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Burl Gilyard

Medtronic/medtech reporter | Medtech
Phone: 612-673-4756

Burl Gilyard is the Star Tribune's medtech reporter.

Recent content from Burl Gilyard
The action marks the first time the state Office of Cannabis Management has sued a cannabis retailer.

State of Minnesota sues Zaza Cannabis business, seeks destruction of illegal products

Store accused of selling items that far exceeded the legal level of THC in cannabanoid products.
Chris Campbell looks through a magnifying glass at a sensor with 32 microscopic laboratories that can monitor air quality, detect harmful chemicals, d

Native of St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood used NASA tech to revive shuttered company

Simpli-Fi Automation, the company Christopher Campbell founded, licensed federal innovations intended for space exploration and deployed them in the health care realm, developing products that use breath analysis to detect diseases.
Brian Cornell, Target's new CEO, toured the Nicollet Mall Target store in downtown Minneapolis.

Target CEO Brian Cornell will lead influential Business Council

Executive committee of the national executive group also includes Best Buy's Corie Barry and Cargill's David MacLennan.
A patient undergoes dialysis at a clinic in Sacramento, Calif. Results of a study released on Sunday show that the diabetes drug Invokana has been sho

Baxter kidney care unit building R&D center for excellence in Golden Valley, creating 70 jobs

The renal care unit, Vantive, is in the process of being sold to Carlyle and becoming a standalone company.
Director of Manufacturing John Sundeen walked past reels of PEX pipe on Jan. 18 at Uponor North America in Apple Valley.

Minnesota hoping to reverse manufacturing job losses after a September slide

While the state posted overall job growth for the third consecutive month, the Department of Employment and Economic Development plans to host in-person and virtual factory tours to spark interest in the industry during October's Manufacturing Month.
Colle McVoy CEO Christine Fruechte, left, and President Jessica Henrichs at the Minneapolis ad agency in 2023. Fruechte is stepping down to take an ad

Longtime CEO of Minneapolis ad agency Colle McVoy to step down

Christine Fruechte led the advertising firm for 16 years. President Jessica Henrichs will take the helm Jan. 1.
Thomson Reuters is selling its FindLaw business to Internet Brands.

Thomson Reuters strikes deal to sell FindLaw business

Thomson Reuters FindLaw sale may affect Minnesota jobs
Two small central Minnesota banks are merging.

Two small central Minnesota banks merge, increase lending limit to $6.2M

First State Bank of Sauk Centre and Little Falls-based Pine Country Bank have the same owner, Minneapolis-based holding company MidCountry Acquisition.
Store owner Dave Jurek cuts up pork chops at Anoka Meat and Sausage Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015, in Minneapolis, MN.](DAVID JOLES/STARTRIBUNE)djoles@startri

Small meatpacker in west-central Minnesota will double its output thanks to federal grant

Lakes Community Cooperative in Perham earned more than $500,000 to expand its operations and compete with larger processors like Cargill.
Polar Semiconductor employees work in one of three fabrication areas inside the company's expansive clean room.

Bloomington chipmaker Polar lands more federal funds for its expansion

Another $3 million from the CHIPS and Science Act will help the semiconductor manufacturer upgrade its workforce. This adds to the previously announced $120 million aimed to up domestic production in an industry Asia dominates.
GN is moving its North American headquarters from Bloomington to Shakopee. Shown is GN ReSound Nexia hearing aids.

Hearing aid maker GN moving North American HQ to former Shutterfly space in Shakopee

The relocation will double GN's space in the Twin Cities.
Employees at IntriCon work to manufacture and assemble hearing aids at the companyís plant in Arden Hills, Minn.

Arden Hills-based Intricon's hearing business acquired by China-based customer

With the sale, the company will strengthen focus on medical device components.
Principle physician education specialist Jakub David and principle mapping specialist Tim Sorrell Jr. perform a training exercise with the Affera Mapp

Medtronic securing FDA approvals for unique medical devices to drive sales

Minnesota's Medtronic draws FDA approvals med-tech
Shot casings produced at the Federal Premium facility in Anoka.

