Approximately 9.4 percent of Minnesota's power was provided by wind in 2009, the latest period for which such data is available-and the state's wind farms now generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 630,000 homes.

A new unit that will serve the wealthiest individuals is in the process of being created; employees of all types will be hired to staff that unit-and, separately, the bank's broker-dealer unit plans to hire another 110 financial advisers by the year's end.

With the acquisition, Ameriprise will start managing exchange-traded funds (EFT), investment vehicles that combine the potential benefits of traditional ETF investing with active portfolio management.

The company announced Thursday that it will decrease the size of its music and movie departments and outsource their functions to a third party, which will save the company an estimated $40 million annually.

The Cloud Computing Act of 2011 aims to form new enforcement tools for investigating and prosecuting hackers and encourages the federal government to negotiate with other countries to establish consistent laws related to online security and cloud computing, among other things.

Minnesota has relatively high average wages and low unemployment, according to MoneyRates.com.

The Edina-based company has completed a reverse-merger with Florida-based Vertical Health Solutions, Inc., which will reincorporate in Minnesota and ultimately make OnPoint a Minnesota-based public company.

Between October and March, the list of Minnesota companies that have lost their permits to collect sales tax reportedly grew by 38 percent.

Texas Governor Rick Perry's office announced that 3M will receive a $194,000 grant to expand a facility in Texas-a move expected to result in about 55 new jobs.

The retailer expects to save between $70 million and $80 million per year by reducing the size of its "big box" stores by 10 percent.

The Chinese company that Polaris sued late last year over patent infringement regarding its Ranger RZR side-by-side off-road vehicle has asked a federal judge to dismiss the case.

The acquisition will lead to new products and technology, geographic expansion, and an immediate cash flow, according to Graco.

The developer of a proposed retail development asked for an exception to a rule that requires "alternative financial establishments" to be located at least 1,320 feet apart. The city's planning commission on Friday approved the request, allowing the project to move forward.

The Wayzata-based bank holding company has appealed a lower-court's decision to reject its request to block enforcement of forthcoming rules that will limit debit-card swipe fees.

Michael Joseph Krzyzaniak, who was convicted of a federal investment fraud felony in 1993, allegedly told investors that their money would be used to fund specific projects-but instead, it funded his expenses and lavish lifestyle.

In separate announcements, Rotation Medical-which is developing products for the repair of soft tissue in the shoulder-raised $10 million, while orthopedic start-up Dgimed Ortho has raised $2 million.