Half of Minnesota businesses expect the state economy to improve in the quarter that ends in late May-and 40 percent plan to increase headcount during that period, according to Twin Cities Business' quarterly economic indicator survey.
Workforce + Talent
Heat Mining Company's novel "CO2 plume geothermal" method involves extracting underground heat and using it to generate electricity.
A glimpse into 11 successful small enterprises.
AAR Corporation plans to occupy 152,000 square feet in the former Northwest Airlines' maintenance facility in Duluth.
A public beta version of Sophia launched in March 2011, and the teaching and learning website is now used by individuals from more than 170 countries who collectively represent 5,000 schools and universities.
By consolidating some of its European offices and relocating its Texas distribution operations to the Twin Cities, the company expects to reduce annual operating expenses by up to $2.8 million beginning in 2013.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak's annual State of the City address focused on initiatives aimed at bolstering North Minneapolis, including plans to bring a new work force center to the neighborhood.
In a companywide message, G. Mike Mikan said that the work being performed to address the company's challenges "absolutely must continue" and assured workers that he and other senior leaders are creating a blueprint for growth.
Best Buy is looking to roll out a new Teen Tech Center program this year in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Miami, and it's seeking local partners to support the initiative.
The cuts are part of the company's previously announced restructuring and cost-cutting efforts tied to its $8.3 billion acquisition of Nalco Holding Company.
Through a major restructuring, the electronics retailer intends to reduce its corporate work force by about 8 percent and shutter 50 big-box stores this year. Meanwhile, it will add 100 new Best Buy Mobile stores in the United States and 50 new Five Star stores in China.
Dean Thomas Mengler wrote to U.S. News & World Report to express concerns about its decision to unrank the school from its "Best Law Firms" list, saying that the move serves as "a disincentive for law schools to promptly report mistaken or erroneous data."
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system will ask the state's businesses which jobs are available now-and which openings they project for the future-so that it can align its education programs with those needs and better prepare students to join the state's work force.
Minnesota has regained 81,400 jobs since the recovery began-representing more than half of the 156,300 jobs that were lost during the recession.
Several local groups will collaborate with a Washington, D.C.-based organization to develop a plan that will double Twin Cities-area exports over the next five years, increase the number of companies that export, and increase the number of countries that local companies trade with.
A deal with Hal Leonard will expand MakeMusic's library of songs for students to practice; the library will now include everything from Adele to Elvis.
Srilata Zaheer, who has served as interim dean of the school for the past nine months, said that she plans to strengthen partnerships with local businesses and elevate the school's image internationally.
About four months after purchasing Educational Options, Inc., Plato Learning has announced plans to acquire another education technology company: Archipelago Learning.