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Federal Reserve sees modest pickup in hiring this month

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve says there’s evidence that hiring has picked up in recent weeks, though the job market remains badly damaged by the pandemic. In its semi-annual monetary policy report released Friday, the Fed said it has been watching job data compiled by payroll processor ADP. The Fed has constructed its own measurement of hiring using the ADP data, and said that gauge has closely matched the government’s monthly jobs reports throughout the pandemic. “The ADP data indicate that employment improved modestly through early February,” the Fed’s report said. ...

Stocks end a wobbly day with mixed results; yields rise

U.S. stock indexes ended a choppy day of trading little changed Friday, though the S&P 500 finished with its first weekly loss in three weeks. The benchmark index slipped 0.2%, extending its losing streak to a fourth day, after wavering between small gains and losses for most of the day. A majority of the companies in the S&P 500 rose, but losses in health care, communication services and other stocks outweighed gains by banks and industrial companies, among others. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq composite closed essentially flat, while another strong showing by smaller ...

Business Briefs for Jan. 5

Bossuyt promoted to executive vice president and COO Todd Bossuyt, CPCU, AIC, has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of North Star Mutual Insurance Company in Cottonwood. He began employment with North Star in 1999 as a field representative in southwestern Minnesota. In 2001, he moved into the Home Office and became the assistant manager for the Auto Underwriting department and was promoted to department manager in 2005. In 2010, he transferred to the Farm Underwriting department and served as department manager until his promotion to vice ...

Mauland, CEO of North Star Mutual, to retire in March

After working at North Star Mutual Insurance Company for 42 years, 20 years as president and CEO, Jeff Mauland has announced he will be retiring March 2. “During my time at North Star I have been witness to a lot of ups and downs, and have been blessed to work with great people during that time,” said Mauland. “Many of those people have moved on, retired, and made way for a new generation to experience this great industry and company family. It is with mixed emotions to announce that I too will follow this path and plan to retire as CEO of North Star in March. I ...

Business Briefs for Dec. 14

Kirk joins Northwestern Farm Management Company Northwestern Farm Management Company announced that Brandon Kirk recently joined the firm. He has a very strong agricultural background and is a licensed Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. His knowledge regarding farmland valuations will be an immediate impact for clients. He will also be providing expertise as a farm manager and licensed real estate salesperson. Kirk and his wife live in the Balaton area.

Business Briefs for Nov. 23

Avera earns highest level among ‘Most Wired’ health systems Avera has again earned the highest level of recognition as a Level 10 organization in the 2020 Digital Health Most Wired Survey conducted by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). Avera was one of five health systems in the nation eligible for Level 10 status in 2020. This is the second year that Avera has been named as a Level 10 organization. In 2018, Avera was named among the Top 10, ranked at No. 5, and in 2017 received the “advanced” designation. This is the 21st time Avera has ...