Minneapolis paper looking for new biz columnist

Nancy Barnes, the editor of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, writes Sunday about how the paper’s business columnist Eric Wieffering is taking on a new job in the newsroom, causing her to search for a new columnist for the business desk.

Barnes writes, “In other news, I’m both pleased and sorry to report that columnist Eric Wieffering will be leaving the business pages soon to take on a different role as assistant managing editor for local news.

“Wieffering has delivered provocative, thoughtful and knowledgeable columns for the business section, making him a must-read for the business community.

“That’s exactly what we asked of him when he returned to the paper in the fall of 2010, after a brief sojourn to the business world. Every columnist, whatever the specialty, has a unique style and voice, so I won’t promise readers that we will replace Wieffering’s column per se.

“But we will find another smart, thoughtful writer who understands business and who will make his or her own mark on the business page. That search is underway, and I hope to have someone new to introduce to you before long.”

Read more here.