Czech company again ups its offer for piece of Anoka's Vista Outdoor

This time, the CSG group said it would make a $150 million investment in Vista's outdoor products business in addition to buying the ammunition group.
Jonathan Weinhagen, new president of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, said he is thinking about getting the next generation involved.

Minneapolis Regional Chamber taps Mike Logan as interim leader for one-year term

Interim leader named for troubled Minneapolis Regional Chamber
Brent Lucas, CEO of Envoy Medical, which chose not to pursue an initial public offering but is now public by merging with a special purpose acquisitio

Two med-tech companies explore going public, which would end an IPO drought for Minnesota

There have been no initial public offerings in the state since 2021, but Anteris and Medical 21 could change that.
Incoming CEO Derek Cunz, left, with outgoing CEO Dan Johnson, at M.A. Mortenson Co. headquarters in Golden Valley.

New CEO takes helm at Mortenson amid construction industry challenges

Mortenson construction firm taps new CEO
Minneapolis Police Public Information Officer (PIO) Sgt. Stephen McCarty described some of the circumstances surrounding a shooting and homicide early

Millennium Minneapolis Hotel temporarily laying off 87 employees during renovation

Renovation brings layoffs to Millennium Minneapolis Hotel
Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a warning about tobacco products marketed to children.

AG Ellison: Stop selling unauthorized tobacco products like those with candy and fruit flavors

Attorney general says the unauthorized products, some of which are candy- and fruit-flavored, violate laws and could be more attractive to children.
Medtronic

Medtronic growth restrained as some business plans remain in limbo

Approvals are still needed for the Hugo robotic surgery system and Affera technology.
Nautical Bowls in Dinkytown. The Minnesota-based smoothie bowl chain is facing lawsuits from franchisees and recently fired its CEO.

Minnetonka-based Nautical Bowls facing lawsuits, frustrated franchisees

The company's CEO, Snap Fitness founder Peter Taunton, was let go in June.
HistoSonics CEO Mike Blue with the Edison System behind him at the HistoSonics office in Plymouth on Aug. 9. HistoSonics has created a device that use

HistoSonics expanding Plymouth HQ, lands $102 million in latest financing

The med-tech company uses sonic beams to destroy cancer tumors.
Solventum's headquarters on the 3M campus in Maplewood.

3M health care spinoff Solventum boosts financial guidance as it works to reposition itself

Company announces sales of more than $2 billion in first report as a stand-alone company.
ALLISON SCHOLL, 16, (left) and ELEANOR HEDLUND, 17, pose for a photo at the Park Nicollet International Diabetes Center while holding their new Medtro

Competitors Medtronic, Abbott strike diabetes partnership adding options for patients

Medtronic and Abbott combine for diabetes deal
Endogenex CEO Stacey Pugh holds the medical device, a catheter used for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, that the company raised $88 million in funding f

Minnesota health care startups see investment rebound after lackluster 2023

Second-quarter investments are up nearly 85% compared to last year, a recent low for funding of med-tech companies in the U.S.
Troy Tillman, product manager for Ametek Mocon, sits by the Brooklyn Park-based company's gas chromatograph, which can measure amounts of ethylene oxi

EPA cut use of cancer-causing sterilizer prolific in med-tech. A Minnesota company might have a fix.

Medtronic and Boston Scientific are just two of the many companies that use ethylene oxide to sterilize their devices and equipment. Brooklyn Park-based Ametek Mocon makes a device that can measure the chemical in the air and sound an alarm if it's at an unsafe level.
Solventum's headquarters on the 3M campus in Maplewood.

3M spinoff Solventum sees bump in stock after activist investor buys shares

New York-based Trian Partners, a high-profile hedge fund, is buying up shares in Minnesota's newest public company.
A bin of Federal Premium shorty shotshells inside the production facility in Anoka.

CSG boosts price for Vista Outdoor's ammunition business to $2.15 billion

A shareholders' meeting has been postponed to July 30.
Stratasys' 3D printing facility pictured in 2021. The company is moving to Minnetonka. It will lease space from UnitedHealth Group.

