OEDC Today

In the heart of West Virginia, a remarkable story of collaboration, innovation, and community is unfolding, thanks to the connections and opportunities fostered by Ascend WV.

First Ascent, a new program designed to cultivate and retain local talent within West Virginia, is now accepting applications from recent West Virginia University and Marshall University graduates, helping the Mountain State’s best and brightest young professionals stay close to home.

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is helping lead a reimagining of the state’s outdoor economy one community at a time.

"The West Virginia University Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is a few steps closer to delivering trail access within a mile of every home in Morgantown. 

"Thousands of acres of abandoned mining land in West Virginia will get new uses out of part of a large-scale development project Coalfield Development Corporation is leading with support from West Virginia University. The project is among those to receive funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the 'Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant.'

"West Virginia University’s outdoor recreation experts are hard at work developing world-class outdoor infrastructure, expanding outdoor opportunities and using the Mountain State’s outdoor assets to advance the economy. These efforts are mission critical at the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, and now, the OEDC team is poised to broaden its efforts with the help of a change agent who’s fired up about the collaborative's work.

“West Virginia University Assistant Dean Danny Twilley is passionate about encouraging people to spend time outdoors. In this episode, Danny says research shows that active outdoor leisure can support creativity and a sense of connection, as well as health and happiness. He says getting outside can help you recover from work stress, promote well-being and stimulate learning. Even taking a 20-minute walk in a city park can help you unwind. ”

“West Virginia University’s Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative has appointed Emily Huguenin as the director of Ascend WV.
With a wealth of experience in team leadership and program development, Huguenin’s experience is an asset to Ascend WV as the program expands into new locations and additional initiatives take West Virginia’s talent attraction and retention programming to new heights. ”

“The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative continues to build momentum one year after the couple’s transformational $25 million gift to West Virginia University. The namesake office the Smiths created is starting to see momentum from a concept the Smiths have instilled in the team— the flywheel effect where constant effort compounds until movement forward is second nature.”