Recent content from Evan Ramstad
How Tile Shop survived a delisting, shareholder lawsuits and a pandemic
The Plymouth-based chain wiped out debt to end the year with cash on hand.
Minneapolis fintech ClickSwitch is sold to Q2 Holdings
The Mpls. company, which simplifies switching to a new bank, will keep its office here.
After 18 months away, Tile Shop aims for return to main Nasdaq
Plymouth tile and remodeling products firm wiped away debt, saw sales recover after shutdowns.
SkyWater, Minnesota's largest chipmaker, will jump into the IPO frenzy
Its strategy as a contract manufacturer will now get a broader test with the investors.
Google says its economic impact on Minnesota businesses grew 12% last year
The search and advertising giant is still considering a site near Becker for a data center, a utility executive says.
As soybean prices and demand soars, Cargill expands soy processing sites
Cargill Inc. said it will spend $475 million to expand and update soybean processing plants in seven states, raising capacity at a moment when demand…
Bakers, pet lovers lifted profits for Land O'Lakes in 2020
As farmers cut back in some areas, the giant cooperative relied more heavily on butter, pet food sales for growth.
Bremer fight flares as bank board tries to boot trustees
Two trustees refused to resign, but other directors decided not to renominate them for another board term.
Hormel CEO frustrated by lack of COVID-19 vaccine access for workers
Snee said some states have placed a priority on meatpacking workers, but he is 'incredibly frustrated' overall.
Sorenson, Minnesotan who became CEO of Marriott, dies of cancer at 62
He grew up in St. Paul, got a law degree at the U and became the first outsider to lead Marriott.
Is Tesla worth a trillion dollars? You bet, says a Minnesota analyst
A Piper Sandler analyst makes an aggressive call on Tesla, just like one did on Apple in the early 2000s.
Buyer of Eden Prairie's MTS finds another buyer for its biggest business
Amphenol said last month it would review MTS test business and found a buyer quickly.
For Minnesota farmers, 2020 was nothing like they expected and surprisingly profitable
The continuing pandemic, a trade war and natural disaster blew apart all expectations.
Diary of a miss: Coronavirus lesson of humility for Minnesota professional investors
Analysts admit they could have done a better job after first hearing about the virus.
With Sezzle now worth more than $1 billion, CEO describes a year on a rocket ship
During the Black Friday to Cyber Monday weekend two years ago, about 8,000 people for the first time used Sezzle Inc.'s payment system when they…
Judge finds Winona County board was biased in denial of dairy farm expansion
The judge found that an activist group's members didn't give a fair hearing to a farm near Lewiston that wants to triple its size.
Small businesses that took PPP aid may face a tax problem
An IRS ruling hardened a battle over the tax treatment of aid to small employers.
No matter who wins, Minnesota business fortunes are shaped by other forces beyond the president
The U.S. president can influence the economy, but some trends are outside the reach of the office.
City Pages is closing, ending era of Twin Cities alt-weeklies
Four decades of alt-weekly journalism ends in Twin Cities.
Southwest Journal, two magazines to close as owners seek buyer
One of the last neighborhood newspapers in Minneapolis is an influential voice in the city.
Fastenal sales, profits rise as demand for safety gear at manufacturers remains strong
The manufacturing supplier has also seen the decline of its main industrial parts business slow down.
As SkyWater expansion shows, government's role in U.S. chip industry is rising
Semiconductor industry sees future public-private cooperation
U.S. Bank reveals targets for reopening Minneapolis branches damaged in riots
Two of the three branches — damaged in riots following the police killing of George Floyd — are being rebuilt from the ground up.
Mpls. Fed's Kashkari explains why he hasn't turned into a hawk on rates
The Minneapolis Fed chief insists board's inflation fears are overblown.
Minnesota chipmaker SkyWater finishes addition construction, equipment going in sooner than planned
The turning point is a signal to SkyWater's customers that chip design work can begin.
Leadpages taps Jeanette Dorazio, a software veteran, as new CEO
She most recently was vice president of operations for Solera Inc., a Texas-based provider of risk-management software used chiefly in the insurance and automotive industries.
Bremer trustees fire back at Ellison's attempt to oust them
In legal response, Bremer's trustees say Minnesota attorney general's desire to remove them is a 'political ploy.'
Wilfs' e-sports venture starts a team playing Rocket League
The new team, called Version1, has its first game on Friday.
Ecolab's most profitable business is suffering the most from the pandemic
Profits fell for the cleaning-products company, though executives see big rebound.
Minnesota's state watchdog agency dings utilities commission on dealings with public
The state review focuses on Enbridge pipeline plan.
Tile Shop tentatively settles lawsuit brought by angry investors
Plymouth company sets up $12M settlement fund.
Sezzle's growth rockets higher as online shopping soars
The Minneapolis-based fintech company saw its Australia-listed shares hit a new high on the news.
Cargill mapping project in Brazil meant to help control deforestation
Cargill Inc. last week announced it has mapped out its entire supply chain for soybeans in Brazil, where the destruction of forest to make land…
After a spring like no other, the question for General Mills is how to keep it going
At-home eating drove a huge jump in sales and profits, and no one is sure how long it will last.
For Minneapolis CBD products maker, a pivotal change in strategy happened at pivotal time
Kara, Kirk and Travis Soulepivotal changed strategy to focus on ultralow prices and direct distribution from their website.
In battle over Bremer, new claim that 1980s memos show bank executives recognized power of trustees
In new claim, trustees say that the pandemic has dashed chances to sell.
To attract people back to the air, Delta changes its practices
The airline is working to build confidence in its cleanliness to bring back passengers.
