Living in the heart of the Appalachians, we are residents of an area that for generations has been highly self-sufficient with many individuals cultivating unique skills sets. Collectively, this has provided our region a reputation of having a strong, capable work ethic, which goes beyond traditional professions.
When you consider the term "professional," one typically first thinks of doctors, lawyers or career educators. This term generally implies an individual has developed expert or specialized knowledge; or demonstrates proficiency in a certain area through natural skill, training or practice; and may have even gained some type of certification or licensure.
Here in the New River Valley, one undervalued asset may be an existing yet fragmented creative class of trades people, artisans, crafters, musicians, high-tech knowledge based workers, engineers, entrepreneurs and organizers. Diverse groups, or classes, of people providing valuable services for something you cannot do for yourself (whether because of time or lack of expertise). New professionals, in a nontraditional sense. Members of the creative class, who do things a bit differently yet represent a crucial element in a region's economy.
Why is it that people always say they enjoy history and this is something worth preserving and celebrating, yet rarely directly support it (or support those who are)? "History" provides cultural and economic benefits (just look at the Biltmore House).
Why is it that people want live music performances, but want it for free? Mr. Manager, did you work for free? "Art" provides cultural and economic benefits.
Why is it that people enjoy watching something as it's being built, but don't want to buy it or complain about the master craftsman's fees? Ms. Bank Teller, can you re-cane your grandmother's chair? "Trades" provide cultural and economic benefits.
Why is it that people say they enjoy unique boutiques and unusual speciality stores, but don't frequently support them? Why are you shopping online, Mr. Teacher? "Local commerce" provides cultural and economic benefits.
Why are we as a society to quick to latch onto the next greatest piece of technology, yet don't understand the research and development behind it -- much less the economic contributions these efforts provide? Whoever says the Smart Road goes nowhere doesn't see the economic benefits of this massive R&D facility. "Technology" provides cultural and economic benefits.
Are we holding onto a bias for those who "dress" as professionals or work in opulent environments? These can just as easily be false indicators of ability or competence. Are we legislating and investing in old ways of economic development, overlooking the people and diverse skill sets necessary in a global economy that still requires regional self-sufficiency? Does "workforce development" extend beyond teaching a laid-off textile or furniture worker how to type or handle a cash register for half their former wage, or should it instead be used to incent new high-tech businesses to locate in the NRV and used to train these new hires?
Social markers are changing and "work" has become more knowledge based, specialized, individualized and non-traditional. Read David Brooks' Bobos In Paradise as an aside to who might be driving this economic shift, but the bottom line is that Richard Florida's spin on the cultivation of creative centers based on technology, talent and tolerance is dead on.
Having the presence of a major research university is essential for becoming a magnet which attracts the numerous elements needed in a strong, diverse (and therefore resilient) economy. This requires cultivating both a people and business climate for future economic sustainment. This doesn't mean supporting big-box retailers who come and go or the development of isolated, car oriented pseudo-village centers. The trick is in aligning these collective creative talents and defining a regional focus, or goals which are inclusive and diverse.
Today's leaders need to look closely at policy decisions about where and how to channel investment to develop, attract and value this new class -- the creative class -- necessary to sustain future quality of life in our region.
And it begins by paying the piper -- cultivating and supporting our musicians and artists, entrepreneurs and other new professionals, who are already aware of the value of their talents.