ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, January 23, 1997             TAG: 9701230047
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B-5  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JEFF STURGEON

FED REPORT SAYS REGION SEES MODERATE GROWTH

Virginia's robust economy coasted in recent weeks, resulting in more moderate growth, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond said Wednesday.

Retailing business expanded and the commercial real estate market stayed strong, according to the bank's periodic survey of conditions in Virginia, West Virginia, the Carolinas and Maryland. ``Manufacturing activity was mixed and loan demand slackened," the report said.

Temporary employment agencies grappled with strong interest on the part of employers for workers but shortages of qualified help to send them.

At the stores, shoppers loaded their carts with more clothes but cashiers saw fewer computers coming through than in November.

Office buildings, vacant stores and industrial plants were in short supply in many areas studied by federal analysts.

A period of warm weather forced ski resorts to close entirely or reduce the number of open trails.

Farmers said the mild temperatures shrank the appetites of their cattle for hay, saving money. But rain delayed harvesting and pre-planting work. Falling dairy prices continued to force some small producers to call it quits.

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