http://mn.gov/commerce en-us Mon, 07 May 2012 11:16:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-40908 The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband will hold a public meeting in Winona, Minnesota on Tuesday, May 8 from 10:00am – 2:30pm. Members of the public and press are invited to attend the meeting. The agenda for Tuesday’s meeting is attached. Fri, 04 May 2012 09:22:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-40850 Commissioner Mike Rothman today welcomed several new leadership staff to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, and promoted several internal candidates to leadership posts within the Department. Commissioner Rothman, who last year implemented a strategic reorganization of the Commerce Department, said the leadership team he has assembled represents some of the best and brightest in state government. Wed, 02 May 2012 10:15:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-40710 As Minnesota works to grow its rural economies and move toward a more energy efficient future, a key partnership between the Minnesota Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the Minnesota Project has significantly increased the number of fully trained, qualified energy auditors serving farms and rural businesses statewide. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:15:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-40543 On the final day of Financial Literacy Month, more than 140 stakeholders from state and local government, community organizations, non-profits, financial institutions, and foundations will gather at Neighborhood House in St. Paul for Minnesota’s Second Annual Financial Literacy Roundtable. Hosted by the Minnesota Interagency Work Group on Financial Literacy, Monday’s Roundtable is the culmination of a month-long effort that has included nearly 40 consumer outreach events statewide involving ten state agencies. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:28:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-40346 As Financial Literacy Month continues, Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, the University of Minnesota’s Dr. Ed Ratner, and Janet Golden from the Tubman Senior Rights Alliance are teaming up Friday to teach Twin Cities doctors how to spot fraud and financial abuse in their elderly patients. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:24:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-39413 As Financial Literacy Month continues, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman will visit Jackson Elementary School in Shakopee on Tuesday, April 24 at 9:30am to emphasize the importance of volunteerism in schools, and sharing financial skills and knowledge with Minnesota youth. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:16:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-39355 In recognition of Earth Day, the Minnesota Department of Commerce encourages all Minnesotans to think about their energy use and its impact on our environment. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman reminds consumers that energy conservation is good for your wallet, and essential to the health of our environment. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:11:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-39352 In recognition of Earth Day, the Minnesota Department of Commerce encourages all Minnesotans to think about their energy use and its impact on our environment. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman reminds consumers that energy conservation is good for your wallet, and essential to the health of our environment. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:38:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-39292 As Financial Literacy Month continues, Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, and the AARP have invited all Minnesota seniors to join them at the Mall of America on Monday, April 23 at 7:00am for a “Mall Walk Against Fraud.” Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:21:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-39202 As sirens all over the state sound for severe weather season, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak reminded all Minnesotans to be prepared for bad weather, including the importance of reviewing their insurance needs ahead of the summer storm season. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:15:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38812 As Severe Weather Awareness Week continues, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak will be joined by community leaders and tornado victim Mary Anne Schissler for a news conference in North Minneapolis on Thursday, April 19 at 11:30am. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38639 As Financial Literacy Month continues, three state agencies are teaming up to give Minnesota consumers the knowledge and resources they need to avoid falling victim to fraud, financial abuse, and predatory lending. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, Housing Finance Commissioner Mary Tingerthal, and Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey will host a town hall forum this week to discuss the adverse financial and community impacts of predatory lending in Minnesota. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:08:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38599 The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband will hold a public meeting at Unisys in Eagan on Tuesday, April 17 from 10:00am to 2:30pm. The agenda for Tuesday’s meeting can be found here. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:01:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38405 A string of consumer calls to the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Energy Information Center have exposed an old, but active rebate scam. The scam, which the Commerce Department warned consumers about last year, allegedly involves insulation contractors affiliated with Idaho-based Rocky Mountain Insulation, Corp. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman warned Minnesotans again today to be wary of door-to-door contractors pitching their services, and then taking away the rights to homeowner rebates. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:49:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38171 Attention all Minnesota Kids in Grades 3-5. As Financial Literacy Month continues, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Minnesota Twins mascot TC the Bear kicked off a statewide financial literacy essay contest today. The contest was announced during a school-wide assembly at Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet Elementary School in Saint Paul. ALL Minnesota kids in grades 3-5 are encouraged to participate. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:19:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38146 As Financial Literacy Month continues, Commissioner Mike Rothman and Minnesota Twins mascot TC the Bear will kick off a statewide financial literacy essay contest on Wednesday, April 4 during a school-wide assembly at Mississippi Creative Arts Magnet Elementary School in Saint Paul. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:06:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38076 Kicking off an unprecedented statewide outreach effort, Governor Mark Dayton today issued a proclamation declaring April to be Financial Literacy Month in Minnesota. In nearly 40 outreach events across Minnesota over the next four weeks, the state’s newly founded Interagency Work Group on Financial Literacy will work to empower tens of thousands of Minnesota students, soldiers, families, and senior citizens to learn more about their finances and make informed decisions to secure a successful financial future. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:02:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38070 Governor Mark Dayton will hold a news conference Monday, April 2 at 10:15am to declare the month of April, Financial Literacy Month in Minnesota. