
Minnesota's "headquarters economy" rings the NYSE bell
By the numbers: The Twin Cities is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies, which is more per capita than any other U.S. metro and in the top 10 globally, according to Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha.
What they're saying: Several of Minnesota's top CEOs stressed the importance of the state's history of a well-educated workforce as a primary reason for its status as a "headquarters economy."
"Minnesota's commitment to education created a pipeline of talent — of engineers, of marketers, of scientists, of data analysts, of designers (and) of health professionals — who didn't have to leave their hometown to pursue their careers," General Mills CEO Jeff Harmening said during the event.
On the topic of maintaining the Twin Cities' economic strength, U.S. Bank CEO Gunjan Kedia warned that taxes and regulations have "drained large companies" from other headquarters economies.
Between the lines: Not mentioned during the event were President Trump's tariffs, which have battered some of the state's largest companies, namely Best Buy (-13% stock price decline year-to-date) and Target (-21%).

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Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
From Vibe Coding To Agentic Engineering: Redefining SDLC With One-Pizza Teams
Serge Haziyev, CTO, Advanced Technologies at SoftServe. 25+ years helping Fortune 100s and startups capitalize on emerging tech. The vibe coding phenomenon emerged earlier this year—seen by some as a joke, by others as a threat and by a few as a genuinely helpful productivity approach. Ever since Andrej Karpathy introduced the term to the community, it has sparked ongoing debate across social platforms. But one key question remains: Can this prompt-driven coding style, enabled by agentic AI tools like Cursor and others, scale across development teams and be harnessed by businesses investing heavily in AI for productivity? While vibe coding proves valuable for generating small applications and rapid prototypes, it struggles when applied to larger codebases and more complex software systems developed by teams rather than individuals. The challenge often lies in the fact that the resulting code falls far short of production-grade quality. An increasing number of practitioners, myself included, believe that to effectively leverage agentic AI in real-life projects, we need to redefine the software development paradigm, particularly the people, processes and tools components of the SDLC (or PDLC) equation. For short, we can call this "agentic engineering" and define its key objective as achieving faster time to market with smaller teams and reduced manual effort, effectively lowering development costs without compromising the quality of the resulting software. Let's explore the three aspects of the SDLC that require revision: people, process and tools. People Most software development teams today follow the two-pizza team model, based on Jeff Bezos' idea that no team should be so large that it takes more than two pizzas to feed. This typically translates to eight to 12 individuals, with about half of them spending their full day working directly with code. Coding, in fact, is a highly brain-intensive activity. It's no secret that in the software development industry, engineers often spend only about one hour per day actually writing code. Multiple studies from respected sources, such as Microsoft Research, support this observation. On average, about three hours a day are spent working with code—reviewing, debugging and writing unit tests. The rest of the workday is often filled with communication, documentation or meditating on complex problems. The larger the team, the more time is typically spent on internal communication. As AI agents can autonomously execute part of a developer's activities, this leads to smaller teams where fewer people write code directly and instead leverage the agents, which act as a team of virtual developers. Here's something new in the one-pizza team model: a role called the Intelligence Engineer. This role is solely responsible for configuring, operating and customizing the agents. Think of it like a flight engineer in the early days of aviation—a crucial crew member responsible for the proper functioning of the aircraft. Process In traditional Scrum, which is commonly adopted across the software industry, each sprint lasts no longer than one month and typically spans two weeks. The cadence is defined by the time lag between planning and the retrospective. Now, imagine for a moment that development time has been reduced to zero. Once a user story enters the backlog, it immediately materializes as code. Of course, AI agentic development tools aren't quite there yet. But current performance already enables the translation of well-described tasks into code in minutes rather than hours or days. Understanding this leads us to redefine the SDLC process, as some have already observed that structured communication and evaluation are becoming the new bottlenecks. This shift elevates the role of written specifications: first, to align humans; and second, to translate intentions clearly to agents, minimizing ambiguity in the resulting program. Wait, wasn't that exactly what the waterfall process did, with its emphasis on upfront specification? The very approach that Scrum later challenged? Waterfall emphasized upfront specifications to reduce ambiguity in execution. In the AI-driven era, we're seeing a similar need, but not for static specs. Instead, we need executable intent: interpretable, testable and traceable descriptions that replace the role of traditional source code. When, in the near future, code can be generated in minutes from a sprint backlog based on new specifications, the purpose of sprint cadence will change dramatically. It will no longer govern the 'time to write code,' but rather the 'time to think, align and evaluate.' Tools The plethora of prompt-driven coding tools appearing each month puzzles many engineering leaders. Evaluating the available tools for specific project needs alone could require a dedicated team working full time on just this activity. Then comes the build versus buy question: Can universal, publicly available tools like Cursor, Windsurf, Lovable, Devin and others be effective in a specific project environment based on X, Y and Z technologies? Or is it better to build custom agents tailored to project needs using agentic