The technology track of the Create WV Conference offers sessions on using technology to attract and develop creative workers in your community. Many creative workers can live and work anywhere with reliable, modern broadband Internet access – the critical new “utility” for the 21^st century. Wireless access makes it easier to work in public places alone or with other creative workers. They also expect their communities and government to make things easier by putting services online. Access to other specific types of technology can attract certain creative sectors (flexible manufacturing, media studios, industrial kitchens, etc.). The session topics are:

Improving Internet Access in WV

Facilitator: Larry Baker, Professor Glenville State College

Lee Fisher, Board of Directors Gilmer-Braxton Technology Research Institute

Session 1, 10:15 Tuesday

In this session we will learn how Glenville State College, partnering with the Center for Appalachian Network Access, helped provide wireless and DSL broadband access for Gilmer and

Braxton

Counties

Creative Community Technology

Facilitator:

Jeff Samples

Session 2, 11:30 Tuesday

You need to use various technologies to communicate with your own Create WV Team, your community and the creative workers you are trying to attract. Learn about Websites, Blogs, Discussion Groups, email, web conferencing, conference calls and other technology that can connect your community to each other and the rest of the world.

Getting More People to Embrace Technology

Facilitator: Marcel Fortin, CEO NATCOR

Session 3, 1:45 Tuesday

Frankly we need more people using computers and the Internet in WV so they can gain access to e-learning, e-health and other services. Discover ways to get people excited about using technology such as selling on eBay. Come and learn about various programs that get people excited about using technology.

How to Connect a State (and a Nation)

Facilitator: Brian Mefford, President Connected Nation

Session 4, 3:00 Tuesday

The president of Connected Nation will discuss the Connect Kentucky project that promises through its “Prescription for Innovation” to have full broadband deployment by the end of 2007, to dramatically improve the use of computers and the Internet in Kentucky, provide a meaningful online presence for all Kentucky communities, and start e-Community Leadership Teams in every county. Come and see what our neighbors are doing and what we might apply here.

Research & Development as Talent Magnets

Facilitator: Jamie Gaucher, WV Development Office

Session 5, 4:15 Tuesday

Technology-based economic development almost always centers around a research facility. Talented, creative researchers are drawn to places doing innovative work not done other places. New companies often spin out from their research, creating exciting, high-paying new jobs. Come and hear about ways to attract researchers and what is going on already in WV.

Using E-Government to Make Life Easier

Facilitator: Kyle Shaffer,

CTO

State

West Virginia

Session 6, 9:45 Wednesday

Putting government services online saves time and money. Come and learn about what’s being done nationally, at the state level and in counties here in

West Virginia

Improving Access to Healthcare with E-Health

Facilitator: Dave Campbell, CEO Community Health Network of West Virginia

Session 7, 11:00 Wednesday

Access to healthcare is important to all of us and of course is important to creative workers. In some of our rural areas it is miles to the nearest emergency room. In this session we look at ways technology can bridge that gap with virtual medical services. This is a growing trend some communities may be able to leverage today.