Create West Virginia

West Virginians have been dealing with unfair stereotypes and image issues for decades. Some of us don't care what others think, some of us are a bit defensive. But regardless of stereotypes, what do West Virginians really think about topics such as diversity, technology and education? Are our state's low new economy rankings a result of backwards beliefs and unwillingness to embrace change? 

The Create WV team thought it would be a good idea to find out. Perhaps the results could dispel some myths, while also helping us target our efforts to build awareness and commitment to growing creative communities where the new economy can thrive. Perhaps better insight on these issues can help policymakers and lawmakers develop a sense of urgency around investing in our new economy success.

With a much appreciated grant from the Benedum Foundation, we partnered with Marshall University's respected Center for Business and Ecomonic Research, a group that has executed numerous interesting studies about West Virginia's communities and economy, to launch an ambitious statewide survey. We wanted to get a broad and deep view into our citizens' attitudes and beliefs on topics such as quality of place, entrepreneurship and other creative community pillars.

The results are in, and while we aren't ready to announce the full results of the study, we thought we would give our faithful blog readers, Twitter followers and Facebook friends a sneak peek.

Here are some highlights: 

• Over 1,200 West Virginians completed the random telephone survey
• West Virginians clearly recognize that computer and Internet skills are key to their community’s success (81% agree/strongly agree across all age groups)
• 83% believe it is important for West Virginia’s future to adopt environmentally friendly policies such as new “green” energy sources and building standards
• 94% support efforts by our State School Board and Department of Education to find better ways to educate our children for 21st Century opportunities
• 88% believe it is important for West Virginia’s success that more people gain their college diploma
• 89% believe tolerance and inclusion of people from all races, religions or lifestyles is important to West Virginia’s future success

While there were predictable differences in how people answered questions based on such factors as age and academic attainment, the results were surprisingly supportive across all categories. Our goal is to help policymakers and lawmakers get a deeper understanding of just how much support there is for aggressively pursuing new economy-driven prosperity in West Virginia.

Watch for the full report coming in early March with detailed answers to twenty-five additional questions relating to new economy growth and creative community development.