JESSICA HARPER ERIN JOHNSON DERRICK WILLIAMS
Local business brings ‘hope’ to those in need 2A Six new stores open at Promenade in Eagan 5A Molly Cool’s becomes Lakeville destination 12A
dakotacountytribune.biz dakotacountytribune.biz
DATE ##, 2009 FEBRUARY 25, 2010
VOLUME 30, NUMBER # VOLUME 30, NUMBER 52
Dakota County Tribune Since 1884
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Phone, cable firms offer TV shows via computer
INSIDE BIZ FORUM
Local companies are launching new Web sites that offer online television
It’s time for Republicans and Democrats to negotiate to lower prescription drug prices under Medicare Part D. AMY 4A KLOBUCHAR
by Jessica Harper DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Every weekend, David Westman of Apple Valley watches his favorite stand-up comics on Comedy Central. But like a growing number of Americans, Westman doesn’t sit in front of the television – he goes online. “I usually don’t have time to watch it on Friday nights, and can catch up later online,� Westman said. According to a 2008 study by Integrated Media Measurement Inc., a San Mateo, Calif.-based company that conducts consumer research for advertising, radio, television and other businesses, 20 percent of prime time television viewers are watching some shows online. Cable, telephone and Internet providers are tuning in and beginning to launch their own sites tailored to online viewing. Frontier Communications, which provides phone, Internet services and satellite-television service, is the latest company to jump on the bandwagon. It joined forces with Hulu and Amazon to launch Myfitv. com on Feb. 7, Super Bowl Sunday. “This gives an alternative to people based on their lifestyles,� said John Lass, regional general manager of Frontier in Burnsville. “We pride ourselves in trying to do new and innovative things, and expand our customer base.� Myfitv.com offers a variety of free movies, television shows, 2010 Winter Olympics coverage and local news. Viewers can search by interest. For instance, they can find recipes from specific chefs on Food Network, Lass said. Myfitv also offers pay-per-view movies. Frontier is one of several local companies offering TV on
BEST PRACTICES
Organizations are creating, maintaining and sharing vast amounts of data everyday, and must protect it. JON HALLBERG 5A BUSINESS 101
COCO DUGAN EARLY
See TV, Page 6A
Color is a critically important factor in any business decision related to marketing and branding a product or service. 6A
CAPITOL COMMERCE
TIM BUDIG
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After 21 years in the Minnesota Senate, Sen. Pariseau of Farmington decided to retire. 8A
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Photo by Jessica Harper
From top to bottom are Fancast.com, Myfitv.com and Charter.net.
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General 952-894-1111 Distribution 952-846-2070 Advertising 952-846-2011
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David Westman of Apple Valley is an example of the growing number of Americans who watch television programming online. Cable providers are launching their own sites to compete with sites such as Hulu and YouTube.
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