WVU College of B&E to sponsor Eastern Panhandle Economic Outlook conference

MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia's eastern panhandle continues to add jobs and residents, but how will the local economy cope with slower residential construction?

This question and others will be addressed at the Eastern Panhandle Economic Outlook Conference 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Martinsburg Holiday Inn located at 301 Foxcroft Ave., Martinsburg.

Sponsored by the West Virginia University College of Business and Economics, the conference will feature George Hammond, associate director of the WVU Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER), who will discuss the forecast for West Virginia's eastern panhandle jobs, income and population.

Hammond, an associate professor of economics at WVU, has directed the West Virginia Economic Outlook project for more than a decade. He has a doctorate in business economics from Indiana University.

"Regional Perspectives and Issues," a panel discussion by area business and economic development leaders will follow Hammond's forecast, led by Tom Witt, BBER director.

The conference is free, however registration is required. To register, call 304-293-7884.

The event is underwritten by Centra Bank and co-sponsored by Gateway New Economy Council and the Economic Development Authorities of Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties.