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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, March 21, 1993                   TAG: 9303220392
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: B-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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UPBEAT NEWS FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY

I HAVE noticed with keen interest recent news articles by your reporter George Kegley concerning past, present and future employment in the Roanoke Valley.

I would be remiss without sharing with you how pleased I am with the positive approach taken in presenting this information.

Such headlines as "Jobless rate improves," "Roanoke leading state in jobs," "Roanoke adding jobs" and "It's true: Roanoke is a job leader" show an invigorated focus on presenting the true facts.

With well-researched data, the articles are very informative, not only to your general readership, but also to those outside the area who are looking to do business in the valley.

Recently, in one instance, I shared these articles with an out-of-town developer considering a Roanoke project. Originally, the developer was very pessimistic after assessing our market. However, I am now confident that Kegley's information played an important role in the decision to go forward with a $6 million development.

This is proof that positive, upbeat reporting can, and did, produce welcome results in our community. DENNIS R. CRONK Waldvogel, Poe & Cronk ROANOKE

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