Surprising Attitudes, Beliefs re: WV's New Economy

[Richard Cobb]

(Rebecca Kimmons with Katalyst Development Strategeies LLC in Charleston, WV, posted this information on the Create West Virginia web blog.)

"According to survey results (conducted in December 2008 by the Marshall University Center for Business and Economic Research), 81% of West Virginians age 18 to 65 and above overwhelmingly believe computer and Internet skills are key to their communities’ future success. A total of 82% support community and state efforts to generate more jobs by investing in research and development. 69% believe that new high-wage jobs are primarily created in high-tech industries.

89% said they believe tolerance and inclusion of people from all races, religions or lifestyles is important to West Virginia’s future success, and 88% said they support efforts by their community and state to ensure tolerance and diversity. “The strong support for diversity demonstrated in this survey contradicts many of the stereotypes held about our state. While there are areas for improvement, most West Virginians are committed to diversity and inclusion,” James said.

83% said they believe it is important to West Virginia’s future that we adopt environmentally friendly policies such as new “green” energy sources and building standards, and 86% of interviewees said they support efforts by state government to invest more money in helping communities modernize and upgrade to attract new citizens and businesses.

When it comes to education, an overwhelming 94% support efforts by the State School Board and Department of Education to find better ways to educate our children for 21st Century opportunities. Only 57% believe their local school system prepares children for success in today’s society. 88% said they believe it is important to attain a college diploma.

The survey revealed challenges in the area of entrepreneurship. 60% of survey respondents said they believe that starting one’s own business is an attractive career opportunity, and only 13% plan on starting a business in the near future. 59% said they believe it is primarily state government’s job to create new high-paying job opportunities in West Virginia. “This indicates a need for us to help educate citizens on the dynamics of the private sector and how it drives entrepreneurial growth,” said Rob Godbey, a Create West Virginia team member.

In the Quality of Place category, 70% said their communities need more places to meet and socialize.

Of the total 1,218 participants, 15% were age 18-34, 56% were 35-64, and 31% were age 65 or older. Educational levels varied from less than a high school diploma to post-graduate degrees. The largest percentage, 18.6, claimed some college.
The survey contained 33 questions in five categories covering technology, quality of place, education and talent, entrepreneurship and business growth, and tolerance and diversity."

The results of the entire survey are posted at http://www.createwv.com.

[sethmbaker]

I can hear the crickets on the board, but I have to chime in on reading this survey. This is high-quality work, and I believe it holds some answers into the problems Huntington faces in growing a creative class. I'm happy to see so many people believe entrepreneurship is a good path. However, this troubles me:

59% said they believe it is primarily state government’s job to create new high-paying job opportunities in West Virginia.

This reflects an attitude that someone external source will come in from outside and fix people's problems. It's like that phrase: "I'm waiting for my ship to come in." Well, the ship left the dock a long time ago. Then people sold the dock for scrap. If anyone wants the boat to come back, they're going to have to rebuild the dock. If they want that ship to come back, they'll have to take the initiative and rebuild the dock and send out work to that far, far away boat.

In other words, it's up to each individual person to create their own high-paying job. How to do that? Find ways to reach external markets or B2B customers. What local business are in place that can help Huntington-based businesses sell to people outside the region? Just curious.

I applaud groups like Create Huntington and Create WV for taking the first steps towards a community-driven approach to civic improvement.

[Richard Cobb]

Thank You, Seth Baker. I agree with you. The Create Huntington Organization would love to have you become involved. Call me to learn how you can add your input at our weekly Chat 'N Chew sessions. Richard Cobb - 304-523-7902; or email me at richardcobbsr@comcast.net. I like your spirit!