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.
November 30, 1999 -
December 2, 1999 - Special Live broadcast from the University of St. Thomas in downtown Minneapolis: The MPR Civic Journalism Initiative presents a Summit on "Minnesota in the Dot.Com Age." Where do we stand and where are we headed? Speakers include Ross DeVol of the Milken Institute, Randolph Court of the Progressive Policy Institute, and Jay Hare of PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
December 2, 1999 - Live special broadcast from the University of St. Thomas in downtown Minneapolis: The MPR Civic Journalism Initiative presents a Summit on "Minnesota in the Dot.Com Age." Keynote speaker is Minnesota native Ann Winblad, co-founder of Hummer Winblad Venture Partners in California. All the major business magazines call her part of the "Cyber Elite."