June 28, 2001 - Minneapolis-based Lutheran Brotherhood has announced that it will merge with the Aid Association for Lutherans, based in Appleton Wisconsin. The merger brings together two of the nation's largest fraternal benefits societies -- AND two fortune 500 companies.. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
June 8, 2001 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports on political and business commentary regarding trade with Japan. Minnesota business leaders and experts on Japan convened to discuss the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Japan. The country is Minnesota's second-largest trading partner, and the state's exports to Japan are growing.
May 23, 2001 - Medtronic reported strong year-end earnings yesterday , despite a slowdown in some of its key businesses. The Fridley based medical device company also said it will trim its workforce by about 450 jobs, or less than two percent of the worldwide total. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
May 21, 2001 - When General Mills said last June it would take over crosstown rival Pillsbury, most analysts called it a match made in heaven. The ten-point-five billion dollar deal would give General Mills the bulk it needed to compete in a global marketplace -- AND return Pillsbury to local control. Company officials initially expected to complete the merger by year-end. Now General Mills says it may not close until this July. Analysts say federal regulators are concerned the combination could threaten competition in the food industry. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
May 10, 2001 - Ford Motor Company executives and shareholders are in St. Paul for the company's annual meeting. CEO Jac and Chairman William Ford addressed a range of challenges facing the company, from improving environmental standards to raising the fuel efficiency of Ford vehicles. They also reiterated a commitment not to close the company's St. Paul facility in the next few years. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
May 8, 2001 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports on trade dominating Governor Jesse Ventura's agenda. Ventura met with a Chinese trade delegate and local businesspeople to push for closer economic ties between Minnesota and China. He also visited the Canadian Consulate where he announced an upcoming trade mission to Canada.
May 3, 2001 - The economic slowdown is sparking cost-cutting campaigns at newspapers nationwide. Here in the Twin Cities, both the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press have announced plans to reduce expenses. But as newspapers look for ways to respond to profit-hungry investors, concern is growing that may threaten their ability to carry out the mission of informing the public. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
April 26, 2001 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports that the CEOs of twenty companies from Finland are in the Twin Cities to meet with local business leaders, and to explore potential business opportunities. The group attended a two-day workshop at a local law firm where they listened to an address by Governor Ventura, who has often promoted foreign trade and investment to boost the state's economy.
April 25, 2001 - Minnesota is known around the country for its medical device companies. But the state lacks a vibrant biotechnology industry that many say could be vital to future economic development. Now state officials are joining the University of Minnesota in launching a public-private partnership they hope will encourage small companies and make the state a center for biotech business activity. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
April 23, 2001 - 3M will cut 5000 thousand jobs to cope with declining profits and a slowing economy. The company says less than a thousand of the layoffs will come at the company's operations in Minnesota. The Maplewood-based manufacturer is joining a long list of other big firms -- including Honeywell and ADC Telecommunications -- to have let workers go in recent months. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.