SABEW offers training in covering how biz and government intersect

Reporters who want to learn more about federal data and the business of government are invited to be part of special immersion training be conducted by the Society of American Business Editors and Writers in January.

The weeklong session, Jan. 12-17, is thanks to a $50,000 donation from the Chicago-based Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Family Foundation. The training will bring journalists to Washington, D.C., to climb inside economic and labor data, hear firsthand from the Federal Reserve, and understand the differences in government and non-profit accounting.

Partners in the training are the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Bureau of Labor Standards, the Federal Reserve, Bloomberg Government and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Applications are now being taken. Deadline is Nov. 6.

The workshop will focus on data and accounting skills. Journalists will be able to work with experts at the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics to explore the large cache of data each agency produces, as well as understand its importance to readers.

SABEW and Goldschmidt Family Foundation board member Jim Goldschmidt are in discussions for continued work into 2014.

The 15 journalists will also get a special briefing from economists at the Federal Reserve, and training in regulatory affairs from editors at Bloomberg Government. Journalists from McClatchy’s Washington Bureau will also discuss covering the economy.

In addition, journalists will spend a day learning from experts at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Fifteen out-of-town participants will be selected to be fellows and will receive $400 scholarships to cover travel and food costs, in addition to receiving five nights of lodging at the George Washington Inn near the campus of George Washington University.

Two local participants (northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland) will receive $150 scholarships to cover commuting and food expenses. The participant or his/her employer is expected to cover any additional costs.

To become a fellow, send your resume and a 250-word cover letter to Warren Watson, SABEW executive director, at watson@sabew.org. In the letter, please state why you should be selected and what you hope to do with the information you learn.