Dave Elbert is a columnist for Business Record.

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Good morning. My name is Dave Elbert. I’m the new guy at the Business Record.

Many of you know me from my 36 years at the Register and Tribune, the last 26 as a business writer, editor and columnist. I took early retirement in April, turned 65 in May, and now I’m ready to try something new.

I’ll be writing a weekly column for Connie Wimer, whom I’ve long admired.

My chief goal will be to provide insight you won’t find elsewhere.

I grew up in Ames and worked in Davenport before arriving in Des Moines in 1975. During my years here, I’ve gained the trust and respect of the business community. I’ll use those connections to provide background and perspective on issues as diverse as the ongoing redevelopment of downtown and health care in Iowa.

From time to time, I will introduce you to interesting people, such as Jan Gillum, the longtime top administrative aide to John Ruan.

I love history and will occasionally pass on things that strike me as pertinent or revelatory.

Unlike a lot of writers, you’ll find that I share few personal opinions. That’s because I learned long ago that there are lots of people who are smarter and more insightful than I am.

My job is to find those people and report their information in language that anyone can understand.

That’s what I intend to do for you.

Phone: (515) 988-3787
Email: DaveElbert@bpcdm.com
Twitter: @DavidCElbert

Links to my work:

• The Elbert Files: Caitlin Clark is pure joy
• The Elbert Files: Bicycle histories
• The Elbert Files: Model Ts made here
• The Elbert Files: The day my eye ‘burped’
• The Elbert Files: A century-old derecho?