There’s good reason for that. The three direct the economic development agencies — the Jefferson County Port Authority, the Appalachian Project for Economic Growth and the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle — that are working to bring business to the area and help kick our economy into high gear.

It’s appropriate, then, that they share their thoughts about cooperation and keeping an eye on the future in the first installment of our annual progress edition, which which will be included inside today’s newspaper.

Progress 18: Pride. Purpose. Prosperity is the title of our comprehensive examination of the Tri-State Area, which will be delivered in five sections this year. Today’s installment offers an in-depth look at the region’s economy, with a focus on energy. On Feb. 9, you will be able to read about what’s new in our communities, as well as what’s planned in the retail and financial services sectors. Tourism and lifestyle will be the topics of the Feb. 16 edition, while the focus shifts to health and education on Feb. 23. Our final installment, scheduled to be delivered with the Feb. 28 editions, will cover business, industry and transportation around the region.

Plus, each section will include profiles of many of the local businesses whose owners work hard each day to help improve the quality of life for everyone in our region.

The stories are positive — they show us that there are plenty of good things happening, and reason to think that the coming years hold much promise.

It’s a message we are once again happy to be able to share.

http://www.weirtondailytimes.com/opinion/editorials/2018/02/theres-progress-in-our-region/