May 2, 2002 - Business leaders and government officials met today in Bloomington for a so-called "congestion summit" designed to let lawmakers know they want action on transportation this year. Business leaders say increasing traffic delays are costing them time and money. Government officials agree the problem is acute, but say they lack the money to pay for new projects, and so far, the political will to raise the necessary funds. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
May 1, 2002 - Northwest Airlines' Pilots union has taken a step towards ratifying a one-year contract extension with the airline, postponing negotiations on certain issues in the hope that air travel will rebound. The airline is also rehiring hundreds of workers and has defused a dispute over employee background checks. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg has more.
April 22, 2002 - Maplewood-based 3M today reported its first quarter earnings dropped slightly, but they still surpassed Wall Street's estimates. Analysts say deep cost-cutting and a new management program implemented by CEO James McNerney have made the company a leaner, more efficient company. A little more than a year ago, McNerney became the first outsider ever to run the company. Now he's leading a transformation that's prompting cheers from investors but jitters from employees. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
April 16, 2002 - Minnesota's economy, like the rest of the nation's, has slumped for more than a year. Now there are signs that the hard times may be coming to an end. But there are also signs that Minnesota's economic recovery may not be all that robust. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
April 2, 2002 - A newly released state survey suggests Minnesota manufacturing is stabilizing, and may even be slowly experiencing an economic rebound. Minnesota has lagged the rest of the country in climbing out of the recession. One major reason was the predominance of manufacturing in the state's economy. Manufacturers took the brunt of the economic downturn. But now there are signs of improvement. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
March 27, 2002 - Perhaps now more than ever before, landmark buildings by famous architects are being seen as catalysts for economic development and, in some cases, urban renaissance. In the Twin Cities, several cultural organizations, including the Guthrie, the Children's Theater and the Minnesapolis Institute of Arts are in the process of building expensive new buildings designed by world-renowned architects. But the drive to build landmark buildings raises some fundamental questions about the business of culture, and the culture of cities. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
March 27, 2002 - Last week, the six largest US airlines, including Twin Cities based Northwest Airlines decided to stop paying most commissions to travel agents who sell their tickets. Airline industry analysts say the commissions are an unnecessary expense at a time when carriers are struggling to restore their financial health following September 11th. But the decision to end commissions has major implications for travel agencies throughout the nation. Minnesota travel agents say the airlines' decision is forcing them to revamp their businesses, and to charge consumers higher fees for booking airline tickets. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
March 5, 2002 - Peter Lytle's Business Development Group will likely announce this week whether or not they will acquire Fingerhut. Lytle's group specializes in reviving troubled companies. The Minnetonka-based catalog retailer may be the most challenging turnaround to date for Lytle's group. A look at one of Lytle's past turnaround efforts shows the potential risks and rewards of resurrecting failing companies, and the strategies Lytle is likely to use. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
February 14, 2002 - Sun Country Airlines says it has a deal to start repaying creditors and return to the air under new ownership. The deal may mark a new beginning for the Mendota Heights-based airline that has spent the last several weeks on the brink of extinction. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
February 8, 2002 - The Guthrie Theater has unveiled the design for its new three-stage complex on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. French architect Jean (zhahn) Nouvel's (noo-VELL) blended the site's historical character with his own unique vision of the future to design what many say will be a landmark building. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.