Recent content from Dee DePass
Minnesota job market remains resilient despite layoffs
Layoffs spiked in May, and hiring in the auto, tech and retail sectors was the worst since 2016.
Groups rushing to prepare unauthorized immigrants for Minnesota driver's ID change
The law goes in effect in October, and advocates hope it will give an economic lift to immigrant families.
Shutterfly/Lifetouch demolishes one of its Eden Prairie buildings along I-494
The result will be greenspace on the company's campus.
Andersen Corp. tackles labor shortage by becoming a more inclusive workplace
The Bayport company, like many others in Minnesota, faces a monumental challenge in filling open positions.
Reversing Minnesota's declining immigration numbers could rebuild a shrinking labor force
Immigration has plunged since 2015, but a reversal could help combat the state's labor shortage.
Jostens in Bloomington is latest company to downsize office space
Jostens will sublease two of its three floors of headquarters space in a Bloomington building.
How a Mexican immigrant turned his Austin auto shop into a thriving small business
West Oakland Auto Repair won the U.S. Small Business Administration's Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year in Minnesota.
More snow on the way, with a range of 1 to 5 inches
1"-5" of snow expected in Twin Cities Sunday night, much of rest of Minnesota could see measurable snow. Meteorologists swear it will melt quickly.
Minnesota worker shortages turned a corner by midyear 2022 — but are far from over
A state of Minnesota study released Friday showed that health care and retail were the sectors with the most job vacancies.
Strike averted as Twin Cities Cub employees win new contract
A Cub strike set to begin at 5:30 a.m. Friday ahead of an expectedly busy holiday shopping weekend is no more after union leaders reached a historic labor agreement shortly after midnight for 3,000 workers serving 33 Twin Cities stores.
Minnesota contractor charged with workers' compensation fraud
The state of Minnesota charged the owner of Giron Construction in Princeton with fraud after an investigation found he lied to the state about the number of workers employed.
Twin Cities, Midwest Planned Parenthoods facing unfair labor practices allegations
A complaint filed last week with the National Labor Relations Board alleges the reproductive health clinic targeted union employees with harrassment, surveillance and even firing.
MacPhail-trained pianist and Minneapolis schoolteacher Velma Warder dies at 91
The classically trained pianist and pipe organist brought music to church choirs, recitals and theater productions across the Twin Cities.
Gen Z job market turnover expected to exceed 2022 levels
Robert Half survey finds younger workers and working parents are looking for more pay, more flexibility and a better cultural fit.
New report shows stark economic inequalities among Minnesota's cultural groups
Key findings relied on survey data collected between 2016 and 2020 and show disparities in homeownership, employment, education levels and individual earnings.
Fight against wage theft reignites in Minnesota as complaints rise
New bills in the state Legislature could toughen penalties at the same time as local and state governments crack down on the practice.
Minnesota launches new grant program to train people for tech jobs
New DEED grants expect to train 500 people for tech jobs
Recreational marijuana bill worries Minnesota employers
Business managers had many questions about how to avoid safety concerns and performance issues if they can't test for marijuana.
Chase Bank pulls out of north Minneapolis project
Chase Bank ended plans to put branch in Satori Boutique apartments on W. Broadway, a project led by former Vikings player Tim Baylor.
Inflation cooling off faster in the Twin Cities than U.S. as a whole
The consumer price index for the Twin Cities rose 5.1% over the year ending in January, compared with 6.4% for the U.S.
Building manager fired and evicted for union organizing, NLRB complaint says
Married caretakers of the Centre Village condominium building in Minneapolis were fired and told to vacate their apartment after the husband staged several union rallies…
Projects blossom in Twin Cities from aid pledged after George Floyd's death
More than $100 million in projects will emerge this year in the Twin Cities from diversity funds pledged after George Floyd's death.
Charlie Weaver retiring from Minnesota Business Partnership after 20 years
Weaver will leave the business lobbying group in the summer.
Mortenson creates scholarship program for low-income students at Dunwoody
The pilot program could serve as a model for Mortenson in several other cities where it does work.
Twin Cities union starts program to combat suicide, drug addiction among construction workers
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 82 (DC 82) and the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM). It could be a model for other trades unions in the area.
