Pioneer Press biz columnist Dave Beal retiring

St. Paul Pioneer Press business columnist David Beal is retiring after 25 years at the paper, according to a memo. His column will end after June 30.

The memo, sent to Talking Biz News, from business editor Doug Iverson reads, “Technically, he has decided to retire. While that requires some paper work and means we won’t be seeing his column on a regular basis after June 30, Dave has agreed to remain with us in a more limited role as an occasional contributor. Dave has been a franchise player for the Pioneer Press for 25 years. He came here as business editor and moved into more reputable work as a full-time columnist.

“He has taken big players down a few pegs when they deserved it and lauded folks when they got it right, winning numerous awards and a wide following along the way. He also managed to find time to write a book, represent the paper at scores of events and–every three or four years–even take a stab at cleaning his desk.”

Beal was known for his recent coverage of the UnitedHealthcare stock options scandal recently and for detailing the concerns of businessmen about St. Paul’s mayor.

In an e-mail from Iverson, he notes that the paper is looking for a columnist to replace Beal.

Beal, in an e-mail, said, “In various ways, it’s more like semi-retirement. I have a deal now to keep the column going about twice a month for the Pioneer Press. I’m exploring other gigs and I expect to continue on a couple of boards including another term as a director of the Minnesota SPJ chapter.

“Also, I should tell you that we are posting jobs here at the PP, now that we are no longer a KR orphan. One that Doug Iverson posted this week is for a line-drive, knock-em-out-of-the park biz reporter. Another that will be posted soon is for a general interest biz columnist, my job. We are not a dying newspaper. This is a great place to live and a great regional business center — biz stories are everywhere here.”