Parkersburg, WV, is one of West Virginia’s most historic and beautiful Ohio River towns. If you’ve ever been to Blennerhassett Island or stayed at the beautiful Blennerhassett Hotel, you know what I mean.
However, Parkersburg – despite several decades of population decline – has much going for it to position for New Economy/Creative Community success. First, it is one of the nation’s “Inclusive Communities,” an important designation from the League of Cities that indicates that Parkersburg’s leaders have signed on to work towards building inclusiveness in all that they do. The signs that welcome visitors across their city limits proclaim this commitment, and it’s very noticeable in an age where diversity and tolerance are key attractors for creative economy workers.
In addition, Parkersburg and Wood County seem to have a bigger commitment to the arts than many communities of its size. The Artsbridge is a multi-county, WV-OH council “dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Mid-Ohio Valley by promoting and supporting the arts through financial and administrative support, and arts education in our schools and community.” Check out their web site for their amazing number of arts programs.
Parkersburg also boasts a beautiful downtown arts center which is currently featuring the work of Lenne Nicklaus-Ball.
We hope to schedule a Create WV Summit in Parkersburg later this summer. In the meantime, enjoy all that Parkersburg and Wood County have to offer. And to the creative community in Parkersburg – keep up the great work!
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