September 1, 1999 - Shareholders of both Honeywell and AlliedSignal today approved the New Jersey based company's 15 billion dollar buyout of Honeywell. At the Honeywell headquarters, which the company has put up for sale, CEO Michael Bonsignore told shareholders the company had to do something dramatic to retain control of its own destiny.
September 14, 1999 - Twin Cities based Best Buy company, the nation's leading consumer electronics retailer.. releases its second quarter earnings today. The company's share price has fallen percent since hitting a high of 79 last July. The drop reflected fears in some quarters that higher interest rates and other factors could hurt consumers's buying sentiment. If the company's earnings report falls short of Wall Street's expectations, the stock could plunge further. But several analysts say the company's prospects remain good.
September 29, 1999 - Its a good time to be a non-profit in Minnesota. A new study shows foundations and companies in the state increased their charitable giving by 57 percent between 1994 and 1997. That rate is nearly double the national average. Jakie Reis is the President of the Minnesota Council on Foundations, the organization that released the report. She says its not surprising Minnesotans are so eagar to give.
October 1, 1999 - A new Census Bureau report shows American median household income is at an all time high. The income gains occured at every earning level AND in every region. Minnesota had the sixth highest household income in the nation... at about 45,500 dollars for 97-98, a jump of almost 3,000 from the previous year. Tom Stinson is the state economist. He says the new household income numbers are not suprising, given the current economy.
October 8, 1999 - The outgoing CEO of Pillsbury says the average consumer shouldn't see much of a difference once his replacement takes over. Paul Walsh is leaving to become head of Pillsbury's parent company Diageo. Diageo is the world's largest beverage company and owns Burger King, Guinness, United Distiller and Vintners and Pillsbury. Walsh has been with Pillsbury since 1989. He's been the company's CEO for the past seven years. He says he doesn't expect the change in leadership will lead to major changes at Pillsbury, or a relocation of its headquarters.
October 8, 1999 - Minnesota's nonprofit organizations are doing better than ever, according to a report being released in Duluth today.
October 13, 1999 - Midday presents a Mainstreet Radio special program to discuss shipping on Lake Superior. Hosted at the Canal Park Maritime Museum in Duluth, Rachel Reabe speaks with guest panelists, including executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, a ship captain with the Western Great Lakes Pilots Association , and a ship agent with Guthrie-Hubner. Panelists also answer listener questions.
November 4, 1999 - The Consumer Federation of America is out today with a new study on consumer problems associated with Internet shopping. Guests include Jack Gillis of the Consumer Federation and Robert Ellis of the Center for the Study of Services, a non-profit consumer research organization in Washington DC.
November 17, 1999 - Several hundred IBM employees packed a Rochester school auditorium last night to discuss the company's recent change in pension plans, which many employees say hurts long serving workers. Senator Paul Wellstone attended to express his support for the workers, while Rod Grams was content to send an aide. Appearances by several other candidates demonstrated the likelihood that pensions will be an issue in upcoming campaigns.
November 29, 1999 - The World Trade Organization begins its Seattle round of trade talks tomorrow. The negotiations create the ground rules for global trade discussions over the next three to five years. Negotiators have been unable to even agree on an agenda for the talks. Agriculture is one of the top items on the agenda, and one of the most troublesome. The tough negotiations highlight the complexities of domestic and international agriculture policy.