Puyallup City Manager Gary McLean announced today that longtime business columnist Dan Voelpel has been hired as the city’s new economic development director.

Voelpel began writing business columns for The News Tribune in May 2003, and served as Communications Supervisor at the City of Tacoma from July 1991 to May 2003. Voelpel will begin his job at the City of Puyallup on June 15.

“Dan’s regional contacts, insight, background and energy make him the right choice for Puyallup,” said McLean in a statement. “For the last six years, while working for The News Tribune, Dan developed a deep understanding of economic issues facing the South Sound. Prior to that, his twelve years working in the Tacoma City Manager’s office gave him the government experience that is essential for this job.”

“If you look around the Puget Sound region for cities with the greatest upside, Puyallup tops the list and has positioned itself as a desirable destination for a wide range of business and investment opportunities,” Voelpel added. “Puyallup has a forward-thinking municipal team which I’m proud to join. By adding my experience in public relations, marketing Tacoma as America’s No. 1 Wired City, and six years involved in regional business issues, I expect we will accomplish great things for the people of Puyallup.”