Recent content from David Phelps
Tom Petters disputes claims that he's a high-stakes gambler
In more than three dozen e-mail exchanges with the Star Tribune over the past two years, Tom Petters spreads blame in his massive fraud case.
Business magnate, arts patron Bruce Dayton dies at 97
Bruce Dayton, the father of Gov. Mark Dayton, was the bookish, numbers-oriented analyst among the five Dayton brothers who built a retail empire.
Olson ad agency lands California Lottery account
Contract worth $13.5M; agency also handles the Minnesota Lottery.
![A Sun Country airplane was being prepared for take off early Friday, July 22, 2011, at the Humphrey terminal in Bloomington, MN.] (ELIZABETH FLORES/ST](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4ETCHRFHBAFIXCHZL7CN3DGBNU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Contract vote on pilots pact at Sun Country set for next month
The union representing pilots said the pact includes 'significant' pay raises.
Former TV reporter Trisha Volpe makes mark in legal field
Trisha Volpe goes from covering the courts to working in them
![Sun Country airlines logo on 737 wing tips and tail at Humphrey terminal, MSP ] 2014 - for use with business related stories- illo ORG XMIT: MIN140703](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/B7DKTFGUGBEKCCETOB5KBK3VJU.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Sun Country, pilots reach tentative labor agreement
The tentative accord brings a five-year labor dispute to a close.
Sandpiper pipeline project likely delayed with ruling
Minnesota Court of Appeals ordered a full scale environmental review, meaning the PUC must revisit a June decision that endorsed the need for the proposed pipeline.
Select Comfort acquires BAM Labs, developer of smart bed technology
The SleepIQ system, which BAM developed, is sold as an accessory to Select Comfort's beds.
Travel Leaders Group appoints Ninan Chacko as CEO
Ninan Chacko replaces Barry Liben, who is returning to Tzell Travel Group.
SEC accuses Owatonna fiber optics firm of investor fraud
Regulators say the southern Minnesota company has no employees, no operations and no revenue.
SixSpeed is where extreme sports and extreme marketing come together
At St. Louis Park's SixSpeed, extreme sports and extreme marketing go hand in hand
Pohlad family settles $255M estate tax case with IRS for $36M
A $255.8 million government claim on the estate of the late billionaire banker Carl Pohlad has quietly settled for a fraction of the initial demand of the Internal Revenue Service.
Griffin Archer agency is advertising's version of small ball
Emphasizing a hands-on approach, Griffin Archer keeps its overhead low
Sun Country Airlines taps Hallmark division exec as new CEO
The carrier had been searching for a new top executive for about a year.
Arby's farewell to Jon Stewart created by Minneapolis' Fallon agency
Agency says fast food chain a 'smart, risky client.'
Hubbard Radio takes ownership position in podcast giant
Its stake in PodcastOne, the largest U.S. podcast network, is its latest deal in past two years.
Radisson Blu taps into growing Latin American market
Parent company Carlson said three hotels are planned for the growing market.
Imris set to emerge from bankruptcy pending sale approval
The Minnetonka company would become private.
Haberman ad agency makes big move into marketing organic farm products
The Haberman ad agency has established a national presence as a pioneer in marketing healthy food.
CEO pay surges in Minnesota, widening gap with workers
Executive pay levels reach new peak as average workers' wages stagnate, and the chasm grows.
BMO Harris settles Petters Florida bankruptcy dispute for $16 million
Two Florida hedge funds initially sued for $24 million.
Financial adviser sentenced to 25 years for $10M swindle
Sean Meadows apologized to a courtroom full of victims. The judge said it didn't ring true.
Davanni's updates its look, menu to appeal to younger crowd
Local pizza chain fine-tuning its menu and look to appeal to younger crowd
Daily nonstop Hawaiian service from MSP delayed until November 19
Direct flights to Honolulu will begin in November instead of October.
Taylor Corp. buys Ohio-based Standard Register Co. for $307 million
Deal was approved Wednesday by a bankruptcy judge.
Small companies: Clockwork Active Media leads the way
The distinction between work life and home life is blurred at this northeast Minneapolis company, which believes you can't excel at one if you don't excel at the other.
Faegre Baker Daniels ordered to turn over funds related to Tom Petters case
The account of Frank Vennes Jr. held funds from sales of jewelry, rare coins.
Dorsey's Peter Carter takes top legal job at Delta
Carter replaces Richard "Ben" Hirst, who is retiring.
Fish & Richardson adding 150 employees in downtown Minneapolis
The Boston-based law firm is consolidating its administrative and technical jobs here.
Star Tribune will start printing USA Today
Gannett is closing its Maple Grove plant.
Former baggage handler sues Delta over loss of job
Christopher "Kip" Hedges' lawsuit asserts Delta violated provisions of federal law prohibiting company interference in union activities.
Tyrone Herman gets 10 years for operating $20 million Ponzi scheme
Herman was sentenced in US. District Court on wire fraud charges.
TCF takes its brand to a new level
A new ad campaign and rebranding aimed at millennials starts next month
U.S. government wants $335,000 turned over to receiver in Tom Petters case
Faegre Baker Daniels did not disclose some assets given by co-conspirator Frank Vennes Jr.
Obituary: Intellectual property law giant John Gould dies at 88
One of the founders of Merchant & Gould helped clients such as 3M, Medtronic, Red Wing Shoe and Radisson.
![Fame CEO Lynne Robertson sat near the windows at their office. ] (KYNDELL HARKNESS/STAR TRIBUNE) kyndell.harkness@startribune.com Fame CEO Lynne Rober](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/VSNJATPYQ3GVRDXUU6D46YYF3M.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Minneapolis ad agency Fame goes independent
Ownership change gives Fame flexibility, nimbleness in fast-moving retail world.
