Conference Works to Curb ‘Misoneism’ in W.Va.
Written by Jason Keeling on October 22, 2008
After an exhaustive program offering, the 2008 Create WV Conference wraps up today on Snowshoe Mountain. Almost 400 attendees have shared experiences and challenges surrounding the “new economy” in West Virginia, which includes the expansion of sectors such as technology, research, arts, and tourism.
Entrepreneurs, non-profit officials, and civic leaders are working to create sustainable local opportunities that can endure the ebb and flow of economic cycles. They are capitalizing on West Virginia’s existing assets, such as affordable living, quality-of-life considerations, and proximity to major markets. They are also working to instill values of innovation and diversity in their communities.
One of the greatest challenges to moving forward in the new economy is the fear of change, or “misoneism.” Buttons displaying “No Misoneism” were circulated throughout the conference, serving as a reminder that the future is shaped by one’s outlook and actions.
Are You Fighting ‘Misoneism’?
How are you fighting “misoneism’? Readers are invited to share local examples of new economy in West Virginia, discussing the people, places, organizations, and initiatives that characterize an orientation toward the future and creative economic development. Attendees are also encouraged to share their thoughts on the conference as well.
Posted in Culture, Economy, Education, West Virginia
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October 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
West Virginia State University Extension Service is supporting a new economic driver in Mason County, West Virginia. Our Agriculture and Natural Resource division of Extension Service is working to develop a new entrepeneurial spirit that will bring economic development for the area. We are working with the Mason Economic Development Council (http://www.masonedc.com/) in forming a quilt sqare trail throughout the county. Individual quilt squares will be placed on farms throughout the area (http://aceop.wvstateu.edu/files/file/PressReleases/Press Release Quilt Squares 082708.pdf). This should spur increased tourism traffic and create an opporunity for local farmers to open small businesses such as gift shops, bed and breakfasts, bus tours, etc. in addition to their farming land.
November 18th, 2008 at 11:29 am
There’s nothing like “Labeling” a concept to make people ‘feel’ as if they have control over it, is there?
December 27th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Change is inevitable but one must remember that change for the sake of change is not necessarily “advancement” it is just change. In education there are a lot of changes that are taking place, but the result of them is decreased learning. Other industries also experienced this same thing, such as the real estate markets. In the 90’s it was difficult to purchase a home, but then Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac stepped in and started to offer sub-prime loans and if a bank/mortgage firm wanted to do business with those companies they had to carry a certain percentage of their mortgage loans as sub-prime loans. Look where this has brought us to today.
Change is good, when the change is beneficial. Before we just make changes and accept new technologies we need to do cost benefit analyses, not only for our present situation but for future situations as well, if we did this many years ago we may not have had a hole in the ozone to worry about, or excessive amounts of acid rain, a mortgage crisis, etc. Remember for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, so choose your changes well.