Category: Articles
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Big Ideas…Really, Really Big Ideas
It’s been pointed out that many of us in this state are a little gun-shy about sticking our neck out too far with far-fetched ideas for fear of [insert reason here – ridicule, “didn’t work last time” or “we could never do that here” comments, etc.]. In other words, we censor our own creative inclinations…
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Kentucky Finding its New Economy Groove
I was never sure which family in the Hatfield-McCoy feud was on the West Virginia side and which one was on the Kentucky side. Maybe they were all just sprinkled around the whole area. In any case, it made for an interesting competition. Perhaps it’s time to rekindle some competition with Kentucky, only this time…
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Creativity’s Impact on Image and Growth
Byron Clercx is a creative man with a mission. A native of Sioux Falls, SD, and a long-time Pacific Northwest artist, Clercx is now a Professor and the chairperson of Marshall University’s Art & Design department in Huntington. He specializes in sculpture and taught a variety of art courses at the University of Idaho from…
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Calling all Colleges
For years, “town and gown” tension was the norm for college towns. Colleges and universities were perceived as living in their own little bubble, seemingly disconnected and frankly uncaring about the communities surrounding them. Tensions between students and local police, between campus and town planners and even some elitist hostility reigned. Today, both academic and…
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Can Hope Spring from a Holler of Horror?
The reaction to the recent disturbing, horrifying treatment of Megan Williams at the hands of six lunatics in a Big Creek, WV, trailer have been relatively predictable. On the one hand, an outpouring of outrage over the brutal act and compassion for the victim. On the other, a reluctance to reflect on what this says…
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Sneak Peak: Create WV Conference Speakers
For Create WV blog readers and newsletter subscribers, we are pleased to give you a preview of the keynote speakers lined up to speak at the Create WV Conference Nov 12-14 at the Stonewall Resort (http://www.createwvconference.com). We have selected speakers based on their ability to relate to West Virginia and our unique opportunities and obstacles,…
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Come to Create!
We are very excited to announce the Create West Virginia Conference, November 12-14, 2007, at the Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV. We hope you will spread the word about this first conference and help us make it a memorable leadership and training experience. Registrations are now being taken at http://www.createwvconference.com. First, a few words about…
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A Step Towards a More Open West Virginia?
Dictionary.com defines “tolerance” as: Recently, with relatively little fanfare (so far), the City of Charleston amended their human rights law to include a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation. This adds to the list that provides protection against discrimination based on race, sex, age and disabled status. Few modern issues flame passions like the…
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Attracting With Jobs…Or Opportunities?
Kevin Turner, Chief Operating Officer at Microsoft Corporation, recently said during a speech to 20,000 employees: “Great people are attracted by great challenges.” I thought about this in terms of our “chicken or egg” challenge here in West Virginia. Typically, the conventional thinking is that until we have companies offering jobs here in the state,…
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Bridging Eras, Transitioning Images
Legendary marketing guru Al Ries has suggested that companies or branded products can only “own” one position in a consumer’s mind. Those brands that focus on a powerful, singular image are more successful than those who try to stand for two or more things at once. In other words, “Low prices, always” is more likely…