Business Columnist

He moved to the Twin Cities and joined the Star Tribune in 2013. Ramstad previously worked for The Wall Street Journal in Seoul, Hong Kong and Dallas, and the Associated Press in New York, Washington and Dallas and briefly at the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He grew up in Grinnell, Iowa, where he got a start in journalism at radio station KGRN.


Ramstad: MSP Airport to get $1B upgrade next year, impressively without taxpayer money

At a cost similar to U.S. Bank Stadium — and free of political debate — MSP is able to pay for itself and grow according to market demands.


Ramstad: Minnesota companies' stocks are a microcosm for the U.S. market in 2023

Most Minnesota companies are underperforming a stock market that has effectively stalled for the last two years.


Ramstad: Minnesota is a car collectors' paradise, ranking 'friendliest' for the hobby

The state's car collectors are a large and varied group, encouraged by state policies. And now, they're getting ready for winter.


Ramstad: Delta's change to SkyMiles fixes a business problem and hurts a lot of us

Delta's focus on dollar spending for rewards makes sense, though it will end the thrill of the chase for many customers.


Ramstad: It's hard to accept, but America's dominance in global food trade is ending

Brazil now exports more corn than the U.S., another sign of strengthening competition in a basic industry.


Ramstad: Minneapolis' 2040 Plan mired in housing vs. environment clash among progressives

My question: Where does growth fit into the conversation for a city and region in desperate need of it?


Ramstad: In NFL stadiums, teams now watch fans more than fans watch games

The Vikings tailor their in-stadium experience on insights from a new breed of data firms that study crowds.


Ramstad: As colleges learn to navigate AI, a Hamline professor goes all in

Colleges are a key proving ground for the chatbots that may someday have a big impact on American business.


Ramstad: Readers scoff at rosy economic perceptions, ponder U hospital's future

High prices are painful, but something unexpected is going on as inflation falls without a big jump in unemployment.


Ramstad: Shift in U.S. trade policy targets problems narrowly, moves away from big deals

The U.S. isn't pursuing sweeping trade deals that tended to benefit farmers more than makers of other goods, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said during a visit to the Minnesota State Fair.