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OEDC Today

The latest news from the Smith OEDC

Readers Pick Region’s Top Adventure Colleges

"In our annual contest we placed 32 schools against each other in a bracket-style competition and received a flood of online voting from fans of their favorite schools. The colleges were chosen based on academic curricula, outdoor clubs, commitment to environmental initiatives, and, of course, access to adventure. Ultimately two winners—West Virginia University and WVU Institute of Technology—tied for the top prize."

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Wide-Open and Wonderful

"West Virginia has a premier mix of outdoor recreation possibilities - so good, they can be used for the basis of the state's economic and demographic rebound. "

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Work Globally, Live and Play Here

"Trading on the state’s rich outdoor recreation resources, the Ascend WV remote worker relocation incentive program offers a nice package of perks to people who can bring their jobs to West Virginia. Morgantown is its first site—and we all stand to benefit."

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WV Launches Premier Remote Worker Program for Adventure & Inspiration Seekers

"West Virginia today launched the nation's premiere remote-work program, aimed at recruiting outdoor-enthusiast professionals to the Mountain State. Ascend WV is supported by West Virginia native Brad D. Smith and his wife Alys, and allows adventurers to enjoy world-class outdoor recreation, uncrowded spaces, and a low cost of living while staying fully connected to their jobs."

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Gov. Justice, Brad & Alys Smith, and West Virginia University launch Ascend WV remote worker program

"The program, called Ascend WV, supported by West Virginia native Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys, will allow adventurers to enjoy world-class recreation, uncrowded spaces, and a low cost of living while staying fully connected to their jobs, and it comes with the country’s best remote worker incentive package: $12,000 and a year’s worth of free outdoor recreation."

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