Stratasys moving HQ to Minnetonka, leasing space from UnitedHealth

The 3D printer manufacturer will take up vacant space at 5995 Opus Parkway, close to the Interstate 169 and Highway 62 interchange
Lifecore Biomedical has laid off 46 employees under its new CEO, Paul Josephs.

Layoffs latest financial setback for new Minnesota public company Lifecore Biomedical

The Chaska-based company, which named Paul Josephs as CEO in May, cut 46 jobs and is also grappling with net losses and delays in SEC filings.
Tierra Encantada, a Spanish immersion daycare and preschool is helping about 55 kids in kindergarten and first grades with their distance learning fro

As families seek more child care options, Tierra Encantada eyes growth with $38M investment

Spanish immersion child care company will be in five states by end of year.
After 10 years of planning, downsizing and finally a takeover by the city -- which served as its developer -- the Penfield, a building of market-rate

Downtown St. Paul Lunds & Byerlys reducing hours, products because of low sales

The grocer was open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., but the new hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The changes will be in effect Monday.
Steven Koester is the chief semiconductor officer at the University of Minnesota thanks to his extensive research on semiconductors.

University of Minnesota's first semiconductor officer: "We can grow as a semiconductor hub"

The U is taking action to help Minnesota companies and public agencies compete for funding from the CHIPS and Science Act by naming Steven Koester its chief semiconductor officer.
The production facility at Minnetronix in St. Paul on Wednesday, August 5, 2015. ] LEILA NAVIDI leila.navidi@startribune.com / BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Feds decline Minnesota's proposal for funding a med-tech hub, at least for now

Future government funding remains possible, but group moving forward with private funding.
Michael Gorman shows how his new reading technology  works from a laptop in Minneapolis on June 19. Michael Gorman and Mark Lacek, who are both Cascad

Twin Cities startup Cascade Reading thinks its tech can improve literacy

The Twin Cities-based company's product breaks blocks of uploaded text into cascading lines reminiscent of poetry.
FILE - In this Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2004, file photo, several Aleve tablets appear in front of bottles of the pain reliever, in Boston. Federal health ex

ANI Pharmaceuticals secures FDA approval, launches delayed-release naproxen

The firm, based in Baudette, said the generic drug can treat pain, inflammation and arthritis.
Jonathan Weinhagen, new president of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, said he is thinking about getting the next generation involved.

In sudden switch, Minneapolis Regional Chamber names interim CEO

Jonathan Weinhagen had led the group since 2016 but resigned Thursday morning. John Stanoch is now in charge while the chamber searches for a permanent replacement.
Medtronic CFO Karen Parkhill is resigning. She will take the same job at HP.

Medtronic CFO resigns amid financial challenges, takes new job at HP

Karen Parkhill joined the med-tech company as executive vice president and chief financial officer in June 2016.
Stethoscope and syringe in an exam room at the Brooklyn Center Health Resource Center.

ANI Pharmaceuticals bolsters rare disease business with $381M acquisition

Alimera Sciences makes two eye drugs, Iluvien and Yutiq, that ANI CEO Nikhil Lalwani said would add $105 million of projected revenue this year.
GF (formerly Uponor) has at times offered incentives such as gas cards to get job applicants to show up for interviews.

Recruiting the best candidates in competitive hiring market no easy feat

Companies using a variety of strategies beyond the simple job posting to attract top talent.

Culture, values help drive employee retention

Culture values employee retention Top Workplaces Minneapolis
If you're ready for a new career path, there are steps you can take.

Looking for a second career? 'Take it a step at a time.'

Networking is job No. 1 for those changing their professional trajectory.
This is an example of the type of immersive exhibits planned for Royalston Square, a new events center planned for the North Loop.

Can Royalston Square bring a touch of Vegas to the North Loop?

Entourage plans to remake vacant building into an events center, complete with immersive exhibits.
Medtronic's operational headquarters are in Fridley.

Medtronic layoffs continue as it realigns workforce to 'strategic priorities'

The medical device company run from Fridley confirmed cuts but offered few specifics.
Capella Tower is seen Tuesday in Minneapolis. Lender Metlife is taking back the reins of Capella Tower after it failed to find a buyer.

