Create West Virginia has gotten off to an encouraging start. I say that because I have seen any number of people, groups and institutions embrace causes in West Virginia but lose focus, motivation or energy. Even many established institutions lose their way. It's understandable. In some cases, it's inevitable.

But Create West Virginia, which describes itself as a grassroots group that operates under the umbrella of Vision Shared, appears to have resilience. Its leaders continue to develop interest in their mission to see West Virginia communities become innovative, creative and prosperous. Wheeling officials want next year's conference. Competition is a good sign.

Leaders of Create West Virginia hope to see the state's economy evolve toward more cultural, artistic and intellectual activities that can become the foundation of businesses and communities. They want to spread the word that improved technologies now allow people to work where they choose to live, and West Virginia communities can attract some of those budding entrepreneurs.

Jeff James, chairman of Create West Virginia and a native of Gilmer County, said he does not believe West Virginia can or should be forced to pick between the new economy that Create West Virginia promotes or the more established economy that still provides the lion's share of our employment and tax base.

Create West Virginia members believe this state can become a place where young, educated professionals can build their future. They focus on West Virginia's strengths -- its quality of life, outdoors recreation and proximity to major markets. They want to encourage creative men and women to establish roots in West Virginia communities. They want to see entrepreneurs who possess talent and technology to be able to become part of welcoming, tolerant communities across the state.

James and others believe they are seeing the beginnings of progress. For example, he said the rafting industry around Fayetteville has attracted many young, talented people. Some have decided to stay and put down roots.

The melding between the established community and newcomers hasn't always been smooth, he said, but it is happening. The community is a different place today than it was 25 years ago.

I have wondered what members of Create West Virginia have thought about the state's business environment -- its tax laws, judicial system and regulatory climate.

"We don't see that as an issue," said Rob Godbey, one of the group's leaders. "When we talk to creative business types who are trying to get to an attractive area, those aren't high on their list of concerns."

I hope he is right.

Everyone may not accept Create West Virginia's vision of the future. Some may not appreciate the group's focus on alternative energy delivery systems or its nontraditional view of business structures. Some may not be willing to welcome new ideas and new people.

But I believe Create West Virginia's devotees understand that and, instead, are focused on how they can encourage willing West Virginia communities to open their arms to people who may not look like they do or think like they do. Smart people with talent can make a living and a difference in West Virginia. To me, that's the message Create West Virginia is sending.

I think back to the mid-1980s. West Virginians had just begun to realize that tourism -- with whitewater rafting and skiing emerging as economic powerhouses -- could become an important sector of the economy. I recall an older gentleman commenting to me that tourism never would be an important part of the economy.

He was wrong about tourism. Thank goodness.

Make no mistake: I believe energy and manufacturing can and should remain cornerstones of the West Virginia economy. In fact, this state and its people cannot possibly prosper without businesses that create wealth, employ tens of thousands of people and pay millions of dollars each year in state and local taxes. I cannot see how any new economy can replace the so-called old economy overnight or any time soon.

But we certainly should not ignore new opportunities. Entrepreneurial people, armed with talent and technology, may find the rural, tranquil life of West Virginia appealing. They may find it to be a place that affords them access to outdoors recreation, a sense of community and proximity to the urbanized eastern seaboard.

That's what Create West Virginia seems to be offering -- a fresh idea in a state that needs all of the ideas and commitment it can get.

Dan Page is editor and publisher of The State Journal. His e-mail address is dpage@statejournal.com.