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 [...]

Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, Government, Tourism, West Virginia 16 Comments »

People in West Virginia sometimes complain “there’s nothing to do,” when in reality, you simply need to know where to find the best cultural opportunities. One such place is the University of Charleston’s free Dow Speaker Series, which will host writer and author Jeannette Walls on Dec. 5 at Riggleman Hall Auditorium, [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 5 Comments »

Last night West Virginia native Brad Paisley rocked the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, Tenn., playing before a live television audience and later receiving two CMAs for Music Video of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.
Paisley performed his song “Online,” which won best video for its humorous depiction of a nerdy guy [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 2 Comments »

We’re always looking for stories illustrating people and organizations that help make aBetterWestVirginia, and The Sad, Mad, Glad Book - The Anatomy of Your Attitude is another example of West Virginians making a positive impact. Written by professional speaker/trainer Chuck Stump and marketing professional Jim Strawn, this children’s book uses “body idioms” to teach kids [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 2 Comments »

The state’s natural environment, including the Monongahela National Forest, is one of its greatest assets. The “Mon” provides a recreational outlet for thousands of residents and visitors, offering some of the best hiking, fishing, camping and hunting opportunities on the East Coast. The hills, streams and trees provide a needed escape from the hustle-and-bustle [...]

Posted in Culture, Economy, Government, Tourism, West Virginia 6 Comments »

For decades West Virginia has often been depicted as unsophisticated and backwards by national media, as have many other Appalachian states. Such descriptions contribute to a skewed perception of West Virginia and promote the “hillbilly” generalization. Whether it’s Abercrombie & Finch t-shirts proclaiming “It’s all relative in West Virginia” or the recent Megan Williams torture [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia 6 Comments »

The 1970 plane crash that took the lives of 75 Marshall University football players, coaches and fans was nothing less than tragic. Last year’s filming of “We Are Marshall” provided opportunity for West Virginians to commemorate the loss and find renewed spirit. A collective energy encompassed the Tri-State area when the project was announced. Excitement [...]

Posted in Culture, Media, Tourism, West Virginia 4 Comments »