Create West Virginia

Building Creative Communities for the New Economy

Make sure that West Virginia government web sites are among the most useful and advanced as benchmarked vs. other states.
Support innovative research initiatives, including those connected with college and university institutions who can deliver world class new economy "centers of excellence" in science and technology.
Provide wireless Internet service across all government-owned office buildings and gathering places. Encourage a "digital lifestyle" in the office.
Ensure that suppliers inside and outside the state are aware of online procurement processes and provide favorable status in bidding to companies that can efficiently do business online with the government.
Hold more public meetings online via webcasts to encourage broad participation in government across the state while reducing travel costs. Consider a monthly "Governor's Webcast" town-hall style meeting to encourage interactive, frequent dialogue with citizens via the web.
Partner with service providers to develop innovative strategies for bringing broadband access – both landline and wireless – to communities lacking in connectivity.
Provide funding and support for "Web Week" events held in local communities (see details under Local Government).

Develop laptop loaner programs for constituents.
Deliver PC and Internet training days for senior citizens; help them understand how to be more connected to family and friends around the country and globe via these tools. Partner with senior citizen centers and homes to provide PC labs.

Invest in wireless hot spots in public places, including parks, libraries and other gathering spots. Partner with local service providers and the business community to plan, implement and share the costs.
Consider viability of laptop loaner programs via libraries. Ensure that libraries have up-to-date PC labs with Internet availability for the public.
Promote the availability of wireless Internet service in your welcome signs, town web site or other communications. Make sure people know that they can be connected with the world while visiting or living in your town.
Wherever possible, place useful government information online and provide opportunities to interact with government services and leaders online.
In partnership with schools, colleges and businesses, hold "Web Week" events that promote useful Internet applications and services and training on:
- Economic growth (selling on eBay, marketing online, reaching wider markets via ecommerce sites, etc.)
- Education (online learning and degrees)
- Communication/connecting (YouTube, MySpace)
- Internet safety training (filters, family Internet rules, etc.)

For those "third place" establishments (restaurants, coffee shops, etc.), make sure that low-cost or free wireless Internet access is available. Promote it and consider joining with other businesses to promote the various wireless service locations around your town or region.

Consider piloting laptop programs for every student, similar to "schools of the future" found in major metro areas.

Ensure that campuses are fully wireless-enabled; consider partnering with local businesses to wirelessly-enable "third places" such as coffee shops and other hangouts.

Technology

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