For the seventy-five people or so who populated one of West Virginia's most high-tech buildings yesterday at the Create WV - Fairmont/Marion County Summit, the issue wasn't whether they wanted to grow their new economy, but what still needed to be done. More than any other area of the state, the political and economic leaders of the Northern I-79 High Tech Corridor have put their money (and others' money via Federal earmarks and the influence of our Senators and Congressman) where their mouth is.
What the audience heard at the Summit was the connection between economic and community development. It's one thing to have a great high-tech office park; it's another to have a creative community that is embracing innovation, welcoming diverse new talent, and generating talented, highly skilled kids through the local K12 and college system.
Fairmont and Marion County seem ready to take the next step. Through the leadership of Sharon Shaffer of the Marion Regional Development Corporation, there is a budding enthusiasm for crossing boundaries of tradtiional business, non-profit and education groups to build a truly amazing creative community initiative. City council members, county commissioners, Fairmont State University, Marion County School district and many others invested a full afternoon to learn more and dream big.
Representatives from Create Huntington and Create Buckhannon lent their presence and lessons learned, a shing example of communities helping communities. That kind of positive sharing and mentoring is what will help our state reach the heights we'd all like to reach.
Great job Fairmont, Marion County and all those who presented and participated in the Summit! Next step? Forming a team, assessing, planning, rallying and building a great creative community!
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