WHEELING - They're either in the red or seeking to stay in the black. Either way, local leaders are looking to the White House and the incoming Obama administration for an economic stimulus in 2009.
Local leaders said the coming year will undoubtedly present challenges, but they also believe opportunities for growth will present themselves in 2009.
"It's going to be the most challenging time in steel history - with where the economy is right now and where we are as an industry," said John Saunders, a contract coordinator with the United Steelworkers union. Saunders said three things have to happen if the steel industry is to become viable again and reach full employment levels, and all three could be affected by an economic stimulus package being proposed by President-elect Barack Obama.
Saunders said the auto industry must be "brought back" and receive a financial infusion from the federal government so that it will again place steel orders. Also, the housing industry must be revived so there is a need for steel plating, and banks need to extend more credit to businesses so there is more opportunity "for big buildings" and the use of steel.
Saunders also noted there are many steel buyers who would like to place steel orders but can't until next quarter because their banks have reduced their lines of credit.
"We probably have not seen the worst of how bad it could be for the steel industry," Saunders said. "But I do see some tremendous opportunities ahead."
In the interim, Saunders said, he and other union leaders are lobbying Congress to place "American-made only" language in any economic stimulus plan, requiring that projects receiving these dollars utilize U.S. products.
"We can't put a stimulus package in that will create opportunity for imports," he said. "If we could get this language, it could be the biggest shot in the arm we've had in years for Wheeling Nisshin and Wheeling Corrugating."
"It's at the top of Obama's list, and this is going to bode well for West Virginia," he said. "We will see significant opportunities in the energy field and rapid initiatives that will lead to infrastructure improvements."
For example, a project to extend Interstate 68 from Morgantown to Marshall County has "been on the boards for 20 years," according to Kessler.
Kessler said West Virginia's state budget is going to be a challenge in 2009, adding that "anytime there is a crisis, there is an opportunity for change and advancement."
"We can make energy here, and we're poised and positioned to weather this storm," Kessler said of the Mountain State. "We could actually be a national leader in new administration's energy initiatives."
"We still have some of the best sites in the valley to develop," Mason said.
One of those sites is the Marshall County Industrial Park in Benwood, where Consol Energy Inc. has proposed a coal-to-liquids plant. Construction of the facility was put on hold after Consol's initial partner, Synthesis Energy Systems, has pulled out of the project.
"Our understanding is that Consol is continuing with plans to find a partner for its CTL plant," Mason said. "It's something we're all hoping for."
If not, it's likely the state will have to cut vital services to residents to overcome the shortfall, he noted.
"We will touch everything if we have to cut $7 billion," Domenick said. "And if you want me to vote, everybody will have to be cut the same."
Any reductions also should include cuts to legislative pay, according to Domenick. In past legislative sessions, he has proposed bills advocating cuts to his salary and those of his colleagues but was unsuccessful.
"Now the Democrats are in the majority in the Ohio House," he said. "This will get more than one hearing."
He sees Ohio as a center for energy production, as well as a place where items needed for the industry can be manufactured.
"Opportunities and challenges are both on the same page," he said. "We are continuing to move forward with economic development, to make the county a better place to raise a family and to offer opportunities.
"The economic situation is not just here, but is a national situation," he added. "When you see the major carmakers going before Congress to ask for a bailout, it's a light to what's going on nationwide."
And the national economic problems are trickling down to the Northern Panhandle and the tri-state area, he said.
"Growth at The Highlands in 2009 probably will not be as large - and be a little more hand-picked - as things are slowing down to some degree," he continued. "I'd like to see the theme park (the planned Wild Escape) take off. ... As you sit back and look at it, I think we've done a pretty good job there. We're still looking at light industrial businesses for there, and our eyes and ear are always open. But it has to be a fit for the folks who live here."