Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

The outdoor recreation economy supports 5 million jobs and generates $1.2 trillion annually—but to keep growing, we need a skilled and prepared workforce. That’s why we’re partnering with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable to launch the implementation of the National Outdoor Recreation Workforce Consortium! This initiative builds on the incredible work of OSU Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy, which incubated the program to help develop workforce solutions for the outdoor industry. Now, with ORR and WVU leading the charge, the Consortium will bring together outdoor businesses and academic institutions to tackle workforce challenges, define key industry skills, and create sustainable career pathways in the outdoor economy. Want to learn more and get involved? Check out the full announcement here ?? ?? https://hubs.li/Q03bM1YL0

?? Congratulations to Jessica Sutton, recipient of the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award from the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber! ?? Jessica’s dedication to community and outdoor recreation has made a lasting impact in Elkins and beyond. From leading the charge on the Elkins Riverfront Development Plan to founding Elkins Area Shared Trails (EAST) and coaching young athletes, she’s a true champion for creating vibrant, connected communities. She’s played a key role in welcoming remote workers to Elkins as the first Greater Elkins Area Experience Coordinator with Ascend WV, and now, as Outdoor Community Development Manager with the Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, she continues to help communities across the state thrive through outdoor recreation. Beyond her professional work, Jessica is an adventurer at heart—whether she’s coaching cross-country, trail running, snowboarding, or floating down the river with friends, she’s always finding ways to inspire those around her. We’re so excited to see her recognized for her incredible contributions—congratulations, Jessica! ????

With thousands of miles of unpaved public roads and rail trails, West Virginia has the perfect landscape for one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreation trends—gravel cycling. Visit Mountaineer Country CVB, in partnership with the OEDC, saw an opportunity to transform these existing assets into a world-class cycling network that benefits both visitors and local communities—without the need for major new development. “Mountaineer Gravel has set the stage for a new way of thinking about outdoor recreation in West Virginia,” says Andy Williamson, Director of Outdoor Economic Development at the OEDC. “By proving that existing infrastructure could be transformed into a valuable outdoor tourism asset, we’ve created momentum that’s inspiring others to follow suit.” ?? Read more here https://lnkd.in/gGrqwGiF #GravelCycling #OutdoorEconomy #Bikepacking #ExploreWV

What a night! Our first Outdoor Community Meetup of 2025 was an absolute success! Huge thanks to our incredible presenters and passionate outdoor advocacy organizations for making it a truly inspiring evening. And this is just the beginning. We’re hosting these meetups all across West Virginia this year, building momentum for our outdoor community and the future of outdoor recreation in the Mountain State. ?? Want to be in the know? Follow us and sign up for THE SEND Newsletter to find out when we’re coming to a town near you! ?? #WVOutdoors #CommunityOnTheRise #TheSendNewsletter City of Morgantown Visit Mountaineer Country CVB West Virginia Rivers Coalition

Are you eager and motivated to help retain talent in WV through great career opportunities for our best and brightest? Are you ready to put your strategic planning and program implementation skills to work? The Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is hiring an Assistant Director for Talent Retention & Workforce Development. If this sounds like you, please apply today! ?? What You’ll Do: ? Lead the implementation, evaluation, and expansion of the First Ascent program ? Support and grow new initiatives in the realm of talent retention and workforce development ? Operationalize and develop opportunities to upskill through online microcredentials ? Further position WV as a premier place to live, work, and play. ?? Location: Hybrid role with required residence in West Virginia (preferably Morgantown) ? Benefits Include:13 paid holidays, PTO, retirement matching, and more This is a full-time, exempt, grant funded position with the WVU Research Corporation. Your chance to innovate, strategize, and implement programming toward talent retention programs is here.

Are you eager and motivated to help retain talent in WV through great career opportunities for our best and brightest? Are you ready to put your strategic planning and program implementation skills to work? The Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is hiring an Assistant Director for Talent Retention & Workforce Development. If this sounds like you, please apply today! ?? What You’ll Do: ? Lead the implementation, evaluation, and expansion of the First Ascent program ? Support and grow new initiatives in the realm of talent retention and workforce development ? Operationalize and develop opportunities to upskill through online microcredentials ? Further position WV as a premier place to live, work, and play. ?? Location: Hybrid role with required residence in West Virginia (preferably Morgantown) ? Benefits Include:13 paid holidays, PTO, retirement matching, and more This is a full-time, exempt, grant funded position with the WVU Research Corporation. Your chance to innovate, strategize, and implement programming toward talent retention programs is here.

We would like to remind everyone that all Gravity Trails at WRW (#502, 515, 518) are closed for the season. These closures help minimize damage to the trails (and your bikes and hiking boots) during freeze-thaw cycles. The estimated reopening date is 05/01/2025. If you want to know more about freeze-thaw cycles and how to minimize your impact, check out this great article by the Northwest NC Mountain Bike Alliance https://hubs.li/Q034WwZ30

Trading skyscrapers for scenic mountain views—one Ascend WV member made the leap from NYC to West Virginia and found the perfect balance of remote work and opportunity. Read her story and see why #AlmostHeaven is the ideal place for work-life harmony. ?? #RemoteWork #AscendWV #OutdoorEconomy

We’re thrilled to introduce @Chris Lee as the Greater Elkins Area Experience Coordinator for Ascend WV. Chris is dedicated to supporting Ascend WV participants as they transition to life in the vibrant Elkins area, fostering connections, designing impactful programming, and showcasing the beauty of his town. An avid outdoorsman and passionate community advocate, Chris brings years of experience building programs, supporting youth, and embracing the outdoor lifestyle that defines West Virginia. From section-hiking the Appalachian Trail to serving as Regional Coordinator for Randolph County Toys for Tots, Chris exemplifies the values of adventure and service. Join us in giving Chris a warm welcome! ?? #WelcomeChris #AscendWV #OutdoorLeadership #WVOutdoors #CommunityImpac

??♂? Transforming North Central West Virginia into a premier gravel cycling destination. The Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is proud to support Visit Mountaineer Country CVB and Village to Village Press on the launch of Mountaineer Gravel WV – a bold initiative to showcase the region’s unmatched outdoor assets. With 28 cycling routes spanning 1,000+ miles, this project connects our breathtaking Appalachian landscapes with local businesses, creating new economic opportunities while promoting quality of life in our communities. Gravel cycling isn’t just about adventure—it’s about building a sustainable outdoor tourism economy that benefits everyone. ?? Explore the routes: https://hubs.li/Q033nq4g0 ?? Follow https://hubs.li/Q033n8KD0 for updates and news. #MountaineerGravel #GravelCycling #OutdoorEconomy #Partnerships #SmithOEDC