Lender retakes control of Capella Tower in downtown Minneapolis

Shorenstein Properties had attempted to sell the office building but failed to find a buyer willing to pay the desired price.
Optum's headquarters in Eden Prairie.

Optum joins FDA, manufacturer in recalling infusion pumps that killed one patient

The devices, which Massachusetts-based InfuTronix makes, deliver medications and fluids to patients via IV or injection.
Surmodics CEO Gary Maharaj said he is confident his company's sale to private equity firm GTCR "will position the company to continue to deliver compe

Eden Prairie-based med-tech company Surmodics going private in $627M deal

Private equity firm GTCR, based in Chicago, will pay $43 per share when the transaction closes in the second half of the year, pending shareholder and regulatory approval.
The medical device company’s PulseSelect technology for atrial fibrillation treatment could bump Medtronic out of its relatively flat sales from thi

Medtronic's pipeline of products could reverse sales plateau

The medical device company's PulseSelect technology for atrial fibrillation treatment could bump Medtronic out of its relatively flat sales from this fiscal year.
Alicia Doty, right, has been a peer mentor to Kristin Nottingham in her recovery by helping her navigate some of the logistics in her sober life based

'Peer specialists' emerge to support patients amid constrained mental health care access

Peer specialists provide support based on personal experience with addiction, mental health or other emotional and social challenges.
Maple Grove-based Nortech Systems does complex engineering and manufacturing of electromedical and electromechanical parts for clients in the medical,

Nortech Systems closing Blue Earth facility prompting 74 layoffs

Electronics manufacturer Nortech Systems closing Blue Earth Minnesota facility 74 layoffs
President and COO of Polar Semiconductor Surya Iyer, right, was introduced by Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse during a news conference at Polar Semiconduc

Bloomington manufacturer to receive up to $120M in federal funds to upgrade, create jobs

Polar Semiconductor is planning an expansion and upgrade to its facility that will create more than 160 jobs.
Bryan Hanson, CEO of Solventum. The 3M health care spinoff reported its first financial results as an independent company.

3M health care spinoff Solventum prioritizing paying down $8.3B long-term debt

In its first financial earnings report, the new Fortune 500-level company predicted a stagnant sales forecast for its first year in business.
An excavator begins the demolition work of the former O'Reilly Auto Parts store on Lake Street, which was destroyed in the riots following George Floy

Where Lake Street rebuilding projects stand four years after the riots

The progress is uneven, with the Coliseum Building nearly open and a PPL affordable housing project waiting for a groundbreaking date.
Graduation season is a time of celebrating accomplishments and extending best wishes for life’s next chapter, but it can also be a time of stress wh

How to survive graduation season: What you need to know about parties, gifts and planning

Managing graduation parties, events and gifts Minneapolis
Copeland Cold Chain makes grocery refrigeration similar to this and is laying off 91 workers at its Eden Prairie facility.

Eden Prairie refrigeration facility laying off 91 workers

St. Louis-based Copeland Cold Chain is moving manufacturing and distribution operations to other North American locations.
Publishers Clearing House "Prize Patrol"

St. Cloud warehouse lays off hundreds of workers as Publishers Clearing House downsizes

Fulfillment Distribution Center will cut 350 employees and close up operations when its only customer discontinues its commercial business.
This photo was taken from at least six feet away.

Icehouse on Eat Street in Mpls. facing eviction for unpaid rent

Chicago-based Northpond Partners is suing for more than $85,000 in unpaid rent.
Capella Tower at 225 South Sixth St. Tuesday September 6, 2011. ] GLEN STUBBE * gstubbe@startribune.com Minneapolis skyline from the 51st floor of IDS

Two major downtown Minneapolis towers face change as hybrid shuffle continues

Wells Fargo Center is now on the market, and Capella University cuts its space by more than half in the tower that bears its name.
Empire Foods takes over former Walmart in Brooklyn Center

Empire Foods takes over former Walmart in Brooklyn Center

Empire Foods Walmart Asian grocery Brooklyn Center
Minnesota's Largest Candy Store is a huge attraction that features thousand of different candy items.

