA). What a terrific organization. I already knew that, but it was interesting to hear that, just here in Hilo and Puna last year, more than 100 of our local business people volunteered several hours each in 116 K-6 classrooms, and reached 2800 students. JA also meet with middle school and high school students.

Junior Achievement’s purpose is to “educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise so they can improve the quality of their lives and their communities.”

Its high school Company Program pairs business leaders with high school kids who create a business and learn how to write a business plan, research their market, efficiently manufacture their products, promote and sell their goods, keep the employees happy and keep the books straight.

Lee Wilson, president of JA on the Big Island, said, “This year, the six companies amassed revenues of nearly $50,000 in a shortened sales window of just over 8 weeks. What recession? I think Mr. Henderson would have been thrilled if a few of his startups had generated that type of volume right out of the gate.”

I think so.