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I'm tempted to nominate West Virginia Tourism Commissioner Chelsa Ruby for governor. She seems to get it regarding the biggest challenges facing our state.
What are they?
– Keeping young people from leaving.
– Bringing more tourists to the Mountain State.
– Perhaps most important, changing the way other Americans, especially those who run companies that can bring jobs here, view West Virginia.
During a visit to Wheeling last month, West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee had this to say: "We have to make West Virginia cool and hip, and a place young people don't want to leave. The talent drain is killing us. We have to get this turned around."
There's lots to do in that regard. But in many ways, our state already is cool and hip. People in other states and even many of our own young people just don't realize that.
So how do we change attitudes? With television commercials? Newspaper and magazine ads in New York City? Billboards in Los Angeles?
No, with social media on the internet. When you want to talk to young people, go where they are.
In June, Ruby launched her #AlmostHeaven campaign. She urged West Virginians to use social media to spread the word about how wonderful our state is -- to show people why they should visit. The campaign ran through June 20, the state's birthday.
Just one week after the launch, #AlmostHeaven already had accomplished wonders. The Division of Tourism revealed more than 100,000 people had become engaged. Total "reach" on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram was more than 7 million.
Here's the best part: It's free. All a great social media campaign requires is lots and lots of people on the transmitting end. The very nature of the internet translates that to lots more people on the receiving end.
What does that accomplish? It reminds young West Virginians there is much that is cool and hip about their state. It informs other young people of that. It lets business people know that the only time we're not wearing shoes is when we're at home in front of our computers.
It spreads the word about West Virginia.
This is no panacea.
But if we want to appeal to young people, we need to ensure Ruby has all the tools she needs to pursue even more campaigns.
Myer can be reached at: mmyer@theintelligencer.net.