Sun Country talks with pilots turn tense, with talk of downsizing
In a statement, the head of Sun Country's Air Line Pilots Association said airline Chairman Marty Davis is warning of a "downsizing" of the carrier if a labor agreement is not reached.
Petters prosecutor Joe Dixon moves to Fredrikson law firm
The former assistant U.S. attorney is joining the law firm of Fredrikson & Byron.
Luminara obtains injunction against flameless candle rival
Market potential for Disney-inspired product said to be significant.
![Sue Dubbs, right, and Mame O'Meara of Dubbs & O'Meara pose in front of Target Field on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. ] LEILA NAVIDI leila.navidi@startrib](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/6K2GAOCZVYOP3DHUCUN6MKHNEA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Reunited Dubbs & O'Meara ad agency navigates the digital age
The two strong-willed partners run a media-buying company that counts the Minnesota Twins, Summit Brewing and the Minnesota Zoo as clients.
Alltech to buy Mankato's Ridley Inc. for $428 million
Alltech, a large animal health company, is acquiring Ridley for $428 million in all-cash deal.
![3M CEO Inge Thulin listened during the business section of the 2013 shareholders meeting at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium on 3/14/13.] Bruce Bisping/Star](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/G45XOVSPTI5DPSVMAU6GOH4VKE.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Strong dollar drags down 3M profits
But measured by where the business happened, 3M's sales grew around the world.
Minnesota, federal authorities step up efforts on investment fraud
After a surge in investment adviser fraud cases, a joint task force has been formed.
Feb. 15: Investment fraud on the rise in Minnesota
The number of advisers in the state who are facing criminal action has tripled from the previous two years, and authorities are taking action.
Pentair reports lower than expected quarterly earnings as oil and energy markets struggle
Pump maker said it's seeing a "global spending pause."
St. Louis Park native Dan Khabie digital ad agency with global reach
He is CEO of Mirum, one of the largest and newest international ad agencies in the digital marketplace.
MN vs. China legal tussle turns nasty over flameless candle technology
Eden Prairie firm fighting Chinese manufacturer for potentially lucrative market share.
Large companies: Employee engagement comes through loud and clear
One employee said: "Encouragement is constant, gratitude is shown often." Said another: "Recognition is given when good work is prevalent, and coaching is given when standards are not met."
![FRWD founder John Grudnowski and agency president Doug Moore have had a banner year .]Richard Tsong-Taatarii/rtsong-taatarii@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/7WHHVENWVXY3W2AW6FPRPFYEHI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
FRWD ad agency takes brand directly to consumers
A small Minneapolis ad agency takes brands directly to consumers.
AllOver Media purchased by private equity firm
The Plymouth-based ad company was sold to a private equity firm that will help finance its plans for expansion.
Judge says it's time to set timetable to settle Petters bankruptcy claims
Bankruptcy Judge Gregory Kishel denied the claim at hand but told the trustee and attorneys that it was a matter of time before creditors would get antsy.
Ruling could affect $1 billion in Petters clawback lawsuits
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that state law doesn't include a key provision that makes it easier to recover false profits from a Ponzi scheme.
Attorney Drawz's career defined by cases like New Brighton water fight
For 34 years, attorney John Drawz has led New Brighton's battle for clean water
Carlson CEO Trudy Rautio retires; new management team named
Trudy Rautio has been an executive with the company for 18 years and is only the second nonfamily member to run it. Now, the hotel and travel groups will have separate CEOs.
June 23: Carlson board sharpens its focus
Firm will spend TGI Friday's cash to buy 100 percent control of Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
Aug. 8: IBM wins $14.2M suit against Carlson
Judge ruled Carlson's financial picture, not IBM's performance, led to termination of IT contract.
Jan. 17: Carlson puts hotel growth in newcomer's hands
David Berg's charge includes freshening some of the company's hotel concepts while expanding others.
After strong 4Q, Best Buy signals new cost-cutting phase
Quarterly earnings beat expectations, but Joly warns that growth will slow
Carlson Rezidor reports 4 percent revenue growth
Hotel chain reports 57 openings, higher revenue.
Sun Country pilots approve strike authorization
No work action is imminent; talks set to resume in March.
Fallon gets back in Super Bowl game with ad for Loctite
The Minneapolis agency created an ad that will run early in the fourth quarter.
Fallon gets comeback honors from Ad Age
Ad Age named Fallon its "comeback agency of the year" on Monday for its recovery from the near-disastrous loss of two major clients, Cadillac and Purina, in 2013.
Big Tobacco fighter Mike Ciresi to start boutique law firm
Mike Ciresi, one of Minnesota's best known trial lawyers, is leaving Robins Kaplan Miller & Ciresi after 43 years to form his own boutique law firm with two partners from his old firm.
Minneapolis law firm Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand is now just Maslon
The name change underlines the importance of branding in the modern marketplace.
Petters' middleman claims he was offered a shorter sentence
Two years after his sentencing, middleman Frank Vennes said he was promised a better deal.
Warehouse firm finds going green is good for business
Logistics firm CEO finds prairie grass and solar panels are not only the right thing to do, they make good business sense.
Pohlads enter electronics business with $70 million deal for Polaroid
The deal puts the family in control of an iconic brand now focused on electronics.
No. 14: Under-the-radar St. Peter family among richest Americans
From Cambria quartz countertops to Davis Family Dairies to Sun Country Airlines, the Davis family owns and manages some of the state's landmark homegrown businesses. They employ 2,600 workers and take in about $710 million a year in revenue.
