An iSold It, e-commerce franchise has opened in Fargo at 5050 13th Ave. S., Suite 12.
Mark and Gretchen Ring are co-owners of the business, which helps customers and businesses sell or auction merchandise on eBay.
Services include item appraisals, professional photography, copywriting, listing, monitoring, answering bidder questions, payment processing, packaging and shipping.
The business also sells donated fundraiser items for nonprofit organizations.
The business employs five people part-time. For more information call (701) 367-3753 or e-mail service.nd0183@i-soldit.com .
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Minnesota law firms merge services
The Pemberton, Sorlie, Rufer & Kershner law firm of Fergus Falls, Minn., and the Hummel Law Firm of Detroit Lakes, Minn., have merged.
As a result, the Pemberton firm's 16 lawyers in Fergus Falls and Wadena, Minn., and Detroit Lakes attorney Lynn Hummel will join forces.
Hummel, who has practiced law in Detroit Lakes since 1961, will continue to manage that office. The combined firm will provide a full range of legal services in Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls and Wadena.
"Our size and regional practice has allowed us to provide a degree of specialized legal services not commonly found in rural areas," said partner Morrie Kershner.
The Pemberton, Sorlie, Rufer & Kershner regional law firm dates back to 1882.
Otter Tail first quarter 2006 strong
Otter Tail Corp. posted consolidated net income of $15 million for the first quarter of 2006, compared with $11.1 million in the same period in 2005.
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Per-share earnings increased to 50 cents for first quarter 2006 compared to 37 cents a year earlier.
"We are pleased with our exceptional first quarter operating results for 2006," said president and CEO John Erickson.
Net income increased in the corporation's electric and non-electric operations, he said.
Coal supply constraints due to rail transportation issues, and business cycle difficulties for its food ingredient processing business, will pose challenges in 2006, Erickson said.
Otter Tail Power Corp., with corporate offices in Fergus Falls, Minn. and Fargo, encompasses diversified industries including an electric utility, plastics, manufacturing, health services, food ingredient processing and other businesses.
Its stock trades on the NASDAQ exchange under ticker symbol OTTR.
Microsoft Business Solutions growing
Microsoft Business Solutions continued to show steady growth with third quarter revenue of $213 million.
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Total revenue was up 21 percent compared to the prior year and well above Microsoft's guidance for growth of about 16 percent.
"Microsoft Business Solutions reported a stellar quarter ... especially notable was our 28 percent growth in new license revenue, which far exceeds the current industry growth rates," Doug Burgum, senior vice president of MBS, said in a statement.
"This fact, and our 21 percent increase in total revenue, reflects the strong demand for our Microsoft Dynamics ERP and CRM solutions. "
Burgum also praised the work of channel partners and team members for their work.
Readers can reach Business Editor Craig McEwen at (701) 241-5502 and business reporter Teri Finneman at (701) 241-5560
