August 9, 2001 - Nationwide there may be an economic slowdown, but according to the state Department of Economic Security, Minnesota still has lots of open jobs. Minnesota employers were surveyed from April to June about their hiring needs. While the state has lost many high-tech and manufacturing jobs recently, big vacancies still exist in healthcare and retail. Sung Won Sohn, Chief Economist with Wells Fargo says despite the softening economy, Minnesota consumers continue to spend. He says retailers have been trying for years to build up their workforce, but in general, the jobs have limited appeal.
August 9, 2001 -
August 13, 2001 - The city of Hibbing has lots of reasons to be proud. It's the site of the world's largest open pit mine, and home town to Bob Dylan, Kevin McHale and Rudy Perpich. But not many people know the town is also the birthplace of Greyhound. The nationwide bus company started in Hibbing with two men and one car. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Julin has more.
August 13, 2001 - That's Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell.
August 13, 2001 - American Express is moving hundreds of positions from Minneapolis to India and the Philippines. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
August 14, 2001 -
August 14, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio's Laurel Druley reports on housing struggles some migrant workers find themselves in while working in the southern Minnesota town of Plainview. Four months out of the year, the population of 3,190 grows by more than 200 residents. Migrant workers come to town to can peas and corn at Lakeside Foods. But while the work is there, housing is not, leaving many temporary workers searching for a place to call home.
August 14, 2001 -
August 14, 2001 - If you're in the market to buy a new home in the Twin Cities, there are a couple of things working in your favor these days. The unusually tight housing market appears to be easing a bit AND home mortgage rates have fallen below seven percent. George Karvel (KAR VELL), is a professor of real estate at the University of St. Thomas. He says it's a great time to buy a home.
August 15, 2001 - Minnesota's two largest food banks have announced they will merge at the beginning of October. Second Harvest Greater Minneapolis will combine with Second Harvest St. Paul to create a new organization that will be able to provide an extra 5-million pounds of food annually. Dick Goebel has been the executive director of Second Harvest St. Paul for nearly 20 years. that's Dick Goebel who is retiring after 20 years with the Second Harvest Food Shelf of St. Paul.