West Virginia Learning the Power of Web 2.0 Marketing

Traditional channels of reaching people are rapidly changing, and those organizations that discover, learn, and embrace today’s online technologies will surely be ahead of the curve. The Next Generation Marketing workshop series was designed to help business owners, marketing executives, and entrepreneurs unleash the power of Web 2.0 marketing tools, strategies and tactics. Sessions are scheduled across West Virginia on May 13 (Huntington), May 14 (Charleston), May 22 (Morgantown), and June 12 (Martinsburg).

‘Old-School’ Principles, New-School Strategies

Next Generation Marketing is a project envisioned by would-be competitors who recognized collaboration is more productive than isolation. They include Jeff James of Mythology, Justin Seibert of Direct Online Marketing, and Skip Lineberg of Maple Creative, each of which are West Virginia based businesses.

Next Generation Marketing addresses and examines several newfangled marketing strategies, while it brings an old-school approach with regard to business discipline. “Many people think marketing is void of accountability,” observed Lineberg, who is chief creative officer for Maple Creative and a contributor at aBetterWestVirginia. “Thanks to the Internet and especially the advent of many Web 2.0 tools, there has never been a more opportune time to create marketing programs that are fully accountable,” he added.

Become a Marketing ‘Rock Star’

The series will have a sort of “rock star” element as well, as the programming includes some of the state’s most successful and accomplished executives. “We want participants to really understand and embrace the applications for this new generation of marketing tactics. Rather than simply hearing from marketing consultants, like the three of us, participants will also get the straight scoop from successful folks in the private sector,” said James, in reference to scheduled speakers Elizabeth Pellegrin, chief marketing officer at Charleston Area Medical Center; Bill Rock, president and CEO of Snowshoe Mountain Resort; and Brad Howe, assistant athletic director at West Virginia University.

For more information visit www.marketingconference.org or call (877) 858-0982.

Meet West Virginia’s ‘Generation Next’ Recipients

Traditionally, much of West Virginia’s youth has emigrated to neighboring states in search of greater economic opportunities. However, an increasing number of young professionals and entrepreneurs are bucking that trend, instead choosing to build careers and futures in West Virginia.

The State Journal, a premier business and government publication in West Virginia, recently announced its 2008 Generation Next class, recognizing 40 professionals under age 40 from across the state. These individuals represent various industries and professions, and each person uniquely contributes to the state’s betterment. Some assist communities and schools, while others expand business capacity, market our destinations, govern our cities, and even sell us frozen lemonade. Congratulations to each of the Generation Next designees, and a sincere thanks for your efforts!

Recipients are encouraged to share their thoughts via comment. Why did you stay or move to West Virginia? How do you envision West Virginia 10 years from now? General thoughts are also welcome. Other readers, now is your chance to commend these people, as a colleague, friend, relative or simply an admirer. Now let’s start a discussion.

GENERATION NEXT 2008

• Roslyn Artis, Mountain State University, Beckley
• Matt Ballard, Charleston Area Alliance, Charleston
• Mark Bowe, Antique Cabins and Barns, Lewisburg
• Jeremy Bumgardner, Tri-County YMCA, Scott Depot
• Brian Canterbury, Mountaineer Packaging, Dunbar
• John Casey, Pray Construction Company, Scott Depot
• Julian Chipley, Chipley Chiropractic PLLC, Beckley
• Tammie Clark Alexander, Centra Bank Inc., Morgantown
• Thomas Cogar, Thomas Cogar Lumber Co., Webster Springs
• Kevin Craig, Natural Resources Partners L.P., Huntington
• Susan Llewellyn Deniker, Steptoe & Johnson, Clarksburg
• David Felinton, City of Huntington, Huntington
• John Forester, Mountainview Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, Morgantown
• J. Scott Freshwater, Reserve Oil & Gas Inc., Spencer
• Eric Goff, Hedgesville High School, Hedgesville
• Michael Haid, Maple Creative, Charleston
• Chris Hall, TSG Consulting, Beckley
• Ashley Paige Hardesty, Bowles Rice McDavid Graff & Love, Morgantown
• James “Mac” Heslep, Steptoe & Johnson, Clarksburg
• Larry Lambert, Lambert Excavating Inc., Matheny
• Juddson Lindley, M.D., Access Health, Beckley
• Chad Linton, W.Va. Department of Agriculture, Guthrie
• Kenneth “Tripp” Lowe III, The Federal Group, Shepherdstown
• Sherry Lucero, Raleigh County Commission on Aging, Beckley
• Gina Martino Dahlia, WVU Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism, Morgantown
• Michael Massinople, Mabscott Supply Co., Charleston
• Sean Mayberry, Lanham, O’Dell & Co., Hurricane
• Kevin Miller, Enervest-Eastern Division, Charleston
• Matthew Otto, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, New Martinsville
• Amy Pearson, St. George Medical Clinic, Parsons
• Joshua Pearson, Mountaineer Packaging, Dunbar
• Alex Reneman, Mountain Leverage, Grafton
• Chris Stadelman, The Parsons Advocate, Parsons
• Erikka Storch, Ohio Valley Steel, Wheeling
• James Brian Swiger, WYK Associates Inc., Clarksburg
• Jefferson Lee Triplett, Triplett & Triplett, Elkins
• Angela Walker, Young Chapel African Methodist Church, Huntington
• Annette Lynn Wallace, Orchard Park Child Care, Wheeling
• Chip E. Williams, Pullin Fowler Flanagan Brown & Poe, Beckley
• Robert Zuliani, Zul’s Frozen Lemonade, Buckhannon

W.Va. Expatriate Returns to Share Leadership Insights

One tremendous aspect of making West Virginia better is leadership. We need more leaders from within that act as ambassadors for the state outside our jagged boundaries.

