MINNEAPOLIS-Northwest Airlines creates 21,000 jobs, pays $1.2 billion in wages and spends $2 billion on flight-related goods and services, according to a study done by a joint task force of business and community leaders.

AUSTIN-Broadwing Communications has connected with Hotel Net Inc. in an $18-million deal to provide reservation and business services to 1,700 hotels nationwide. The Austin-based broadband provider maintains an 18,500-mile optical network.

ATLANTA-The nation's largest branded marketer of baby and toddler apparel, based in suburban Morrow, GA, is being sold in a deal valued at $450 million. Included in the deal are William Carter's 149 retail stores totaling an estimated three million sf. New York's Investcorp is Carter's partner.

AUSTIN-Advocates Advantage, a startup law firm consultant, has launched its office at the Schoolyard, situated along Bee Cave Road. Commercial Texas LLC and Kennedy-Wilson's Austin office have negotiated the sublease pact.