Eastern Panhandle economy focus of WVU conference Oct. 24

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - What does the future hold for West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle?

West Virginia University economists will present the latest updates on the region's economic performance and a look at the future at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Martinsburg Holiday Inn.

The Eastern Panhandle Economic Outlook Conference will open with a welcome by Henry Kayes, president of Centra Bank.

George Hammond, director of the West Virginia Economic Outlook Project in WVU's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, will examine the outlook for the region, including job trends, income and population.

Tom Witt, bureau director, will moderate a leadership panel discussing issues relevant to the Eastern Panhandle.

Panelists will be:

* Roger Eitelman, president and chief executive officer, WVU Hospitals-East

* Jane Peters, executive director, Jefferson County Development Authority

* Manny Arvon, superintendent of schools, Berkeley County Board of Education

* John Finamore, senior vice president of regional operations, Penn National Gaming Inc.

Steve Sears, Milan Puskar Dean of the WVU College of Business and Economics, will give closing remarks.

The free luncheon and conference is sponsored by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research in WVU's College of Business and Economics and Centra Bank. Co-sponsors are Gateway New Economy Council and the economic development authorities of Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties.

The conference is open to the public, and registration is required by Oct. 20. Continuing education credits are available from the West Virginia Insurance Commission, West Virginia Real Estate Commission and WVU.

For more information and to register, e-mail patricia.mcdade@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-7831.