Create West Virginia

Over the past several months, Create WV has visited dozens of West Virginia communities to deliver insights and encouragement about the "new economy." Some are basic conversations, while others are "roll up your sleeves" discussions on what steps a community can take to thrive.

The city of Montgomery, which straddles both Kanawha and Fayette counties, is a unique community. One of West Virginia's college towns, it is home to WVU Insitute of Technology and the Community and Technical College (CTC). However, like many college towns, there hasn't been as much prosperity or cooperation among the college and community as you would have hoped.

In the 1990's, this town of 2,500 become a town of 1,900. The college was tossed to and fro like a political football, and much-needed investments in infrastructure for the college never materialized. Ultimately, the four-year college became a full subsidiary of West Virginia University. A group of local citizens fought off a proposal for the engineering school - considered the soul of the college - to be moved to South Charleston's industrial park.

However, there are signs of life in Montgomery. Concerned leaders and citizens are beginning to form ideas and discuss action. There is a new nationally-recognized publishing technology center and business incubator in town. A new provost has been selected for WVU Tech. And last week, a group of dreamers attended a Create WV workshop for the community.

Montgomery, although perhaps not visible on the surface as you drive through town, has great potential. What if? What if WVU Tech, the CTC and the community got together to strike an inspiring vision? What if Montgomery - located in the heart of the Kanawha River industrial corridor - became a nerve center for green technology? What if homes and businesses in the community became test-beds for solar energy, broadband and e-learning? What if the city embraced e-government with the help of student interns? What if WVU Tech and Montgomery became a technology leader again for today's generation and its unique needs? 

It's possible. Everything is possible. We think you'll see a different Montgomery in the near future.