Sometimes seeing a list of examples is the best way to understand a concept. The State Journal recently published their list of 55 good things about West Virginia, a wonderful roundup of positive people, organizations and initiatives they’ve compiled for the past 23 years. We thought it would be interesting to highlight a few of the new economy and creative community-relevant “good things” in this year’s list:

Technology:

Global Grid Exchange Grows, Provides Research Opportunities
EyeMarker Systems Supports Emergency Response
HMS Technologies Stays Rooted in Eastern Panhandle
MATRIC Brings High-Tech Industries to West Virginia

Quality of Place:

Collaborative For the 21st Century Makes Appalachia New
Pullman Square Puts Focus On Downtown Huntington

Fayetteville Theater Once Again Community Centerpiece

Bluegrass, Barbecue Come Together at Pickin’ in the Panhandle

Beckley Café Delights Customers for 9 Years


Talent/Education:

Humanity 101: Shepherd’s Volunteer Program Helps Students and the Needy
Elkins Theater Provides Educational Opportunities 

Diversity/Tolerance:

Pace Tec Helps Open Doors for Disabled Clients

There are many others on the list, so encourage you to pick up a copy of The State Journal or read it online. You can see there are many great examples of technology and quality of place on the list, and we’d love to see more examples of talent/education and tolerance/diversity on next year’s list.

Overall, it’s a neat list to send to friends, families and acquaintances to show them what they are missing in West Virginia.