Create West Virginia

Create WV's mantra is to "build creative communities for the new economy" in West Virginia. However, it is equally important that our creative communities enjoy the presence of "creative companies."

Why? Because businesses that embrace creative, new economy principles are the ones who are growing in this global 21st century economy. We've outlined which industries typically get included in the term "new economy" - typically those who make their money off of ideas. Typically industries such as high tech, bio-sciences, design and engineering, media and arts/culture come to mind.

But more and more, traditional industries are realizing that their core asset isn't really their manufacturing plant or their mining equipment. It's their ability to innovate to consistently find better ways of operating, better ways of finding and developing their human talent and finding new markets. These are all creative endeavors that come with a commitment to consistent innovation.

Without it, companies die, employees get laid off, communities suffer. Plain and simple.

The recent energy and healthcare debates are perfect examples. From an energy perspective, West Virginia is caught in the middle of an emotional tug-of-war between those who want to protect what's left of traditional coal mining jobs and those who see a "greener" future with alternative and sustainable energy sources. The posturing has gotten ugly, and will probably get uglier.

But there are some who are seeing this tension as opportunity. Large companies such as British Petroleum (BP), a fossil-fuels energy company if there ever was one, has repositioned itself as an "energy' company, not an oil company. This positions it to win regardless of which way the political and social trends go, and it also positions it to be free to innovate into new types of energy sources. General Electric, IBM and othe rmajor companies who want to continue leadership are all finding ways to embrace innovation in the energy arena. Many new companies are starting around the concept of helping energy get generated with far less environemental impact. West Virginia should be a leader in this area.

Healthcare is another example. While our country is embroiled in political debate and costs keep soaring, some healthcare providers have decided to innovate. One of the best examples  is based right here in West Virginia, MedExpress Urgent Care. By providing a series of quick care facilities around target markets, they have quickly grown to serve the needs of those who don't want to wait for days to see a doctor.

The future of West Virginia's families and workers is not tied to defensive posturing or shouting matches to protect the past or to destoy existing assets. It is rooted in how we embrace innovation to grow and transition to new, more prosperous opportunities for our citizens. Yes, sometimes it makes sense to negotiate a smoother transition to the future. But make no mistake, the future comes whether we like it or not. Those who embrace principles of innovation and creative company/community building will be far better positioned to prosper.

Let's be a state, a community, that prospers. If you're a business leader, you can begin by attending the 2009 Create WV Conference to hear amazing leaders who are blazing the trail. We guaratee you will learn practical ways to embrace creativity in areas of diversity (to attract and retain talent), business innovation, sustainable buisness practices, learning and training, and much more.

Please join us!