Minnesota's Largest Candy Store to relocate and expand

A project on Hwy. 169 is prompting the move to nearby Jordan, Minn.
The Charlemagne Institute's John Elliott once sent an email with the subject line, "Take a shower, Jew Boy."

Bloomington-based IT company ConvergeOne files for bankruptcy with $1.8 billion in debt

The plans, filed in Texas, will also transfer control of the company to senior lenders.
Medtronic's Evolut TAVR heart valve could be an optimal treatment for women with aortic stenosis.

Medtronic study puts spotlight on how one of its heart devices can help women

Study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows how the Evolut TAVR can help treat women with aortic stenosis.
SkyWater Technology is still pursuing CHIPS money for expansion at its Bloomington, Minn., facility.

SkyWater Technology cancels option on land for $1.8B Indiana chip plant

Minnesota company continues to pursue federal CHIPS funding for its Bloomington facility.
The Normandale Lake Office Park in Bloomington.

Wings Financial foreclosing on portion of Normandale Lakes Office Park

New York-based owner Opal Holdings owes $40.3 million in unpaid mortgage to the credit union for the 8200 Tower of the largest office park in the Twin Cities metro.
Solventum originates from two words: "solving" and "momentum."

After 3M split, Minnesota has a new public company in Solventum

The health care business has been two years in the making and will operate out of 3M's Maplewood headquarters for the first year, at least.
At one point, Curtis Carlson Nelson, right, appeared destined to run his family's business empire — founded by his grandfather Curt Carlson, left, a

Another vestige of Carlson travel empire sold, this one to Amex spinoff for $570M

American Express Global Business Travel was a rival of what was formerly known as Carlson Wagonlit Travel in the corporate travel industry.
Researchers work in a clean room at the Boston Scientific Cardiovascular research and development center in Maple Grove, Minn.

Minnesota med-tech hub backers pressing on, with or without federal money

Greater MSP, the group behind the collaborative effort, applied to land $60 million in federal funding.
Arise Community Credit Union CEO Dan Johnson (back row, third from left) is pictured alongside board members and Minnesota Department of Commerce staf

The first Black-led credit union in Minnesota secures first state charter in 23 years

Arise Community Credit Union is based in north Minneapolis but still working out details for a branch location.
Mechanic Jesus Montes jokes with a driver while replacing the battery on his fleet vehicle Wednesday at Blue & White Cab in St. Louis Park.

Finding a ride after May 1 will take patience if Uber and Lyft pull out of Minneapolis

Taxi cab firms might hire some drivers, but it will take a while to build back an industry that has pivoted to medical and student contracts since the mega rideshare companies entered the Twin Cities market.
Canadian company LaunchPad Golf is opening next to Mystic Lake casino.

Topgolf competitor LaunchPad Golf coming next to Mystic Lake casino in 2025

The driving range-like entertainment venue will complement the 18-hole course already on the casino property.
An illustration of question mark cutouts overlaying FAFSA forms.

With the Better FAFSA still in limbo, here's what to do as college decisions loom

Delays and glitches with the simplified Free Application for Federal Student Aid has addled many students and their families.
Five Watt Coffee at Keg and Case Market in St. Paul

Five Watt Coffee, Sencha Tea Bar merge to create joint Twin Cities beverage brand

The two are planning a third brand focusing on bubble tea that could launch this year.
A 2014 photo of JonnyPops co-founders Erik Brust and Connor Wray hangs in the lobby of their new Elk River facility on Feb. 7, 2022.

JonnyPops faces lawsuit alleging misleading labels

The Minnesota frozen-pop maker advertises simple, real and fresh ingredients, which a California lawsuit claims obscures the added cane sugar content.
Step One Foods founder Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, left, stands with Max Lipset, director of Step One partner Health Quotient, on Tuesday.

Minnesota cardiologist's snack company joins White House health campaign

Eden Prairie-based Step One Foods is part of a Biden administration program to end hunger and build healthy communities, starting with first responders.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a Class I recall, the agency’s most serious, for Medtronic's Duet device, used to temporarily drain spi

Medtronic faces FDA Class I recall for post-op drainage device

The Duet product helps drain cerebral spinal fluid from patients after surgery on thoracic aortic aneurysms.