Twin Cities home-care company to pay $1.6M to settle wage theft case
The case against Baywood Home Care centered on accusations it failed to pay 136 workers overtime.
Center for Economic Inclusion issues more than $480,000 in grants, loans to business owners of color
The seven awards are the first under the Vanguard Accelerator program run by the center and funded by several partners.
UnitedHealth sees quarterly earnings increase 17% to $4.9B
Minnesota's largest public company attributes the growth to both an increase in customers and controlling costs.
Taylor Corp. continues as consolidator in printing, graphics industry
The North Mankato company has acquired three firms in December and January.
Twin Cities residents report mail disruptions, but officials call deliveries 'stable'
Rep. Angie Craig on Friday asked the postmaster general to account for delivery problems in the southern suburbs.
Minnesota minimum wage goes up Jan. 1, but minimally
In Minnesota, the mandated minimum wage will increase 26 cents.
Rosemount Inc. in Chanhassen settles lawsuit claiming it failed to follow federal contractor rules
The company did not turn over required equal employment documents, and the Labor Department sued in September. A consent decree was issued this week.
Hennepin County Medical Center set to get a $140M face lift
The work will be done in phases; the $100 million first phase will redo the purple parking garage on Park Avenue.
There's still a hiring frenzy in Minnesota, but will it last in 2023?
Many don't believe wide-scale layoffs are coming but say the Fed is the wild card when forecasting economic activity.
Gas prices fall under $3 a gallon at some Twin Cities stations
The average unleaded gas price in the Twin Cities was $3.19 a gallon on Friday morning, according to GasBuddy.com.
Office parties are back in the Twin Cities, bringing cheer
Corporations are bringing back holiday parties in an effort to create bonding and to reconnect after two years of distancing.
Starkey Hearing cites recession fears as it furloughs 84 workers; top execs to go without pay
The CEO said "unstable" times factored into the decision announced Friday.
Minnesota employers add benefits — including pet perks and meal subsidies — to keep employees
In a tight labor market, additions to health care, vacation and bereavement policies helps recruit and retain workers.
Cambria, known for its luxury countertops, expands again
The addition, which almost didn't happen, has Cambria back on track with growth, its CEO said, even with new competition arising.
Eden Prairie's C.H. Robinson lays off 650 workers
Citing slowing freight demand, third-party logistics provider C.H. Robinson became the latest employer to cut its workforce because of a slowing economy.
Minneapolis parking ramps get more use as workers return to downtown
Municipal parking ramps saw their greatest use in October since downtown traffic nosedived with the arrival of COVID-19.
Some workers halt 401(k) plan contributions to cope with inflation
More than half of surveyed Americans with retirement accounts changed their contributions to offset financial strain.
$13M grant will support program to elevate jobs of people with disabilities
The state program will train and place 1,200 people who are blind or have other disabilities in jobs that pay at least minimum wage.
Minnesota AG's office says Vikings Lake subcontractor obstructing wage theft investigation
Employees say they were paid in cash off the books and were regularly denied overtime pay required by law, despite working 10-hour days, six days a week.
It's going to cost a lot more to heat your house this winter
Federal estimates say home heating bills could increase 18% — and the Midwest is likely to see higher price hikes.
Red Wing Shoes, Faribault Woolen Mills join Dayton's winter market
The renovated Dayton's Project, which also has a new tenant, will host a winter market for the second year.
Foot traffic in downtown St. Paul increases but still about half what it was in 2019
Building managers see momentum in a return to the office but say it is uneven.
Unions cite worker abuse at Viking Lakes in call for greater scrutiny of small construction firms
After a woman was allegedly raped by a Vikings Lakes subcontractor, labor leaders press Wilfs to screen out problem builders.
Defense Department, Rep. Betty McCollum seek more Minnesota technology and innovation
The DOD undersecretary and McCollum hosted a defense summit with top tech firms at the University of St. Thomas.
Andersen Windows CEO Jay Lund retiring
Lund has worked at the company for 37 years, 12 as CEO. Chris Galvin, the company's president, will take over as CEO at the end of the year.
1,500 University of Minnesota service workers to vote on possible strike
The workers, from all five U campuses, are voting this week after negotiations over pay and work environment have raised tensions.