Minnesota banks increasing reserves amid COVID downturn
The unemployment rate and the level of the stock market get the most attention. But a better way to see how the coronavirus pandemic is…
Delta will offer buyouts, begin testing employees at MSP for COVID-19
Effort will start next week for its employees at MSP.
U.S. Bank to increase lending to black-owned businesses, rebuild damaged Mpls. branches
The company will boost loans to black-owned businesses by at least $100 million.
Cargill ends quarterly results, saying they don't show its 'long-term focus'
The nation's largest private company revealed some data, even though it wasn't required.
SkyWater to make chips used in wearable temperature sensors
The sensors were developed quickly by partners of the Bloomington firm that were working on related products.
Minnesota's jobless rate climbed to 8.1% in April, highest since 1983
The state's unemployment rate is the highest since 1983 and still may not reflect all the people hit by the pandemic downturn.
Hormel's sales surge but profit is squeezed on COVID-related costs
Executives said they expect costs to be about $30 million to $40 million above previous expectations for each of the next two quarters.
Delta will increase some flights at MSP next month
Resumption a step forward in international service from Mpls.
Blue Cross waives more fees for Medicare Advantage customers
Minnesota insurer reaching out to about 100,000 to encourage preventive care amid pandemic.
Delta will stop flying Boeing 777s, plans smaller international fleet
The airline also reportedly notified pilots that it will likely need to reduce their ranks.
General Mills signals big jump in sales as quarter nears end
With 85% of revenue from grocery shoppers, the Minnesota food giant has fared well during pandemic.
For General Mills, outbreak spurred a run on its products
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the U.S. economy into a swift, steep downturn. But for Golden Valley-based General Mills, it has led to skyrocketing demand for its products and an extreme test for 40,000 workers around the world.
After a 90% drop, Sun Country executives see a slight glimmer in passenger demand for summer
The airline is not assigning middle seats and it's putting crews in protective gear.
DOT says Sun Country can cut to six flights a week, but airline will fly more for now
Sun Country is now flying about 30 flights a week but has the leeway to cut to as few as six.
For pork farmers, the emergency is now. For bacon lovers, it's coming soon
Nearly every day for two weeks, at least one sizable pork-processing plant shut down after the new coronavirus ripped through its workforce.
Now plants that process about 25% of U.S. pork are closed. Consumers in early May should see the effects.
Business leaders say Walz's next move could make or break them
The Star Tribune last week interviewed decisionmakers in businesses around the state about when and how to start the next chapter of the crisis.
U.S. Bancorp puts aside $1 billion for expected bad loans
The Minneapolis-based bank juggled huge demands in recent weeks, including a usage surge on its digital apps Wednesday.
As lull in air travel grows, Sun Country retakes control of ground work at MSP
The airline ended an 18-month relationship with Delta Global Services.
How Minnesota's biggest computer-chip plant is adapting to coronavirus pressure
Chipmakers such as SkyWater Technology are a key barometer for the economic hazard the pandemic presents.
Delta cuts nonstops between MSP and other countries, also Hawaii
The main carrier at MSP does not expect overseas flights to resume until at least June.
What a time it was: Minnesota's jobless rate was 3.1% last month
Recent jobless claims far exceed the number of Minnesotans who were out of work in February.
U.S. Bank lifts pay for 30,000 'front-line' workers by 20%
U.S. Bank will boost the wages of about 30,000 "critical front-line" staffers at its bank branches, call centers and technical operations by 20% for the…
Minnesota's job growth in 2019 was slowest since recession
There was a big jump in new jobs in January and unemployment fell that month.
Wolters Kluwer adds 40 tech workers at Mpls. office
In addition to the current burst of hiring, a company official said he anticipates another round later this year.
CEO Paywatch: U.S. Bancorp's Cecere earned $13.7M in 2019
Cecere received higher long-term incentives in a strong year for the nation's No. 5 bank.
U.S. Bank will take over State Farm's key banking services
Mpls. bank will provide deposit and credit card services to the insurer's clients nationwide.
North Loop's ClickSwitch 'just hammering down on growth and hiring'
Minneapolis fintech company doubles in size, attracts big banks as customers.
Sezzle releases first annual report, creates a new look to reach young adults
Minneapolis fintech unveils a new multicolored logo.
Tile Shop founder steps away for a second time, revealing split with new owners
He led the retailer's delisting, which helped new investors take charge and is in contention.
BlackRock's Rieder: 2020 investing will be fine but not like 2019
Firm's top fixed-income investor believes there are not enough bonds.
Online retailer Brandless closes, laying off Mpls. workers as key investor falters
The Minneapolis firm collapses after losses mount for key investor.
Delta's profit-sharing payout hits record $1.6B, with $130M in Minnesota
As the airline provides employees with their biggest profit-sharing, unions point out inequalities in the industry.
Famous Dave's and Granite City are becoming corporate cousins
Famous Dave's parent firm makes its first big deal, buying ailing Granite City restaurants.
A firing at U.S. Bank casts a hot glare on the line between rules and common sense
Policies set parameters around where and how employees may interact with customers.
U.S. Bank CEO reviews firings of 2 workers who helped customer
The employees helped a customer on Dec. 24 who couldn't get cash because his paycheck from a new employer was held up in a verification process that wouldn't be resolved until after the holiday.
Unemployment holds steady in Minnesota, and job growth slows to a near-stop
Retiring baby boomers leave employment gaps that are difficult to fill; education and health hiring declined.
Sezzle settles dispute with California regulators, returns about $300K to customers
The fintech startup's shares recovered most of the value they lost two weeks ago.
Interest rate cuts erode profit at U.S. Bank, execs signal pressure will continue
Execs dubbed the rate environment 'manageable' and expect solid growth in fee-based revenue.
