BUSINESS BRIEFS
SuperGeeks expands to Hilo
Advertiser Staff and News Services
SuperGeeks has expanded its computer repair and service operations to Hilo, the company announced.
The Hawai'i-based computer repair, data recovery and networking company began providing services to Hilo homes and offices July 31. Hilo residents with computer problems can set up an appointment by calling SuperGeeks at 935-5000, or visiting www.supergeeks.net.
James Kerr, SuperGeeks president and chief executive officer, said plans call for the opening of a SuperGeeks Rescue Center in Hilo within a year. In addition to being a computer drop-off location, rescue centers have staff to answer technical questions and provide free literature on how to protect computers from viruses, as well as tips on protecting children from Internet dangers.
SuperGeeks was founded in 1998 and has three locations on O'ahu. Last month the company opened its first Mainland location in Columbus, Ohio.
LEARN HOW TO AVERT FRAUD
AARP Hawaii is sponsoring free investment fraud workshops this week on all islands.
The workshops provide information on how to identify and avoid investment scams and what to do if you're victimized. The featured speaker is Sally Hurme, an expert on consumer fraud and financial exploitation with AARP's national office in Washington. Also on the program is Patricia Moy, senior enforcement attorney with the Hawai'i Office of the Securities Commissioner.
The schedule of workshops is as follows. All events are from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.:
Today — Maui (Maui Beach Hotel)
Tomorrow — Hilo (Hilo Naniloa Volcanoes)
Friday — Kona (Royal Kona Resort)
Saturday — Honolulu (Ala Moana Hotel)
Monday — Kaua'i (Resort Quest Kaua'i)
More than 200 people have preregistered for the Oahu event. Limited space is available for walk-ins. Hawai'i ranks seventh in the nation in the number of fraud complaints relative to the size of the population.
For more information, call 545-6006.
MUSIC BUSINESS COURSES OFFERED
Honolulu Community College this fall will offer Hawai'i's first two college-level courses in the business of music.
The introductory courses, survey of music business and history of the recording business, are part of HCC's new Music & Entertainment Learning Experience program. Classes begin Aug. 20.
The program grew out of a partnership HCC formed with Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business in Nashville, Tenn., said Ramsey Pedersen, HCC chancellor.
"We're in the 21st century where technology can bring our music to the global stage," Pedersen said in a news release. "There needs to be a bridge that will give Hawai'i's raw talent the equipment, skills and opportunities to bring them to the next level, and that is MELE," he said.
TESORO PROFITS UP $115 MILLION
Tesoro Corp., which operates one of Hawai'i's two refineries, reported second-quarter net income rose by more than $115 million to $443 million, or $3.17 a share from a year earlier.
The company said the increased profit was a result of increases in throughput, increased margins and the inclusion of a Los Angeles refinery. The company reported revenue climbed to $5.6 billion in the quarter ended June 30, from $4.93 billion a year earlier.
It reported throughput at its Isle refinery rose to 87,000 barrels a day, or 1,000 more than the same 2006 period. Yield rose by a like amount to 88,000 barrels a day. Tesoro also operates self-service gas stations in Hawai'i.
The company operates seven refineries in the West with a capacity of 660,000 barrels a day.