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38090 As Financial Literacy Month gets underway, Commissioner Mike Rothman will participate in a town hall meeting with 4th and 5th grade students on Tuesday in Maplewood. The town hall meeting will take place at BizTown, a Junior Achievement program that combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to this fully-interactive simulated town facility. The program helps students connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:26:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-38023 Commissioner Rothman urges Minnesotans to prepare for severe weather season. Minnesota Department of Commerce launches new Disaster Center website for Minnesota consumers. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:12:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-37991 The Health Insurance Exchange Advisory Task Force will meet Friday, March 30th from 9:30 to 11:30 am at Hiway Federal Credit Union Administrative Offices, 840 Westminster Street, St. Paul. Members of the public and press are invited to attend. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:48:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-37895 The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband will hold a public meeting in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota on Tuesday, March 27 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. This is the Task Force’s first meeting in Greater Minnesota. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:27:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-37834 A joint release from the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Office of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman: A Hennepin County jury today convicted Joseph Duane Gustafson Jr., 37, of racketeering in the Beat Down Posse case. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:22:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-37591 Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announced the continuation of Minnesota’s successful Auto Theft Prevention Grant Program today, awarding 21 local county attorneys, and community organizations with more than $3.8 million to be used exclusively for local programs that aid in prevention of auto theft. Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:35:00 -0500 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-37584 An average of 23 cars are stolen every day in Minnesota – that’s almost one car every hour. Nearly 8,400 vehicles were stolen in Minnesota in 2010 alone, totaling more than $21.3 million in losses. But the state is teaming up with local law enforcement, county prosecutors, and community organizations to stop auto theft before it happens with a statewide auto theft prevention effort. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:46:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-37123 The Minnesota Department of Commerce issued a consumer alert today, encouraging Minnesota homeowners to think twice before installing radiant barriers in their attics. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:18:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-37093 The Minnesota Department of Commerce today announced the names of 14 grant recipients for projects that will identify new technologies and strategies to maximize and measure energy savings in commercial, residential, and agricultural settings. The grants, totaling $2.8 million, are funded by the Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) Grant Program and administered by the Commerce Department’s Division of Energy Resources (DER). Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:13:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-36721 The Minnesota Department of Commerce continued its commitment to financial literacy this week, encouraging military families to defend their financial futures. During national Military Saves Week, the Commerce Department launched a new section of its website dedicated exclusively to providing financial tips and tools for military servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:41:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-36621 Governor Mark Dayton announced today that the state has received a $26 million grant to continue the design and development of a Minnesota-made health insurance exchange. An exchange is a marketplace where Minnesota consumers and employers can find, compare, choose, and purchase health care coverage that best fits their personal, family, and business needs. The funding, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will be administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:05:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-36614 The Minnesota Department of Commerce today announced a first-of-its-kind competitive grant opportunity for nonprofit organizations working to advance the dream of successful homeownership for Minnesota families. Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:19:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-36122 The Minnesota Department of Commerce continued its efforts this week to keep convicted felons out of the pocketbooks of Minnesota consumers. Commissioner Mike Rothman took action against 49 debt collection agencies nationwide that are owned and operated by NCO Financial Systems, Inc. Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:08:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-36017 In light of current drought conditions, Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson and Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman today issued a consumer alert encouraging Minnesota farmers to consider purchasing crop insurance ahead of this year’s growing season. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:24:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-35756 The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced today that 81,970 Minnesota consumers who purchased travel insurance on Travelocity.com between June 1, 2009 and January 24, 2012 will receive nearly $2.5 million in refunds. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:52:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-35398 Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson and Commissioner of Commerce Mike Rothman today jointly announced Minnesota’s participation in a national mortgage settlement through which Minnesota borrowers will be eligible for up to $280 million. This includes up to $113 million in monetary and refinancing relief to borrowers, and up to $167 million in principal reductions and other homeowner relief, according to national estimates. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:52:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-35307 Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman issued a letter to more than 9,000 licensed CPAs in Minnesota today, enlisting tax professionals in the fight against elder fraud and financial abuse. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:15:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-35177 A Chicago-based collection agency that allegedly misplaced the personal medical and financial records of 23,531 Minnesota patients and allegedly violated other state laws now faces corrective action from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Chicago-based Accretive Health, Inc., a licensed debt collector in Minnesota, faces allegations that the company deceived debtors, allowed unregistered employees to act as debt collectors, and went to great lengths to disguise its role as a collection agency from consumers. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:43:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-35135 Following the Federal Reserve’s recent announcement that interest rates are expected to remain low until at least late 2014, the Minnesota Department of Commerce today cautioned investors to beware of risky or outright fraudulent investments promising higher yield or returns. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:49:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-35108 The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband today issued a preliminary report that will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive broadband action plan. The Minnesota Broadband Plan Outline issued today will guide the continuing work of the Task Force as it develops specific recommendations for achieving border-to-border broadband access and adoption in all Minnesota communities – urban, rural, and suburban. