Selections
BBER Overview
Research and analysis for decision-makers
The BBER mission is to provide the West Virginia community of business and public-sector decision makers with economic forecasts, applied research, and information on economic, demographic and business trends in the state and its regional economies. BBER provides business and economic development expertise, services, publications, and training to leaders throughout the state. BBER economists are widely quoted for their insightful research in state and regional news media.
Research capabilities
The BBER's areas of research expertise include economic development and impact studies, economic forecasting, industry studies, energy and environmental policy, benchmarking, labor market, public finance, international, and tourism. BBER has a staff of four Ph.D. economists and two masters level economists, augmented by seven Ph.D. graduate and two undergraduate research assistants.
Publications
The BBER makes its work easily available to the public in a variety of media. This website offers a list available studies, forecasts, county data profiles, and newsletters. BBER also publishes the West Virginia Business and Economic Research Review and the Morgantown MSA Monitor, both being electronic newsletters available free by email subscription. The county Data Profiles are updated annually for each of West Virginia's 55 counties, MSAs, and the state. The West Virginia Economic Outlook Program and the West Virginia Public Finance Programs within the BBER also provide additional publications and resources in this website.
Economic Outlook Conferences and Briefings
The BBER's West Virginia Economic Outlook program conducts ongoing analyses of important regional economic indicators in order to forecast upcoming trends in the economies of the state and the state's regions. The BBER conducts an annual state economic outlook conference in November and regional outlook conferences at various times during the year. At these conferences, BBER and national economists, along with industry and economic development professionals, provide information for sound policy decisions. Specialized briefings are also provided to the West Virginia legislature as well as industry and civic organization around the state.
