Biz writer Gerdel among those taking Plain Dealer buyout

Longtime Cleveland Plain Dealer business writer Tom Gerdel is among those on the editorial staff of the paper who is taking a buyout offer and leaving the paper, according to a story in Wednesday’s paper.

Reporter Teresa Dixon Murray wrote, “The newspaper will definitely feel the loss of some of its veterans, [Editor Doug] Clifton said, particularly reporters who have been covering Greater Cleveland for decades.

“A perfect example, he said, is 43-year veteran business reporter Tom Gerdel, who covers manufacturing and has extensive knowledge about the business community. Clifton said Gerdel has built up ‘a Rolodex of names and a lifetime of trust.’

“‘You always hate to see institutional knowledge go,’ said Clifton, who became The Plain Dealer’s editor in 1999. ‘On the upside, a fresh eye is sometimes helpful.'”

Read more here. Gerdel was known for his coverage of manufacturing and the steel industry. In 2005, he was part of a team of Plain Dealer reporters who won a SABEW Best in Business award for breaking news. He was also part of teams from the Plain Dealer in 2001, 2002 and 2003 that won a SABEW Best in Business award for breaking news or spot news.