One such person is Brad Smith. He’s representing West Virginia extremely well as president and CEO of Intuit Corp. Perhaps you’ve heard of this software giant? If you are using TurboTax, Quicken or QuickBooks, you are already a customer.

Mr. Smith will share his life lessons on leadership as keynote speaker for the Charleston Area Alliance’s Annual Celebration, May 6. Upon joining Intuit, Brad experienced a meteoric and battle-tested rise to the top. Serving in each of the company’s five business units over an intensive, five-year period, he became known within Intuit as the person who could “sell” change to employees. Getting several hundred employees to embrace and accept new programs, new ways of doing things, and new ideas can be extremely difficult.

It never ceases to amaze me how many corporate leaders come from West Virginia! Brad Smith is a native of Kenova, W.Va. After attending Marshall University, he completed graduate studies at Aquinas College in Michigan, and his prior corporate experiences include positions at Pepsi, ADP and Advo. His full bio is available here.

If you are interested in this learning and networking opportunity register here.

‘Rock in Love Tour’ Benefits West Virginia’s Homeless

April 28 has been a wet, chilly, and dreary day in many parts of West Virginia. Such days are particularly trying for the state’s homeless population. With that in mind, know that this weekend you can help provide for the homeless, and enjoy live music, food and community during the “Rock in Love Tour,” with events scheduled for Ravenswood, Charleston and Clarksburg from May 2 through May 4.

The events will feature various regional bands along with special guest Brandt the Homeless Evangelist. There is no charge for admittance, but attendees are asked to donate new socks, underwear, pillows, blankets and hygiene products. Area shelters and missions will be on hand to collect and distribute the items.

The tour is coordinated by The Bridge, an outreach ministry in Jackson County. Feel free to peruse the below bands and pass along this link to others.

‘Rock in Love Tour’ Schedule

May 2 - Ravenswood, W.Va., Riverfront Park, 5 to 10 p.m.

• Featuring The Bravos, from Columbus, Ohio | The Apprentice, Huntington, W.Va. | Hi-Fi Horizon, Columbus, Ohio | In a Different Light, Letart, W.Va. | Though She Wrote, Columbus, Ohio.

May 3 - Charleston, W.Va., Davis Park, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Featuring Holden Caulfield, from Huntington, W.Va. | Liecus, Parkersburg, W.Va. | Doctor Senator, Charleston, W.Va. | In a Different Light | Fairweather Fan, Hurricane, W.Va. | The Apprentice | Though She Wrote | The Bravos | Hi-Fi Horizon.

May 4 - Clarksburg, W.Va., Clarksburg Mission, 2 to 9 p.m.

• Featuring Liecus | Walking Out Blind, from Morgantown, W.Va. | Neocracy, Kentucky | In a Different Light | Sunday Obsession, Harpers Ferry, W.Va. | Though She Wrote

W.Va. Learning from Ireland’s Ecotourism Practices

By Todd Beane

Ecotourism and sustainable tourism are new buzz words in an industry that is taking greater notice of society’s environmental impact. Responsible travel to natural areas helps conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people. Broken down into simple terms, ecotourism is the concept that tourism revenue can promote conservation.

A team from West Virginia State University Extension and the Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute recently returned from exploring ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices in Ireland, a European pioneer of such efforts.

Ecotourism is about connecting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. It is travel which is low-impact, culturally sensitive, community-oriented, primarily nature-based, and educational. It should not only broaden people’s minds and enliven their souls, but provide a unique experience, firmly grounded in sustainable principles and practices.

The ecotourism movement is in an early stage of development in the United States, while several European countries have established award winning programs that assist small towns in generating sustainable revenue streams. In Ireland, the Greenbox serves as an ideal model.

Ireland: A European Version of West Virginia

Looking out the windows in West Virginia, we see rough hills with rocks lodged on the mountain sides, deep hollows where a little stream might run down. The northwest country side of Ireland, where we spent much of our time, is in fact the “European West Virginia.” Upon seeing their landscape, it was easy to understand why every person we met knew “Country Roads” word for word, and they feel a true affinity for our hills and our culture.

We discovered several tourism offerings that could be duplicated in West Virginia, such as archeology holidays where travelers observe ancient burial ruins; health and wellness retreats including yoga, detox, reflexology, workshops and day spa packages; organic gardening and cooking training including information and demonstrations of organic growing, farming, and hands-on cooking courses; cycling holidays for adventurous travelers to experience the extensive trail systems around lakes, rivers, passing through dense woods and country parks. An exciting cultural program called “Arts in the Greenbox” lets tourists experience museums, festivals, poetry, music, performance, and literary arts. Families wanting to see nature first hand can take part in mountain climbing, cave exploration, boat trips, water sports, and fishing. West Virginia, as well as many parts of the U.S., could easily create similar sustainable attractions.

Education Key to Ecotourism

The key to preserving our state’s historical assets and natural beauty through this new phase of tourism is education. Teaching people to both appreciate and respect West Virginia’s culture and natural beauty, this is our charge. With thorough and widespread public education, sustainable tourism will can bring lasting development to the state and minimize environmental impacts.

When developed correctly, ecotourism can support the cultural and natural elements of the state, while producing new employment opportunities and forward-thinking within the industry.

Your thoughts are welcome here.

– Beane is marketing specialist at West Virginia State University’s Gus R. Douglass Institute. See their blog.

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