Magento - Hide empty categories and create brand page template

I need two Magento related tasks completed quickly. Please do not respond unless you are a Magento expert and ready to start work now. #1 Categories that do not contain products should not display on our store. I don't want them deleted, but if they are empty, I don't want them to be visible. #2 Create a page that displays all of our brands. I will provide a full specification for this to contractors of interest. Should be 1-2 hours of work for a Magento expert =)