New Minnesota Commissioner Appointed

Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has appointed Jim Bernstein as state commerce commissioner. Bernstein has been temporary commissioner since February.

In addition to insurance, the Commerce Department regulates banks and other financial and securities businesses. It also licenses residential building contractors, roofers, cosmetologists, notaries, appraisers and abstractors.

Since last September, the department has incorporated the former Public Service Department with its divisions of energy, telecommunications and weights and measures.