United, We Blog for a Better West Virginia

Date Written by Jason Keeling on June 20, 2008

West Virginia Map

Today is important for several reasons. First off, it’s West Virginia Day. But even more important is the movement of state bloggers that have contributed in an effort to reflect a more accurate view of our beloved state. To celebrate our successes, people, places, and culture.

Residents, expatriates, and general observers should enjoy the below collection. These works represent the best of West Virginia, reflecting the state’s true diversity and character. Don’t get me wrong, we have our challenges, and there will be a time to talk in detail about those issues. For now, we’ll focus mostly on the good.

Those who don’t normally comment on blogs, perhaps you’ll be compelled to share thoughts with your fellow West Virginians, who have put their blood, sweat, and passion into this effort. A sincere thanks to each of the below contributors.

Category Posted in Business, Culture, Economy, Education, Government, Media, Tourism, West Virginia Comments 23 Comments »

Using the Web to Promote More Accurate W.Va. Image

Date Written by Jason Keeling on June 19, 2008

In the days before the Internet, news traveled slowly, and people were geographically disconnected. They obtained their information exclusively from privately-owned and corporate media, which provided the only publishing outlets for the reporting of news and the airing of opinions. Awareness and discussion of public issues was heavily controlled. At times, media biases resulted in the suppression of healthy public dialogue and the circulation of exaggerated information. This meant people were often ignorant of the realities surrounding them, and stereotypes were prevalent.

A sharp contrast exists today. The Internet allows information to travel globally within seconds, and people are more able to report and share information publicly, without censorship. For West Virginia, this means that the Web can become a place where citizens may affect change in a manner that perhaps they never could before.

Can the ‘W.Va. Web’ Make a Difference?

With this in mind, the idea presented itself that those connected on the “West Virginia Web” should conduct a trial project, to see if we really could affect change. Given our state’s image tends to get run through the mud a few times a year, several area bloggers agreed that it was time to begin putting forth a more accurate image of West Virginia. To celebrate our best qualities and successes, allowing the world to see who we really are, and maybe even re-inventing ourselves to a certain degree.

Tomorrow marks the state’s 145th Anniversary, and at noon, a list of the various “aBetterWestVirginia Day” blog postings from across the state will be combined here for your perusal. Meantime, enjoy some of these photo streams that show participants organizing and promoting the effort:

Category Posted in Culture, Media, West Virginia Comments 6 Comments »

Group Working to Inventory West Virginia’s Assets

Date Written by Jason Keeling on June 12, 2008

west-virginia-vision-shared-image-improvement-team.jpgLike many predominantly rural states, West Virginia must overcome a few stereotypical, inaccurate perceptions. This was demonstrated most recently as residents were generalized as racists during the national Democratic primary and when Vice President Dick Cheney uttered a tactless comment to the National Press Club heralding the state as inbreds.

West Virginia’s people, places and culture deserve to be accurately represented, and with this in mind, members of the Vision Shared image improvement team are compiling a “West Virginia Inventory of Assets” to highlight the state’s positive and worthwhile qualities.

The group will be listing various West Virginia assets based on, but not limited to these categories:

  • Geographic Advantages
  • West Virginia “Firsts”
  • Everyday Success Stories
  • Famous West Virginians
  • Cultural Authenticity
  • Education Practices

Image improvement team members and general readers are encouraged to help build the “West Virginia Inventory of Assets” via their comments here.

Category Posted in Education, Media, West Virginia Comments 8 Comments »

Highlight Posts 1 | Blogging for a Better West Virginia

Date Written by Jason Keeling on June 3, 2008

Development of the aBetterWestVirginia blog began in April 2007, and the site was officially launched June 20 (West Virginia Day). Since that time, four authors have contributed 44 blog posts, and 164 readers (thank you) have commented. The overall readership continues to grow steadily.

If the responsible company can maintain this blog project’s momentum, we hope to expand the depth of authors and increase posting frequency as the year progresses. For now, check back once a week for new content, or feel free to sign up for automatic update notifications using the site’s RSS feed or via e-mail.

Since many are new to the aBetterWestVirginia blog, we’ve decided to highlight some content that you missed, and encourage you to add further comments to these older posts. Meantime, we’ll be preparing to launch and promote “aBetterWestVirginia Day” on June 20, 2008, and welcome any suggestions regarding that effort.

