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Keep the jobs market momentum going

Though our region has not yet recovered from the substantial reduction in its workforce experienced in the wake of the financial crisis of the mid-2000s, there are bright spots in a look at the most recent numbers.

In the Parkersburg-Marietta Metropolitan Statistical Area, the civilian workforce was 40,805 in 2008, and 38,462 in 2017. On one hand, a smaller workforce may be a factor in relatively good June 2018 unemployment numbers — 5.6 percent. But another factor is the recovery in the employment market, which is beginning to pick up speed.

“I’ve never seen so many help wanted signs, and that’s a good sign,” said Jim Black, of Beverly, a former director of the port authority. “People are hiring.”

Our region’s willingness to diversify its economy, a little entrepreneurial boldness and a shift in goals for post-secondary education away from costly four-year degree programs, are bearing fruit.

“There’s a prevailing image that everyone in Appalachia works in a factory, but the reality is our region is filled with vibrant medium and small businesses,” said Bret Allphin, development director for the Buckeye Hills Regional Council. “I’m encouraged because we have a long heritage of arts and culture, and that’s been an important sector of business but now it’s being taken to the next level, with revitalization of downtown areas, small businesses and the kind of diversity to insulate us against future fluctuations in the market.”

Bravo, to those who are daring to step outside the box — who did not give up on our economy, and saw opportunity rather than a reason to run.

The trick now, of course, is to keep that kind of momentum going.

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