frameworks such as Claude Code, OpenAI Codex or Gemini CLI? Only time will tell which approach will prevail, but one trend we can already observe is that prompt engineering (the core of vibe coding) is giving way to context engineering, which promotes a more systematic approach to feeding LLMs with complete and relevant information. While some companies are already experimenting with the context engineering approach alongside spec-driven development for their in-house agents, we can expect such tools to become available to a broader market soon, with being a good example. Sure, bringing in context and project specifics requires much more effort than simply installing an IDE. But that's the point with humans, too—think of it as onboarding a new team member who doesn't drink eat pizza. The Future Of Software Development Starts With Redefinition Vibe coding is uncovering the need for a systemic shift in how we build software. As agentic AI becomes more capable, organizations must move beyond the novelty of agentic engineering and embrace it as a disciplined framework. This means rethinking team composition, adapting processes to accelerate alignment and evaluation and choosing tools not just for output, but for orchestration. 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Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
General Mills and Box Tops for Education Help Families Cross One Thing off Their Back-to-School To-Do List: Free Snacks
Tia Mowry shares real-life tips as General Mills and Box Tops for Education help families tackle top back-to-school stressors with snack savings and continued support for schools. MINNEAPOLIS, August 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From new routines to early alarms and packed schedules, the back-to-school season brings big adjustments for families. But right behind those shifting routines comes another major stressor: shopping for snacks. In fact, a recent General Mills survey* found that shopping for food/snacks to have on hand during the school year (29%) is the second biggest source of back-to-school stress for parents—right after adjusting to new routines (32%). And that stress doesn't stop once the first-day photos are taken: 90% of parents who have kids in school this upcoming year said they need to restock "snacks their kids love" at least monthly during the school year—compared to pens/pencils (62%), clothes/shoes (52%), or notebooks (51%) More than three-quarters of parents who have kids in school this upcoming year (78%) restock snacks at least weekly during the school year Nearly one-third (20%) of parents who have kids in school this upcoming year said finding suitable on-the-go snack options as schedules get busy causes stress during the transition from summer to the back-to-school season That's why General Mills and Box Tops for Education are stepping in to help with Free Snacks, a double-digit rebate offer designed to bring real savings to families and continued support to schools. "At General Mills, we know that a well-stocked pantry helps families set up for a smoother day," said Mindy Murray, Brand Experience Director at General Mills. "Our Free Snacks rebate is a small but meaningful way we're helping parents feel more prepared—and helping kids stay fueled throughout the day." Free Snacks: Savings That Support Families and Schools With General Mills products already found in 92% of U.S. households, families can unlock snack savings just by buying what they're already stocking up on — from breakfast staples to after-school favorites. Now through November 30, 2025, families in select areas can earn a rebate of up to $12.99 when they purchase any participating General Mills product (like Cheerios, Pillsbury, Totino's, Annie's, or Old El Paso) and a participating snack item (like Nature Valley, Mott's, Betty Crocker and more) in the same transaction. After purchase, families can simply scan their receipt to the Box Tops for Education app to claim the rebate via PayPal or Venmo. (Not available in all areas; see complete terms for details.)** While families are saving at checkout, they're also helping schools. For over 25 years, Box Tops for Education has empowered families to direct earnings to local schools and generated nearly $1 billion in contributions since the program began. The Free Snacks rebate continues that mission, putting value back into homes and communities. Tia's Tips: Real-Life Hacks to Ease Back-to-School Stress To amplify the program and offer encouragement from one parent to another, General Mills teamed up with Tia Mowry, who's sharing her own simple strategies to help families find more ease in their daily routines. "I keep grab-and-go snacks like Nature Valley bars or Annie's fruit snacks in a basket by the door — so on those hectic mornings or after-school runs, we're ready to roll," said Mowry. "And I always keep something in my bag. It helps me stay ahead of those hangry moments and brings a little peace of mind." "I try to give myself (and my kids) a little grace this time of year. Back-to-school season can be overwhelming, so I remind myself it's okay if everything isn't perfect right away. We're all adjusting!" "We talk about routines like a team. I ask my kids what helps their mornings feel calmer, and we try to build from there. It's not perfect, but it makes them feel involved and heard." "A little night-before prep goes a long way. Whether it's laying out clothes or packing lunch and snacks ahead of time, even something quick like the new Mott's Apple-Filled bars makes small routines make mornings feel a lot smoother." More information on the Free Snacks rebate can be found here. * This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of General Mills from July 29 - 31, 2025 among 775 parents with kids in school this upcoming year. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 4.2 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact **Offer void in RI, CT, ND, NC, and Miami Dade County. 18+, U.S. residents only. Download the Box Tops App and purchase (1) General Mills Box Tops item and one (1) Eligible Snacks Product in one transaction between 6/1/25 and 11/30/25. Scan receipt in the App within 14 days of purchase. If more than one eligible free snack is purchased, lowest value product will be refunded. Limit one (1) rebate/person. Reproduction, purchase, sale, or trade of any offer requirement is prohibited. Void where taxed, regulated, or prohibited. Allow up to 4 weeks to receive rebate. Not combinable with other offers. Rebate may not be assigned, transferred, or sold. Questions: 1-800-248-7310. PayPal or Venmo account required for rebate. Not affiliated with PayPal or Venmo. See for App Terms of Service, Program Rules, Privacy Policy. Standard data rates may apply. Offer subject to full terms and conditions at Trademarks are property of respective owners. About General Mills General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names like Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino's, Annie's, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. General Mills generated fiscal 2025 net sales of U.S. $19 billion. In addition, the company's share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1 billion. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts General Mills EdelmanCarolina Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
