Geek Squad founder Robert Stephens delivered the keynote speech at a local technology conference last night with "a Yoda-like blend of wisdom and comic relief," writes Finance and Commerce. Among his speech topics: how "a company is a for-profit cult," how he came up with the idea to use those VW Beetles, and why hygiene is a core value.

TheStreet.com press critic Marek Fuchs fumes: "They just don't get Best Buy!" In the video below, Fuchs praises the honest language in Best Buy's statement this week about the state of retail spending. But he bashes the business media for over-hyping the word "seismic" and overlooking the fact Best Buy is a quality company that's been gaining market share this fall.

 

 

The parent company of Creative Memories in St. Cloud has filed for bankruptcy. The company sells things like photo albums and scrapbooking materials (otherwise known as "the memory celebration industry," in the company's own words). For the moment, the company isn't expecting any job losses. The Business Journal reports Creative Memories employs about 500 people in St. Cloud.

News you probably heard already: Auto giant Denny Hecker is suing Chrysler Financial Services for cutting off his line of credit. Parts of his business might be forced into bankruptcy as soon as this week. And Delta Air Lines says it might be willing to commit to keeping certain business activities in Minnesota if the state doesn't force it to repay a $245 million debt now, rather than later. The financing was contingent on Northwest maintaining its headquarters in Minnesota.

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