Minneapolis/St. Paul Biz Journal senior reporter leaving for bank

Sam Black, a senior reporter at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal covering real estate, manufacturing and economic development, is leaving the newspaper for a job at U.S. Bank.

His last day at the paper is Aug. 29. He starts Aug. 30 at U.S. Bank, as external communications manager.

“I’m super sad about leaving the daily rush of journalism that I’ve experienced over the past 20 years,” said Black in an email to Talking Biz News. “I’ll miss my fellow journalists and sources a ton, but personally and professionally it’s just time to make a change.  I have always had a lot of respect for U.S. Bank and I’ve landed in a good position, where I can learn that side of the business with some solid industry vets who do great work.”

Black has been with the paper for 16 years. Since 2006, he has assisted with the Business Journal’s news internship program recruiting and hiring and he’s also edited special stories and projects as needed. Editor Dirk DeYoung will pick up the internship program while reporter Nick Halter will take on most of Black’s beats.

In 2014, Black was one of four winners of the Above the Fold award from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication given annually to graduates under 40 who are making an impact in their profession. Also in 2014, he received first place awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors and from the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists.

Black also spent three years at the Grand Forks Herald. He’s a graduate of the University of Minnesota.