THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Saturday, May 13, 1995                 TAG: 9505130354
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: D1   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Daily Digest 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   24 lines

HAMPTON ROADS ECONOMY COOLS AS WEATHER WARMS

Local economic activity slowed during March for the first time since July 1994, according to the Hampton Roads Economic Performance Index. The index declined at a 0.8 percent annual rate compared with the revised February reading of 105.9. It reflected employment declines primarily in manufacturing and retail and wholesale trade. State economic activity paused during the same period. The Virginia Economic Performance Index remained unchanged at 107.6. The indices are constructed from seasonally adjusted jobs and wage data and work from a baseline of 100, which represents an average from 1989 to 1991. (Staff)

KEYWORDS: ECONOMY HAMPTON ROADS by CNB