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:12:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-35073 Following through on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Financial Literacy Action Plan released last October, Commissioner Mike Rothman invited the heads of nine state agencies to the Department for a first of its kind Interagency Work Group on Financial Literacy at 3:00pm this afternoon. Agencies invited to participate in the work group have existing programs, outreach efforts, or other interests in financial literacy. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:53:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34960 The Minnesota Department of Commerce is continuing its efforts to root out mortgage fraud in a troubled real estate market. Commissioner Mike Rothman has issued a statement of charges alleging that Steven Carver of Carver and Associates Real Estate orchestrated an elaborate mortgage kickback scheme that cost lenders $3.3 million and put more than 18 homes into foreclosure or short sale. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:46:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34909 This week, the Minnesota Department of Commerce continued its efforts to crack down on scams that defraud senior citizens. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman issued a statement of charges alleging that James Ronald Redden of JRR Enterprises, LLC befriended and then took advantage of several vulnerable senior citizens, encouraging them to invest more than $71,500 in fictional annuities. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:32:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34360 With reports this week that more than 14 million American homeowners are in foreclosure or delinquent on their mortgage payments, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman advised struggling Minnesota homeowners to use caution as they pursue modifications to their home loans. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:46:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34349 Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman today announced two new appointments to the Minnesota FAIR Plan Board of Directors. FAIR Plan is Minnesota’s statutorily created limited property insurer for those properties not able to obtain coverage from the private market. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34289 Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman today announced the state will receive an additional $14.1 million in federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:18:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34240 The Health Insurance Exchange Advisory Task Force will hold its fourth meeting on Wednesday, December 21st from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Atwood Conference Center, St. Cloud State University, 651 -1st Avenue S in St. Cloud, MN. Members of the public and press are invited to attend. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:50:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34228 Thirty-six facilities across the state will realize more than $3 million in permanent, ongoing energy savings every year for the foreseeable future. That’s thanks to a one-time, $4.1 million energy upgrade grant program administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER). Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:13:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34215 Commissioner Mike Rothman today welcomed several new leadership staff to the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Continuing his commitment to strengthening the Department’s service to consumers and regulated industries, Rothman is assembling the best and brightest to serve on his leadership team. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:52:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34172 Minnesota got some bright news this month when the U.S. Department of Energy announced the recipients of its Sunshot Initiative Rooftop Solar Challenge. The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER) was awarded more than $263,000 to help make solar installation faster and less expensive for small businesses and homeowners. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:39:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34145 The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources, received $73.5 million in LIHEAP funds this year from the federal government, compared to $152.6 million last year. Despite funding cuts, the Commerce Department is working vigilantly to stretch every dollar, and help as many families as possible. More than 128,000 Minnesota households are enrolled in the program already this winter. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:32:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34130 ST. PAUL, MN – The Health Insurance Exchange Advisory Task Force will hold its third meeting on Wednesday, December 7th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Rochester Event Center, Lobb Field Hall, 7333 Airport View Drive SW in Rochester, MN. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:54:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34127 As snow falls and road conditions turn icy, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman issued a consumer alert today, providing simple tips to help consumers stay safe and insured on Minnesota roads this winter. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:05:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34061 Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman today invited Minnesotans to offer input on potential information technology components for a Minnesota-Made Health Insurance Exchange. At noon today, sample modules – a series of websites simulating what an Exchange might look like – will go live for public evaluation. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:29:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-34006 Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman is representing the State of Minnesota at the White House today. Rothman is meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, top White House energy officials, and more than 60 CEOs, mayors, energy leaders, and labor representatives from states around the country. The group will discuss President Obama’s Better Buildings Challenge, and how ongoing initiatives in states like Minnesota can help significantly reduce energy consumption in public and private buildings nationwide. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:10:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-33989 The Minnesota Department of Commerce today launched a newly redesigned, user-friendly Stay Warm Minnesota section of its website. The new section is designed to provide easier access to information and deliver better service to Minnesota consumers who are experiencing challenges during this winter heating season. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:14:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-33985 At the click of a mouse, unlicensed payday lenders located in other states are cashing in on Minnesota consumers. As Minnesotans struggle financially in tough economic circumstances, some payday lenders are taking their business online, charging customers big fees for small cash loans. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:15:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-33859 Today the Minnesota Health Care Reform Task Force announced a new website that will serve as a clearinghouse for information on Minnesota’s health reform efforts. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:16:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-33853 Data collected from more than 40 insurers shows that as of October 1, nearly 80 percent of adjusted claims filed following the storm were resolved. Insurers have paid $64 million in claims thus far, with an estimated $8.7 million in claims yet to be processed. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:20:00 -0600 Minnesota /_live/commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-33832 As cold weather settles across Minnesota and furnaces kick in to high gear, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER) issued a consumer alert today reminding consumers of some basic energy-saving measures to practice in the frigid winter months ahead.