Business Briefs
POSTED: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Gotbaum nominated to lead PBGC
Joshua Gotbaum, an operating partner at Blue Wolf Capital and the trustee who successfully led Hawaiian Airlines through bankruptcy in 2005, has been named as President Barack Obama's choice for director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. Obama plans to nominate Gotbaum, who is a former chief of the September 11th Fund, for the pension agency post, the White House said yesterday.
“;If the U.S. Senate confirms me, I will join a team of some 900 dedicated to preserving and securing retirements, a task that is even more critical in these times,”; Gotbaum said.
Hawaiian Air dispatchers ratify pact
The 31 members of the Transport Workers Union who work for Hawaiian Airlines have overwhelmingly ratified a new, four-year contract providing for increased pay and benefits as well as profit-sharing.
The employees serve as dispatchers for the airline.
“;In these challenging times, it's refreshing to negotiate with a management team that shares our vision and commitment for improving the working conditions and standard of living of our members,”; said John Conley, TWU International vice president and director, in a statement.
The contract is consistent with the one ratified by flight attendants earlier this year “;and with the proposals we have offered all of our union groups,”; said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian president and chief executive officer.
Alaska starts Oakland-Hawaii flights
OAKLAND, Calif. » Alaska Airlines began new service yesterday between Oakland and Kahului, with four flights a week. The airline said starting today it will offer three weekly flights between Oakland and Kona on the Big Island. Seattle-based Alaska will operate the flights with Boeing 737-800 aircraft with room for 16 passengers in first class and 141 in coach.
Farm bureau gets shipping benefit
Aloha Air Cargo and the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation have announced a new partnership in which federation members can receive up to 35 percent off air-freight charges for locally grown and Hawaii-made packaged products. Federation members can access a members-only section of the HFBF Web site to accurately quote shipping costs for customers.
Additionally, Aloha Air Cargo is extending a 20 percent discount to federation members for general freight shipments such as supplies and nonperishable goods. The program rates are valid through Dec. 31, 2010.
Convention center, N.Y. group align
The Hawai'i Convention Center has announced an alliance with the New York Society of Association Executives that the center says will expose Hawaii to the largest association market in the United States.
As part of the alliance, the convention center will be the exclusive sponsor of the NYSAE's monthly luncheon on Jan. 20, will deliver the opening remarks, will highlight Hawaii with tabletop displays and will present Hawaii business book author Rosa Say as the keynote speaker.
On the move
The American Business Women's Association has named Lee Ann Matsuda as one of the 2010 Top Ten Business Women of ABWA. She was recognized for her leadership while a member of the Na Kilohana o Wahine Chapter in Honolulu.
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Star-Bulletin staff and news services
Price at the pump
Self-service cash price per gallon of unleaded gasoline. Stations, except Lex Brodie's on Queen Street, are in the general area bordered by Ward Avenue and King, McCully and Beretania streets:
| REGULAR | MIDGRADE | PREMIUM | |
| Aloha | $3.219 | $3.319 | $3.419 |
| Lex Brodie's* (cash) | $3.179 | $3.309 | $3.439 |
| Lex Brodie's* (credit) | $3.259 | $3.369 | $3.479 |
| Tesoro | $3.259 | $3.349 | $3.439 |
| Shell | $3.259 | $3.359 | $3.459 |
U.S. average for regular unleaded gas $2.66
* Limited service provided
Source: AAA Hawaii