A Rise In Surgical Robotics Could Send These 2 Healthcare Stocks Soaring
Key Points The robotic-assisted surgery market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Intuitive Surgical is the leader in this space and should profit from its rapid growth. Relative newcomer Medtronic could also cash in as it launches its Hugo device. 10 stocks we like better than Intuitive Surgical › The use of robotics in surgery is on the rise. The market was valued at $800 million in 2015, and has since risen to over $3 billion. One reason behind this rapid growth is that these robot systems utilize flexible, highly maneuverable instruments along with tiny cameras, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures, often of the minimally invasive type. Compared to open surgeries, they result in less skin cutting, less bleeding, and less scarring. However, according to one survey, while 78% of U.S. surgeons are interested in the technology, many still aren't using it, leaving significant white space ahead. The increased adoption of surgical robotics could prove to be a massive tailwind for some healthcare leaders, including Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) and Medtronic (NYSE: MDT). 1. Intuitive Surgical Intuitive Surgical is currently the leader in robotic surgery, thanks to a lineup of products that includes the Ion system, which aids in performing lung biopsies, and the renowned da Vinci system, indicated for a range of procedures in general surgery and many other areas. The da Vinci system is perhaps the best-known robot device on the market. It was first approved in 2000. Intuitive Surgical has since launched several newer versions of this product; the fifth generation was introduced last year. Having a first-mover advantage will help Intuitive Surgical in at least three ways as the market expands significantly. First, the company has established a brand name among physicians, who, like everyone else, tend to gravitate toward brands they trust, especially when lives are at stake. Second, since the da Vinci system has been in use for so long, a substantial amount of data from clinical trials and real-world applications demonstrates its efficacy. That's always an advantage in the healthcare industry. Third, Intuitive Surgical has a significant existing installed base. It ended the second quarter with 10,488 installed da Vinci systems, for a 14% year-over-year increase. These are expensive devices, so healthcare facilities won't switch unless they have a very strong incentive, which grants Intuitive Surgical a strong moat thanks to high switching costs. Meanwhile, the company has routinely recorded excellent financial results: Intuitive Surgical is facing some headwinds, including increased costs resulting from tariffs. Even with those, shares should perform well over the long run as the company's products continue to gain traction in the underpenetrated and rapidly growing robotic surgery industry. Despite its underperformance in the market this year, the stock still looks like a buy today. 2. Medtronic Medtronic is inching closer to making its grand entrance in the U.S. surgical robotics industry. Earlier this year, it reported that its device, the Hugo system, had been successful in clinical trials for urologic procedures. The company is now awaiting clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in that indication. Medtronic decided to pursue this opportunity precisely because it saw massive white space. A couple of years ago, management pointed out that less than 5% of procedures that could be performed with robotic assistance actually were at the time. The company is likely to seek additional approvals for its Hugo system. While it will take some time to have a meaningful impact, Medtronic's venture into this market could be an important addition over the long run for a company that has been struggling to grow its revenue at a satisfactory rate. Medtronic has made other changes to its business recently, including deciding to spin off its only consumer-facing segment, diabetes care, whose margins were lower than those of the rest of the business. Medtronic also faces tariff-related challenges, but the decision to separate from its diabetes unit should help. Furthermore, the company consistently delivers strong financial results despite economic and other challenges. That's due to its extensive and diversified portfolio of products across several therapeutic areas, and significant presence in 150 countries worldwide. Lastly, the company has a brilliant dividend track record; having increased its payouts for 48 consecutive years, it's closing in on Dividend King status. Medtronic's stock remains a top choice for income seekers, particularly given the significant growth opportunity its launch of the Hugo system is expected to provide. Should you invest $1,000 in Intuitive Surgical right now? Before you buy stock in Intuitive Surgical, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Intuitive Surgical wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $654,781!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,076,588!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,055% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 18, 2025 Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool recommends Medtronic and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $75 calls on Medtronic and short January 2026 $85 calls on Medtronic. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. A Rise In Surgical Robotics Could Send These 2 Healthcare Stocks Soaring was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data