July 19 Daily News editorial

Economists say the end of this recession, the nation’s longest since World War II, may still be several months away. But the economic news already is staging a minor turnaround — from unrelentingly bad to mostly good — encouraging us to think the recession’s end is in sight. We are especially encouraged by local reports of hiring, construction and other indications of a strengthening economy.

Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging Co., which has eliminated 40 percent of its workforce since the start of the recession in 2007, has begun hiring again. Improved sales at Fibre allowed the company to hire 25 workers in late June. On Tuesday, Daily News business writer Erik Olson reported that Fibre will hire 16 to 20 more workers by mid-August.

Of course, the new hires don’t begin to offset the pulp and paper job losses over the past year. Government figures show that the paper industry in Cowlitz County has shed 300 jobs in the last year. Still, any new hiring is welcome — as are indications of a stronger market for Fibre products. Olson reports that orders for container board have jumped in the last four months and paper Fibre produces for cement bags also is selling well.

Another piece of good news for the local economy is Wal-Mart’s recent announcement that it will break ground next month on a new, 150,000-square-foot SuperCenter in Longview. Construction of the Longview SuperCenter and another SuperCenter Wal-Mart will build in Woodland should give a significant boost to the local economy. One the stores open, in about a year’s time, the county should see the addition of hundreds of jobs. Wal-Mart SuperCenters feature a full grocery store, drive-through pharmacy and garden center. The two stores in Cowlitz County are expected to create a total of from 600 to 700 jobs.

The Port of Longview and two local companies also may see more work in the near future handling garbage from Hawaii on its way for disposal east of the Cascades. Honolulu city officials raised objections to the arrangement on Thursday. But if the shipments proceed as planned, the local economy will benefit. “It’s more hours for the local longshoremen and it is better utilization of our Berth 7 area,” Port of Longview Executive Director Ken O’Hollaren told Daily News city editor Andre Stepankowsky this week. “It’s very compatible with our facilities and represents a regular service. It’s a very positive development for the port.” The agreement also is positive development for Daybreak Transportation and Rail Transfer and Brusco Tug & Barge. Both Longview companies will be providing their services in the shipment of the garbage containers.

Cowlitz County’s jobless rate declined slightly in both May and June. Given these many bright spots on the economic horizon, there seems good reason to think that two-month decline could signal the start of a trend.