The Emergence of West Virginia’s Creative Economy
Written by Jason Keeling on November 29, 2007
West Virginia has always possessed many forward-thinkers, but 2007 could mark a turning point in the state’s cultural and economic future. A significant number of community, business, and opinion leaders are shifting from traditional approaches to development given the realization that a “new economy” has arrived, and if measures are not taken to adapt, many residents could face dwindling opportunities.
The inaugural Create W.Va. Conference brought together over 250 individuals who were ready to embrace their role as agents of change, in fields such as technology, the arts, tourism, marketing, and research & development. “It’s about challenging your assumptions of how great West Virginia can be in the 21st century. It’s about building new opportunities for all of us at the local level,” stated conference organizer Jeff James in his welcome message.
Sessions engaged participants to identify their community’s assets, challenges, ideal futures, and means to cultivate small businesses and attract emerging industries. Attendees have been invited to add their thoughts below on what conversations impressed and excited them most, in addition to sharing how their organizations are helping to create aBetterWestVirginia.
Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, Government, Tourism, West Virginia
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November 30th, 2007 at 12:00 am
What a great mix of talented and diverse people! It was a tremendous three days. I look forward to what we will do together!
November 30th, 2007 at 12:12 am
I was almost overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available at the conference. I was inspired.
November 30th, 2007 at 12:45 am
I was most inspired to return to my community and work on engaging our youth in the decision making processes in our community. If we are trying to build a future for our youth in West Virginia we had better start listening to the youth of West Virginia. Next year I am going to bring my 16 year old daughter.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Our biggest concern after this groundbreaking conference is to provide the right kind of follow up support. We all know there have been efforts through the years to improve things, but most have fizzled. How do we keep the momentum going? How do we stand with communities who are ready to move forward and provide them with the ongoing support?
How do we do “Extreme Makeover: New Economy Edition”?
November 30th, 2007 at 9:38 am
The Conference had such an amazing energy… it was so great to see ‘change hungry’ West Virginians getting the tools they need to improve their communities. The emphasis on entrepreneurship, youth involvement and developing a progressive sense of place really hit home with me. And what a great opportunity to make wonderful new friends and visit with old ones!
November 30th, 2007 at 9:48 am
I concur that the Create WV Conference provided a wealth of information and resources. The program addressed a wide variety of issues and needs. Throughout the conference we talked to many individuals both in session discussions and informally. It would be so helpful in efforts to move forward to have contact information for both presenters and attendees. There are many people that might become partners, provide assistance, or increase opportunities for collaboration. The diversity of the program and attendees allows for thinking outside the limited scope of some organizations.
November 30th, 2007 at 10:20 am
What an incredible time to be a West Virginian!!!!!! The beauty and possibilities of this state have been downplayed and misrepresented for so many generations! It is exhilarating to be a part of the momentum that will utilize the timing of multiple world, technological, and cultural shifts that find us poised on the cusp of being exactly what many are looking for. A new sense of possibility is emerging.
The importance of leadership and broad-minded thinking as we go forward can not be understated. What we offer as a state must be preserved while foundations for the paradigm shift that has already begun are enhanced. Pettiness and egos must be left at the door while we work to strategically develop what each section of the state brings to the table.
This conference was so professional and meaningful because it addressed the core of what are the ingredients we have, what additional ones are needed, and what will the outcome look like. I am ecstatic to work with initiatives that come from this as well as looking forward to next year’s growth.
November 30th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
I was honored and excited to be invited as a musician and writer to be part of this great brainstorm with other artists, educators and business people. Ideas for next conference:
1. Have time to report on cool things going on around the state that combine arts, business, community people and creative government;
2. Have lower lodging fees for artists and small biz people. In return, we could offer an ongoing “artist colony” room where arts, crafts, history projects, and performances could be exhibited, including dances, skits, music, poetry. Open mic for people who aren’t normally performers too.
3. Break into local-regional groups that could meet and touch base throughout the conference.
4. As was suggested above, better bio’s and contact info for the presenters, and a voluntary sign in sheet for an email network among the attenders.
November 30th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
It was a very well thought out conference for it’s first year. I have been to several annual conferences and the quality of professionals never reached the level that this conference had as presenters and attendees. I appreciated the opportunity to attend with a wonderful group of individuals. I encourage everyone to attend next year. I will certainly be recommending it to everyone I know.
November 30th, 2007 at 11:37 pm
This comment section is a start, but why not take it further? I think an online forum would be a good place to keep people connected, and “conversating.”
At first, the forum topics could be the conference topics.
Of course, there would have to be some moderators to keep things focused…
December 1st, 2007 at 7:04 pm
I agree with the general success of the Conference and think it is a great start in providing a network for a diverse set of esoteric individuals. But in keeping with the previous responses, I also feel there is a need to improve the post Conference communication network. The organizers need to recognize the fact that to reach their goals of communication that translates into positive action, they must provide a forum for follow up dialog. I am sure that I was not alone with conflicting interests when selecting which sessions to attend. So I did not get to meet everyone nor gather all of the information I would have liked. Even while in the session and the few minutes between sessions, it was impossible to read those name tags and little time to forge new alliances.
There are several private discussions forums available on line (and free) such as Quick Topic that would allow Conference attendees to choose topics of interest and discuss them freely and “securely”. In this manner, only the topic manager (Conference organizer) would have access to email addresses unless individuals wished to post them on the discussion group site at their will. I was delighted at the quality of the speakers and the pleasant atmosphere. I hope for continued success at future conferences and can only envision a positive future for West Virginia.
Since the WVU/Pitt game will start in just a few minutes, let me add GO MOUNTIES!
December 2nd, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Nice coverage in the December 2, 2007, Charleston Gazette Business section!
Good photo of Skip and Jason, too.
December 3rd, 2007 at 12:45 pm
With our job market shifting from an industrial one to a service-based economy, we’d do well to start capitalizing on the tremendous creative resources we have in this state. I’m glad to see that so many people attended this conference (I couldn’t make it,) and I’m really excited to see what happens next.
December 3rd, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I came from the conference convinced that if the process could evolve from articulating problems and opportunities to advocating for and creating public policy that solves the inherent problems and takes advantage of opportunities, WV could have a bright future.
Yes, the entire state should be considered as one region. To do so will require a dramatic change in the way we finance education, regional jails and other aspects of our physical and social infrastructure. The current practice of each county having to find the money within their own property tax base supplanted by ad hoc state grants is not working .
Wayne C. Spiggle, M.D.
Mineral County Commissioner
December 4th, 2007 at 11:04 am
Jason, great post and really glad to meet you at the conference. It’s nice to see people like you making an effort to both better WV and to push out as an entrepreneur into a still somewhat new technology like blogging. Your site’s a great resource.
December 4th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Jason-
It was great to spend time with you at The Conference and in our work that serves to fulfill your vision of “a better WV.” Thanks for being a part of the team … and a part of the solution. It’s great to watch this blog begin to blossom and flourish through great content and the expansion of community.