Highlight Posts - 1st Edition

Category Posted in Media, West Virginia Comments 6 Comments »

West Virginia Sports World Enjoying Soccer ‘Chaos’

Date Written by Jason Keeling on May 22, 2008

west-virginia-chaos-soccer-charleston-wv.gifSports provide a very popular recreational outlet for many West Virginians, who particularly enjoy American football, basketball, and baseball. However, fans can now experience the world’s most well-known sport given the West Virginia Chaos has brought semi-professional soccer to the Mountain State. The club’s home field is located at Schoenbaum Stadium within Coonskin Park, Charleston.

The Chaos rival throughout the summer months, giving under age 23 players the ability to compete in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The team plays under the Premier Development League. Their season began May 16 and lasts through July 19 (see schedule).

west-virginia-chaos-players-with-youth.gifAlso noteworthy is the Chaos’ active role within the community, as the club offers a youth academy, girls and boys summer camps, and their mission includes “promot[ing] a healthy competitive spirit, good sportsmanship and other positive personal attributes upon which players may draw throughout their lives.”

If you’ve seen the Chaos in action, or simply enjoy soccer, please share your thoughts via comment.

Category Posted in Culture, Tourism, West Virginia Comments 4 Comments »

West Virginia Learning the Power of Web 2.0 Marketing

Date Written by Jason Keeling on May 10, 2008

wv-next-generation-marketing.pngTraditional channels of reaching people are rapidly changing, and those organizations that discover, learn, and embrace today’s online technologies will surely be ahead of the curve. The Next Generation Marketing workshop series was designed to help business owners, marketing executives, and entrepreneurs unleash the power of Web 2.0 marketing tools, strategies and tactics. Sessions are scheduled across West Virginia on May 13 (Huntington), May 14 (Charleston), May 22 (Morgantown), and June 12 (Martinsburg).

‘Old-School’ Principles, New-School Strategies

Next Generation Marketing is a project envisioned by would-be competitors who recognized collaboration is more productive than isolation. They include Jeff James of Mythology, Justin Seibert of Direct Online Marketing, and Skip Lineberg of Maple Creative, each of which are West Virginia based businesses.

Next Generation Marketing addresses and examines several newfangled marketing strategies, while it brings an old-school approach with regard to business discipline. “Many people think marketing is void of accountability,” observed Lineberg, who is chief creative officer for Maple Creative and a contributor at aBetterWestVirginia. “Thanks to the Internet and especially the advent of many Web 2.0 tools, there has never been a more opportune time to create marketing programs that are fully accountable,” he added.

Become a Marketing ‘Rock Star’

The series will have a sort of “rock star” element as well, as the programming includes some of the state’s most successful and accomplished executives. “We want participants to really understand and embrace the applications for this new generation of marketing tactics. Rather than simply hearing from marketing consultants, like the three of us, participants will also get the straight scoop from successful folks in the private sector,” said James, in reference to scheduled speakers Elizabeth Pellegrin, chief marketing officer at Charleston Area Medical Center; Bill Rock, president and CEO of Snowshoe Mountain Resort; and Brad Howe, assistant athletic director at West Virginia University.

For more information visit www.marketingconference.org or call (877) 858-0982.

Category Posted in Business, Education, Media, West Virginia Comments 6 Comments »

Meet West Virginia’s ‘Generation Next’ Recipients

Date Written by Jason Keeling on May 2, 2008

state-journal-west-virginia-business-government2.gifTraditionally, much of West Virginia’s youth has emigrated to neighboring states in search of greater economic opportunities. However, an increasing number of young professionals and entrepreneurs are bucking that trend, instead choosing to build careers and futures in West Virginia.

The State Journal, a premier business and government publication in West Virginia, recently announced its 2008 Generation Next class, recognizing 40 professionals under age 40 from across the state. These individuals represent various industries and professions, and each person uniquely contributes to the state’s betterment. Some assist communities and schools, while others expand business capacity, market our destinations, govern our cities, and even sell us frozen lemonade. Congratulations to each of the Generation Next designees, and a sincere thanks for your efforts!

Recipients are encouraged to share their thoughts via comment. Why did you stay or move to West Virginia? How do you envision West Virginia 10 years from now? General thoughts are also welcome. Other readers, now is your chance to commend these people, as a colleague, friend, relative or simply an admirer. Now let’s start a discussion.

GENERATION NEXT 2008

Category Posted in Business, Economy, Media, West Virginia Comments 5 Comments »

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