Gap in 'real' pay between 'stayers' and 'switchers' grows in Minnesota
The median real wages sank 1% for Minnesotans who stayed in their jobs and rose 6% for those who switched, a new report found.
Prudential to move into Dayton's Project building in downtown Minneapolis
After selling its Plymouth campus, Prudential makes the move to the urban core of Minneapolis, giving downtown a boost.
Return to offices downtown is still spotty — will that change after Labor Day?
Although conventions and sporting events are bringing crowds, it's still a mixed bag for office buildings downtown.
Fresh Vine Wine execs embroiled in whistleblower lawsuit
A former CEO claims she was wrongly terminated after reporting financial irregularities to the company's board.
After two tough years, vendors cheered by revived State Fair
After two years of a dismal pandemic and anemic sales, fair attendance is again strong. Vendors are optimistic that 2022 crowds could reach the record levels enjoyed in 2019.
Back-to-school time is expensive — Minnesota parents offer tips for survival
These mothers, who happen also to be professional organizers, know all the secrets.
4 first-generation Somali-American nurses started business to care for patients in need
The entrepreneurs founded OurPlace Residential Services to house and care for disabled and homeless patients in the Twin Cities who kept boomeranging back into hospitals.
Minnesota businesses owned by people of color are growing fast — and not by chance
After George Floyd's killing, resources, funds and training opportunities expand for young BIPOC entrepreneurs across Minnesota
Lillian Arizona Reed, who was a WWII ammunitions maker, dies at 100
She weathered segregation, the Great Depression and the Great Migration to become a great believer in the education she never received.
Minnesota's union membership hits 14-year high point
While no one knows if the momentum will last, there are more votes scheduled in coming months.
Downtown Minneapolis store becomes second Trader Joe's in nation to unionize
Trader Joe's downtown Minneapolis store workers voted 55-5 in favor of forming a union in results announced Friday.
Federal judge challenges 3M's bankruptcy court move in earplugs case
She said firm appears to be trying to shift judgment on roughly 230,000 lawsuits.
Ball Corp. closing its St. Paul beverage can factory in 2023
Ball Corp. announced this week it is shutting its St. Paul and Phoenix operations following a second quarter loss tied to inflation, changing beverage demand and impairment costs incurred at its Russia plant.
St. Paul Downtown Alliance will pay some rents, add art to 'spark' activity
St. Paul Downtown Alliance uses ARPA and Knight Foundation funds to reignite city commerce.
Retirees cutting back, taking part-time jobs to beat inflation
With the volatile stock market, financial planners are dealing with nervous clients — some who are delaying retirement because of current conditions.
Thinking of retiring? Here's a checklist to see if you're ready
Ameriprise financial planner Lisa Tuttle advises checklist tips to weather inflation and a market downturn.
Planned Parenthood workers vote to unionize in Minnesota, Iowa
Planned Parenthood North Central States will now begin negotiating a contract with the workers represented by SEIU Healthcare.
Overwhelmed Minn. abortion clinics recruiting more workers
As anti-abortion laws go into effect in several states, including neighboring North Dakota, the clinics are already seeing an increase in the number of women seeking the procedure.
In the new hybrid world, should employers be reimbursing home-office expenses?
The answer is, it depends — on where you live, on what your industry does generally and your own company needs.
Minnesota opens office to address employment gaps among people of color
The Office of Public Engagement will work with communities of color and outstate groups to improve unemployment rates.
As states ban abortion, Minnesota's employers weigh medical travel benefits
After the Supreme Court's decision, state's largest companies with operations in multiple states — such as Medtronic, 3M and Ecolab — face decisions on health plans.
Last pieces of Tiger Oak Media — its bridal magazines — sold
Company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019.
New local diversity index finds U.S. Bank, 3M, Target, among those with best record
Allianz and Fairview Health also scored highly on the inaugural Center for Economic Inclusion index released Tuesday. It measured diverse leadership, hiring and product procurement.
One Minnesota company offers free tattoos, waxing as part of the fight to keep employees
To be sure, Anytime Fitness also is offering increased traditional benefits, including unlimited mental health coverage. It's all part of employee retention in Minnesota these days.
