Create West Virginia

Last night, the West Virginia Public Radio program Mountain Stage celebrated its 25th anniversary. The history of Mountain Stage is pretty well documented. But in addition to congratulating Larry Groce, Andy Ridenour and the rest of the production team, we wanted to highlight Mountain Stage as an example for new economy growth and building creative community.

Here are a few lessons from Mountain Stage that we think apply to our state and all its communities: 

Entrepreneurship - The creators of Mountain Stage built the show from scratch. They had a rough vision for what they wanted to do, but not a clear blueprint. They took a risk, and people bet on that risk with them. Like many entrepreneurs, the team believed in their vision but even they were surprised at the success that has been achieved.

Our community and business leaders can be inspired by the Mountain Stage team's entrepreneurial vision and energy in building a truly inspiring success.

Exporting - At first, the vision for Mountain Stage was geared towards building a show for the citizens of West Virginia. But as Larry Groce was brought on board, he pushed for a broader vision that included distributing the show around the nation (and utlimately, the world). Today, Mountain Stage has been called West Virginia's most powerful cultural export. It is heard on over 200 public radio stations, Voice of America and XM Satellite radio.

WV communities and entrepreneurs often think too small and contain their vision within their local borders. But West Virginians have much to add to the country and world at large, and we should think about how to attract outside money into our communities by exporting our ideas, services and products.

Brand - As mentioned above, Mountain Stage is a powerful cultural export. It defines what is great about West Virginia to thousands of listeners in states that otherwise would have no real idea of what West Virginia culture is like. We've often used Mountain Stage as a case study in how to build West Virginia's overall brand. Mountain Stage brings together the best of the traditional and the progressive, the old and new. It is eclectic, informal, friendly and unique.

Those who seek to build West Virginia's reputation can really learn from Mountain Stage. Their unique brand, built by years of authentic, quality music packaged in a unique way, is an example for the rest of our state.

If you haven't made it to a live Mountain Stage show, please do so soon. You will be blown away by the talent you get to enjoy for only $15. I've often wondered whether most of our citizens realize just who is in town playing on any given Mountain Stage show on a Sunday evening. In most cities, these artists would cost much, much more to see on there own playing in larger cities.Some legendary folks have graced the various stages Mountain Stage has played on, including the Capitol Theater, Cultural Center, Clay Center and WVU Creative Arts Center, among others.

Tell your friends and family members where they can listen to Mountain Stage on a public radio station in their community, no matter where they live. And let's all collectively thank Mountain Stage for the joy, cultural enrichment and inspiring talent they have brought to West Virginia.