Two Minnesota companies went public in 2010-up from one last year and none in 2008-but an executive at a local stock brokerage firm says that "our market clearly lags" behind other similar markets around the country.

The company expects the deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions and approval by Enwisen's shareholders, to close by December 31.

The state has added jobs during the past year, but some major employers from across the state made significant cuts to their work forces in 2010.

The Nerdery President and cofounder Luke Bucklin and three of his sons died instantly on October 25 when the plane that Bucklin was piloting crashed into the side of a steep Wyoming mountainside.

In 2010, the team broke its regular-season attendance record, and both the City of Minneapolis and various downtown businesses report that the new ballpark has increased nearby economic activity.

The state's recently passed angel investor tax credit and a court decision allowing companies to make political donations-separately and in very different ways-made an impact on the local business community in 2010.

The Cannon Falls-based trucking company closed its doors on Friday, leaving 210 drivers out of work.

Pleased with a pilot program that sold health and fitness products in select stores, the electronics retailer rolled out the concept nationally.

Community National Bank in Lino Lakes has been closed by regulators, and its two branches have reopened as branches of Iowa-based Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank.

Once the deal closes, Franconia's principal assets in northeastern Minnesota will be transferred to Twin Metals Minnesota, LLC-a joint venture between Duluth Metals and Antofagasta, PLC, a copper mining company.

Willliam A. Hawkins intends to step down at the end of April; the company has begun an external search for his replacement.

Minnesota was one of only six states that saw accelerating growth in personal income in the third quarter as overall national growth slowed.

Digital Telecommunications, Inc., which filed for bankruptcy protection in August, attributes its decision to close to an ongoing dispute with Qwest Communications International, Inc.

Financial terms of the deal, which includes two locations, were not disclosed.

A new Federal Reserve Board proposal would implement provisions in the recently passed Wall Street Reform Act-provisions that prompted Wayzata-based TCF to file a lawsuit in October.

The Minneapolis native is remembered for his contributions to the business, philanthropic, and academic communities.