Biz journalist says goodbye

Rick Haglund, the business and auto writer for the Booth Newspapers in Michigan, writes about how he decided to become a business journalist as he leaves the position.

Haglund writes, “As a city hall reporter in Traverse City nearly 30 years ago, it became apparent to me the economy was at least as important to citizens as the actions being taken by public officials in all those mind-numbing meetings I was covering.

“Businesses were closing and workers were losing their jobs as the region’s real estate and energy booms went bust. A venerable local bank failed. Folks were debating how it all went so wrong. (Sound familiar?)

“That led me into a fascinating career covering Michigan’s economy and its businesses. That career has come to an official end, although I plan to keep writing on business-related issues.

“People often thank their mothers when they get to this stage of life, and mine has been crucial to whatever success I’ve had as a journalist.

“She finds business stories mostly boring. That challenged me to write in a clear, compelling and understandable language, not an easy task in the jargon-laden business world.

“I didn’t always pass the Mom test — and she often let me know when I didn’t — but trying to meet her standard of what makes for a good story has served me well.”

Read more here.