Vision Shared Offers Low-cost Development Solutions
Vision Shared Inc. will be offering community leaders across West Virginia the opportunity to attend the upcoming Create West Virginia Conference at a discounted rate until Aug. 31. The conference, which seeks to empower communities to expand and improve their economies through cultivation of the creative and high-tech industry sectors, will be held Oct. 20-22 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
"The inaugural Create West Virginia Conference provides tools and resources that leaders across the state have been using to bring about real change in their communities," said Juliet A. Terry, president of Vision Shared. "Offering a discounted rate for the 2008 conference is a way to make it easier for communities to send representatives this year and continue the good work that began in 2007."
Glenville was the first community in West Virginia to install wide-area broadband wireless Internet service. After last year's Create West Virginia Conference, civic leaders were further inspired to begin a downtown revitalization program.
"When you provide a creative outlet, you help turn a community's dreams into reality. Plans are underway for downtown improvements, and our farmers market kicks off this weekend," said Donna Waddell, executive director of the Gilmer County Family Resource Network. "The support we've received from Create WV has really strengthened our efforts and energized our community."
Those who register to attend the Create West Virginia Conference on or before Aug. 31 will receive a 34 percent discount. The normal price for the two-day event is $349 per attendee. The special "early bird" price is $229.
"Create WV is a unique opportunity to bring people together from all walks of life to learn how to reshape West Virginia's future," Terry said. "We encourage all community development groups, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in West Virginia to register in time to take advantage of the reduced rate. Many of them have told us they are coping with tight budgets, and this makes it more affordable for them."
The Create West Virginia Conference is an energizing, informative mix of hands-on workshops and inspiring keynote presentations, spanning topical areas such as talent, technology, education, diversity and quality of place. It is expected to draw over 300 attendees, who will learn more about new jobs and opportunities in today's wired, global and innovation-driven environment.
For more information about the Create West Virginia initiative or to register for the conference, visit www.createwv.com.
Vision Shared is a community and economic development nonprofit organization that bridges social, economic and political gaps to work on issues affecting West Virginians.
