What is the "New Economy"?

The "new" economy is usually characterized by industry segments that produce and market intellectual property, are enabled by Internet commerce and have a global perspective.

Sometimes referred to as the "creative" economy, it includes industries such as engineering, software development, architectural design, graphic design, research and development, arts and culture, academic services and research, and other "idea-based" industries.

Elements of the "new" economy can help make "old" economy sectors such as manufacturing more competitive and efficient, and so lines can get blurred on the categories.

What is a "Creative Community"?

A Creative Community is one that prospers in today’s global marketplace by developing, retaining and attracting the talented "creative class" required for new economy growth. The key "attractors" for these types of entrepreneurs and workers have been identified as:

• Lifelong education and talent development
• Technology availability and adoption
• Tolerance and diversity through inclusive policies and culture
• A strong, sustainable "quality of place" built through arts and cultural offerings, "third places" where people can build social ties, outdoor recreation and other community amenities, and other elements that build a strong sense of place desirable for attracting these highly mobile creative class workers who can usually choose to live anywhere they want

Quotes

• I am leaving with a feeling that both myself and my county are about to start seeing wonderful changes. — Sheila Ables, Gilmer County Master Naturalist
• Wonderful! The best conference I’ve been to in a long, long time! — M.E. Gamble, Director, WV Small Business Development Center
• This was incredible. I feel truly blessed to be a part of it. Please continue this wonderful project. — Keisha and David Jeffrey, WV Art Initiatives
• The most exciting thing was all the people that were never connected have now met. This is the beginning of something SPECTACULAR! — Leslie Stone
• Excellent track format and organization. Good energy! — Jen Giovannitti, Randolph County Development Authority
• This conference was great. It was so encouraging to share our visions, learn more about technology and ways to be more creative. — Colleen Cooper, Ohio Valley University
• Great concept. Tremendous execution.— Rod Graves, Monroe County Planning Commission
  

Agenda

Monday, October 20
12:00 pm Registration Open
1:00 pm – 4:00 PM Pre-Conference Training Opportunities (OPTIONAL)
Sharpen your skills in these strategic areas! Join your peers in engaging, hands-on training sessions for:

• Improve Your Communication and Marketing – Brought to you by Mythology, Maple Creative and Direct Online Marketing
• Learn how to effectively position and market your community, project or organization with "next generation" marketing strategies and tactics, including "Web 2.0" tools like blogs, social networking and search engine marketing.
• Expanding Creativity and Innovation – Brought to you by Katalyst Development Strategies
• How can you become more creative in all walks of life? How can you infuse creativity and innovation into your community and work?

6:00 pm Creative Networking Reception
Join your fellow creative West Virginians in an exciting networking exercise and reception that is sure to help you get better connected with peers around the state!
7:00 pm Another Night Out in Create, WV!
Join artists, musicians and surprise guests in the Snowshoe Village for an evening of fun and entertainment.

Tuesday, October 21
7:30am Breakfast
8:30am Welcome and "State of the Creative Community" Report – Jeff James, Chairperson, Vision Shared Creative Communities Team
Hear how communities have taken action since the last Create WV conference and what’s in store for the future.
9:00 am Keynote: Growth Lessons from Ireland – Rob Kitchin
10:15 am Track Sessions
11:30 am Track Sessions
12:15 pm Lunch
Keynote: Making – Creativity in Action –
1:30 pm Track Sessions
2:45 pm Track Sessions
4:00 pm Free Time in Snowshoe Village
6:00 pm Evening Reception and "Make" Group Activity
7:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Keynote: Creative Schools for the New Economy – Curt Johnson
9:00 pm Special Entertainment: NewSong Festival Contest Winners Perform!

Wednesday, October 22
7:30 am   Breakfast
8:30 am Keynote: From Scarcity to Diversity – Mary-Frances Winter, CEO, The Winters Group
9:45 am Track Sessions
11:00 am Track Sessions
12:00 pm Lunch
12:30 pm Keynote: Extraordinary Communities with Ordinary People – Vaughn Grisham
1:30 pm   Adjourn
1:30 Tour of Green Bank Radio Telescope
2:00 Seed Capital Matchmaking - Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Event — Got a project in mind, or a project ready for funding? The Federal Reserve is here to introduce you to banks and programs available to help! Come with your project description and get ready to take the next step towards turning dreams into reality!

Ideas and Feedback
Do you have ideas, suggestions or feedback for this year’s conference? Please share them on the Create WV Facebook group or email createwv@visionshared.com!