July 11, 2002 - Minnesota's technology economy deserves high marks according to a new report released yesterday (Weds). Minnesota Technology Inc (INK), the state's technology based economic development organization, says high tech is a stable anchor for the state's economy. However, the report also finds an increasing number of business executives are concerned Minnesota's technology sector is eroding and becoming less competitive. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
June 10, 2002 - 3M celebrates its first 100 years this week. Over the past century 3M scientists have created a long and storied legacy of new and lucrative products, such as Post-it notes. Now management is transforming the company to make it grow more quickly. But some of the company's most prominent names say those changes may threaten 3M's unique, century-old culture of innovation. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
May 22, 2002 - Some Twin Cities business executives say consumers want foods that promote health and the market for meals with a health benefit will grow dramatically. The remarks came on the last day of a national conference called Foods for Health in Minneapolis. But others at the conference say consumers generally won't eat foods unless they taste good, regardless of whether they're healthful or not. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
May 8, 2002 - Investors are turning again to medical technology, one of Minnesota's economic strengths. In 1999 and 2000, the share of venture capital dollars going to medical device companies dropped dramatically as money poured into dot-coms. Observers say the renewed enthusiasm for medical devices is good for Minnesota, but the state's lack of critical mass in biotechnology may be a looming threat. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
May 7, 2002 - The Business Development Group of Wayzata and Federated Department stores say they're calling off discussions about a sale of Fingerhut. The two parties have been holding talks since January, shortly after Federated announced it would shut down the company if no buyer could be found. The Business Development Group says new requirements from a credit rating agency were a major factor in the decision to terminate discussions. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
May 6, 2002 - The Business Development Group of Wayzata and Federated Department stores say they're calling off discussions about a sale of Fingerhut. The two parties have been holding talks since January, shortly after Federated announced it would shut down the company if no buyer could be found. The business development group says new requirements from a credit rating agency were a major factor in the decision to terminate discussions. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
April 26, 2002 - Golden Valley based General Mills has laid off about 500 more workers in Minnesota. Slowing sales are also forcing the maker of Cheerios cereals to say profits will fall short of earlier projections. This is the second time the company has disclosed problems since acquiring its Twin Cities neighbor Pillsbury last fall. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
April 26, 2002 - The share price of Golden Valley-based General Mills closed down for a second day as investors reacted to the company's decision to slash its fourth quarter profit forecast. This is the second time in less than three months company officials have said profits would fall short of expectations. The results indicate troubles have spread beyond the effort to integrate General Mills' ten-point-four billion dollar acquisition of Pillsbury last fall. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
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