REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the annual Wheeling Area Chamber Economic Outlook Conference! This conference brings business and community leaders together to share economic data and insightful perspectives that will educate and inform decision-makers who are working to advance the state and regional economies.


We look forward to sharing updates on the global, national, and regional economies, while considering several economic development challenges and opportunities we are facing.


The Economic Outlook Conference will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022. The conference takes place at Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack from 7:15 am to Noon. The event kicks off with networking and breakfast, followed by two presentations and two panel discussions. A flyer and agenda are attached. Continuing professional education credits will be offered.
This year’s speakers include:

  • David H. McKinley, CFP – President and Chief Investment Officer at McKinley Carter Wealth Services
    • In this session, David will share whether trends in national and global economies are likely to advance or hinder West Virginia businesses. David will address the current state of national and global economies and financial markets as well as their outlook.
  • John Deskins, Ph.D. – Assistant Dean and BBER Director at West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics
    • In this session, John will discuss recent economic performance in West Virginia and present a forecast for how the state will perform over the next five years. John will also address both economic development challenges and opportunities in West Virginia.

Panel discussions will cover manufacturing and energy and will include the following regional stakeholders:

  • Josh Jefferson, Regional Economic Development Partnership (Moderator)
  • Mike Howard, Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
  • Joe Eddy, Eagle Manufacturing (Retired)
  • Nathan Lord, Shale Crescent
  • Beri Fox, Marble King
  • Rebecca McPhail, West Virginia Manufacturers Association
  • Greg Kozera, Shale Crescent
  • Charlie Burd, West Virginia Energy
  • Jerry James, Artex Oil
  • Jeff Kotula, Washington County PA Chamber of Commerce

Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.


For questions or more information, call the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce at 304-233-2575.

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