Workforce WV has released employment numbers for September 2017. The overall results of this report are quite positive and show that the state economy is recovering nicely. When comparing September 2017 to September 2016, total non-farm payroll employment grew by 3,000 jobs. Several sectors also saw strong improvement during the same timeframe: Mining & Logging: +3,100, Construction: +900, Education & Health Services: +3,400, Lei-sure & Hospitality: +400.While manufacturing was down from this point last year, there is a strong gain of 400 jobs in industry in September over past August. The data release from Workforce WV is only one part of the picture. The past few months have seen significant economic development announcements in our state; which includes several new investment announcements by N3, PPD of WV One, U.S. Methanol, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Hino Motors Manufacturing, Niche Polymer, Solvay, and Armstrong Flooring.
The state Chamber of Commerce reports that our state has made tremendous progress in recent years, and the West Virginia Legislature is to be recognized and commended for its commitment to building a business climate dedicated to job growth. The 2017 economic data for West Virginia shows:
- The state’s gross domestic product was second in the nation for the first quarter.
- Coal production increased 24 percent in the last 12 months.
- Natural gas production reached an all-time high.
- Numerous national and international companies have announced expansions in WV in recent months.
