Federal credit card tips arrive on silver screen

WASHINGTON » Sneak previews of upcoming blockbusters. Snappy reminders to buy popcorn and turn off all cell phones and pagers.

Movie theater audiences can now add another item to the list of things to expect before the film actually begins: Federal Reserve advice about credit card use.

Timed for the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, the Fed began running ads in 12 movie theaters on Black Friday and will continue doing so through Thursday.

The 45-second spots will provide shoppers with tips to help them avoid racking up unnecessary charges and fees on their credit cards. Ads will run in Boston; New York; Bensalem, Pa.; Valley View, Ohio; Hanover, Md.; Boca Raton, Fla.; Chicago; Hazelwood, Mo.; Edina, Minn.; Olathe, Kan.; Houston; and Long Beach, Calif., said Fed spokeswoman Susan Stawick. By selecting those locations, each of the Fed's 12 regional banks is represented.

Learn how to build personal brand in workshop

“;Creating Your Personal Brand”; will be the focus of a workshop from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hawaii Women's Business Center, to be led by Judy Bishop, president of staffing company Bishop & Co.

Registration for the workshop begins at 5 p.m. at HWBC at 1041 Nuuanu Ave. The cost is $20 for nonmembers, $15 for HWBC Ohana members. Coffee, tea and hot water will be provided. Reservations will be accepted by phone at 526-1001, by e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or online at hwbc.org.

Aloha Tower solicits comments on development

Aloha Tower Development Corp.'s board of directors has approved moving forward with a 45-day public commentary period on a draft strategic plan for its urban downtown jurisdiction.

The plan reviews current land use opportunities and waterfront enhancement options for the area, including new potential for transit-oriented development as a result of the mass transit rail project. The plan can be found on ATDC's Web site at http://www.alohatower.org.

Geneva and Waianae solar firms pursue joint venture

Geneva-based Kender Energy Inc., a manufacturer of solar panels, has signed a distribution agreement with Kahalehoe Solar Inc. of Waianae.

“;With an abundance of sunlight and no other natural energy resources, the introduction of the Kender Energy technology into the Hawaiian market is a natural fit,”; Kender President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Kelly said.

Coming up

» Tuesday: The Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing index for November. Commerce Department releases construction spending for October.

» Wednesday: Federal Reserve releases Beige Book.

» Thursday: Labor Department releases weekly jobless claims. Labor Department releases revised third-quarter productivity.

» Friday: Labor Department releases employment data for November.