WEIRTON – The Weirton and Steubenville area ranked third in the nation when it comes to job growth in the construction field, according to a release from the Business Development Corporation on Wednesday. The Associated General Contractors report found a gain of 16 percent, which equated to 300 jobs, between November 2015 and November 2016. The other top three markets were all in the west: Boise City, Idaho; El Centro, California; and Albany, Oregon. Hancock, Brooke and Jefferson Counties are what makes up the Weirton-Steubenville Metropolitan Area, according to the release. “The Weirton-Steubenville Metropolitan Area strong construction job growth has outpaced the vast majority of metro areas over the past two years,” said Patrick Ford, Executive Director of the Business Development Corporation. “This great news is sending a message across the country that the Ohio River Valley is one of the best places for businesses to grow and create new opportunities. By creating strong partnerships and making strategic investments, we have been able to diversify our economy, increase investments, and stabilize the unemployment rate,” he continued. Construction projects in all three counties contributed to the growth, including projects in Weirton, Newell, Chester, Wellsburg, Beech Bottom, and Steubenville. BDC Board Chairman William D'Alesio said the BDC looks forward to continuing success with its partners in the coming months. “The Ohio River Valley is one of the best places in the region to get a good job. We are diligent in our efforts to create partnerships that encourage economic opportunities and position our tri-county area as a great place for business,” he said.
http://www.yourohiovalley.com/story/34142568/weirton-steubenville-metropolitan-ranks-third-in-construction-job-growth