Horizon Lines Inc., the second largest shipper serving Hawai'i, said the slumping economy here contributed to a decline in its operating revenue in the fourth quarter.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Horizon said operating revenue declined 4.8 percent to $300 million in the fourth quarter from the same quarter a year earlier. The largest factor in the decline was a 4.2 percent drop in shipping volume caused by economic weakness in the various markets it serves, the company said.

"Specifically, these factors included a slowdown in retail expansion and cautious consumer sentiment in Alaska, a decline in visitors and construction in Hawai'i, and the ongoing recession in Puerto Rico," Horizon said.

FINANCE FACTORS 'A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY'

Finance Factors has unveiled a new marketing campaign that includes advertising images featuring family and friends of company employees throughout its branches in Hawai'i.

With a new slogan, "A friend of the family," the company said it is aiming to distinguish itself from other local financial institutions and evoke a "warm, friendly and welcoming feeling" with its customers.

Employees have submitted photos of family and friends for the campaign. A photo of operations supervisor Wendy Deleon-Gabonia's son, Ocean, was used in the company's 2009 holiday calendar card.

MOBI PCS BOOSTS BIG ISLAND COVERAGE

Mobi PCS has activated a Big Island cellular site that enhances its 3G voice and data coverage in the Ka'ū area.

The site addition provides enhanced in-building and street coverage on Māmalahoa Highway from Whittington Beach Park in Nā'ālehu to the entrance to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. It also strengthens coverage throughout Pāhala.

The new cell site increases download speeds of Mobi's Hele Wireless Broadband and improves the network's overall capacity throughout the area. Mobi last year activated about 20 new cell sites statewide.

Mobi PCS is the only locally operated wireless network in Hawai'i.