HAWAII
Few Honolulu jobs to be cut, survey says
Honolulu businesses expect to expand their fourth-quarter work force at about the same level they projected for the year-ago period, but few this time expect to make any cutbacks, according to the latest hiring survey by Manpower Inc.In the survey, 13 percent of business respondents said they would increase their work force this fall while 3 percent planned to pare back, 81 percent expected no change and 3 percent were undecided.
A year ago, 14 percent anticipated hiring more workers in the fall of 2001 while 21 percent forecast diminished payrolls.
Honolulu businesses indicated job openings are planned in the transportation/public utilities area and wholesale/retail trade. Expectations were mixed in services.
Nationally, 24 percent of the nearly 16,000 public and private employers interviewed said they intended to boost their staff while 9 percent indicated they would trim their payrolls.
The 26-year-old survey was conducted in 474 markets.
ASIA
Kirin, Dole team up to sell flowers
Tokyo >>Kirin Brewery Co., Japan's second-largest beermaker, will set up a flower wholesaling company with Dole Food Co. on Thursday, taking another step to expand outside its main business, where growth has stalled.Kirin expects the equally owned venture to produce sales of ¥12 billion ($101 million) by fiscal year 2007.
Kirin and Dole, the largest producer of fresh fruit and vegetables, will set up FlowerSeason Co. on Sept. 12, Kirin said in a release. The venture will combine Kirin's flower development technology with Dole's cool distribution system, Kirin said.
MAINLAND
Sunbeam confirms federal investigation
NEW YORK >> The Justice Department has begun an investigation of the management of the Sunbeam Corp. during the period the firm was run by Albert Dunlap, Sunbeam said over the weekend as it proposed a reorganization that would wipe out the investment of its shareholders and leave its bondholders with almost nothing.Sunbeam said the investigation focused on events that occurred during the tenure of Dunlap, who was chief executive, and Russell Kersh, who was chief financial officer. The men were fired by the company in 1998.
The disclosure raises the possibility that the legal problems are not over for Dunlap, 65, and Kersh, 48, who settled last week with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Citigroup announces management changes
NEW YORK >> Citigroup announced major management changes yesterday that apparently are aimed at speeding up resolution of investigations into the bank's handling of loans to Enron and of initial stock offerings.Citigroup, the nation's largest financial institution, said that Charles Prince, 52, will take over as chairman and chief executive of its Global Corporate and Investment Bank. He had been Citi's chief operating officer.
He replaces Michael Carpenter, who will now head Citi's Global Investment Group, which manages more than $100 billion in assets.
Research firm lowers global PC sales forecast
SAN FRANCISCO >> Citing growing fears of the effect of a prolonged economic malaise, the market research firm International Data Corp. is scaling back its forecast on global personal computer sales.In a report to be issued today, the firm's researchers said they were lowering PC market forecasts for both 2002 and 2003 to reflect weakening demand. Total worldwide PC shipments are now expected to reach only 135.5 million in 2002, an increase of 1.1 percent, and to grow 8.4 percent in 2003.
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NEW HIRES
>> Aston Hotels & Resorts Hawaii has hired Stephanie Iona as general manager of Aston at Papakea Resort. She will be responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the property. Iona has more than 30 years of experience, most recently as a consultant for Luana Hills Country Club's catering arm. Prior to that, she spent five years as the chief operations officer and general manager of the Alana Waikiki Hotel. Aston, a division of ResortQuest International Co., operates 33 condominium resorts and hotels on four islands.>> Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii has hired Sherry Miyashiro as a legal secretary and Connie Tsui as an accountant. Miyashiro will work in the company's legal and land department. She has 16 years of experience, most recently in the legal services department at HMSA. Tsui will handle the accounting of commercial developments. She most recently served as staff accountant at Manoa Consulting Group LLC.
>> The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa has named Roberta Annis national sales manager. She will be responsible for generating sales in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions for the Maui property. She has more than 20 years of experience in the hotel industry.
PROMOTIONS
>> Budget Car and Truck Rental has named Dennis Russell regional fleet manager. He is responsible for assisting with the creation of yearly fleet plans for all Budget Car and Truck Rental Hawaii locations, assisting with the acquisition and disposal of automobiles and working with all outlets to manage daily fleet related issues. He most recently served as Budget Car's California North Bay district manager.
RECOGNITION
>> Travel Agent magazine has named Aloha Airlines senior vice president Shari W. Chang one of the "100 Most Powerful Women in Travel." She joined Aloha two years ago as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Her career in marketing spans more than 25 years. She recently stepped down from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, where she served as a member.