business

IDeaS is now a part of SAS.

The Minneapolis-based company, which develops "revenue optimization software," was purchased by business analytics giant SAS of North Carolina for an undisclosed amount. IDeaS stands for Integrated Decisions & Systems Inc.

"SAS is a perfect fit for IDeaS," Ed Booth, chairman and CEO of IDeaS, said in a prepared statement. "We have sought for some time to expand our scope beyond hospitality applications, and SAS -- with a corporate culture remarkably similar to ours -- will provide IDeaS with the resources to stretch its wings."

Founded in 1989, IDeaS, which employs 200 people, makes technology that helps companies boost profit by anticipating consumer behavior. For example, the company's software can help hotels anticipate bookings for a particular time period, allowing them to staff accordingly. The software also helps companies with pricing.

Michael Gorman, managing director of local venture capital firm Split Rock Partners, said his company invested in IDeaS because it saw an opportunity to "dramatically enhance the effectiveness of pricing strategies" for companies by using advanced analytical methods.

"In many companies and industries, pricing remains relatively static with relatively infrequent changes," Gorman said. "While it may make sense to increase prices during periods of very high demand, it may also make sense for prices to be much lower when demand is lower."

Two veteran energy and technology consultants have launched Paydirt, a Minneapolis-based business that provides "customizable toolkits, innovative solutions and fact-driven advice" to help companies cut energy consumption, waste production and greenhouse gases.

Founder Jill Kolling, a mechanical engineer and computer scientist by training, has led strategic management initiatives for the likes of Sun Microsystems and Hewlett Packard, and founded consulting firm Forward Insight. She was an Ernst & Young 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year finalist in Minnesota and the Dakotas.

Her associate, Thomas Tierney, is a veteran consultant to the energy and insurance industry, and is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The principals say Paydirt is one of only a few companies in the nation providing customized sustainability plans that will result in cleaner, more efficient and profitable enterprises.

Rosedale Mall is no Mall of America, but it's hoping that discounted shipping might help it lure international shoppers who will be in town this month for the Republican National Convention that starts Sept. 1.

The Roseville mall is pitching the event (to the media, of course) as a way for international journalists to take advantage of favorable exchange rates and for others to enjoy tax-free clothes shopping. (No mention that scribes' wardrobes might need some sprucing up from, as the release trumpets, "some of the top and trendiest retailers.")

An estimated 80 international journalists will be staying in Roseville, according to the visitor's bureau, a drop in the bucket of the 15,000-strong press corps expected to descend on host city St. Paul and its surrounds.

Rosedale will host a "Media Shopping Event" from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 31, where media types who spend $100 or more will get $25 off the cost of packaging it and sending it home from the UPS Store.

THOMAS LEE, NEAL ST. ANTHONY, JACKIE CROSBY