By Josiah Cork, WV News
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Heading into 2023, the outlook is promising for West Virginia’s economy thanks to signs of positive momentum from sales, energy prices and upcoming developments.
“I’m feeling more and more positive for the economic outlook for West Virginia going into 2023. Retail sales through the holidays appear strong, although it’s a little early. … I’m basing this on having spoken to a number of retail owners who say that sales were very good, so if that is any indication, our economy is probably holding up very well,” said Steve Roberts, president of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.
“The fact that energy is so important in our economy and energy prices are strong and demand is high for energy should help West Virginia weather storms that are brought on by the national economy. We’re seeing strong demand for coal and strong prices. We didn’t have a rail strike, so goods are moving. … So from an energy point of view, the economy is looking really pretty good,” he said.
Thanks to recently announced projects, experts also predict more jobs from construction and manufacturing…