
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, June 6, 1994                    TAG: 9406040152 
SECTION: BUSINESS WEEKLY                     PAGE: 9    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BUSINESS WEEKLY STAFF 
DATELINE: 940606                                 LENGTH: Short

LAST WEEK: SIGNS OF STRENGTH

{LEAD} The Hampton Roads economy may be entering a sustainable expansion after moving in fits and starts for several years, a regional economist said.

Encouraged by the April employment numbers, Virginia Wesleyan College professor David G. Garraty said the local economy appears to be growing at a steady pace despite ongoing defense cuts.

{REST} An index compiled by Garraty that measures economic performance in Hampton Roads rose in April for the third straight month. The index, based on monthly job and wage data, rose an annual rate of 3.2 percent in April.

``I'm getting a little more optimistic heading into the summer. I think we are gearing up for a good tourist season,'' Garraty said.

by CNB