Create West Virginia

Well, we know there's nothing more that West Virginian's love to hear on West Virginia Day than some hip hop, right? 

OK, well maybe some fiddle and folk music as well. But here's a new tune from hip hop artist R-Skid that released today in celebration of our state's birthday: Three Up, Two Up.  Enjoy! (Parental Advisory) 

Download or listen below

After four years of grass roots creative community building, it's time to take it to the next level West Virginia!

Here's a brief presentation on how we'll do that together. What do you think?

This is just a beautiful documentary on the New River Gorge region of West Virginia, one of the most amazing yet under-appreciated natural regions in the country. However, that might change as hundreds of thousands of visitors discover it while visiting the new Summit Bechtel Reserve scouting center (http://summit.scouting.org) due to open in 2013.

There is more history, diversity, and innovation in this state than many realize. Well done West Virginia Public Broadcasting!

Part 1

This is the third year we've attempted to help West Virginia adopt a modern, entrepreneurial approach to economic development by emphasizing the growth of our "new" economy based on innovation.

(NOTE: Apologies for the poor formatting on this post, our blog site is having some issues)

One of the most prescient ideas I have ever heard about West Virginia came from Don Rigby at RED a few years ago.  To paraphrase: West Virginia's biggest identity issue was not a negative one held by outsiders, but rather that to many people across the US and world, there is none at all. 

Make no small plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical plan once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our children are going to do things that will stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon, beauty.

Think big.

- Daniel Burnham, 19th Century Architect who planned the Chicago World’s Fair

What does diversity mean to you? Do you see it as something to worry about, or something to aspire to? Does the term make you nervous? Excited? Angry? 

At Create WV, we advocate that our communities and organizations strive for diversity as a treasured asset. Not just for a basic level of equality and fairness, but for a competitive asset for our state. Diversity can lead to more creative solutions, more business startups and more opportunities for all.

Many folks have been to a lot of conferences...and well, we aren't always eager to go to another one! Sitting in boring seminars, eating bad food, listening to panel speakers without much to say...who needs more of that?

Wheeling, WV: The fourth annual Create West Virginia conference is coming to the Friendly City October 17-19, 2010. This statewide celebration of creative community building is designed to spark new economic growth in West Virginia.