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The Collaborative
Ascend WV is a collaboarative effort betweent the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative and the West Virginia Department of Tourism along with local partners and leaders.
Brad D. & Alys Smith
Born and raised in Kenova, Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University and co-founder of Wing 2 Wing, left West Virginia to pursue his calling, but realized almost immediately that his roots gave him a unique edge in his life and career. While his professional journey brought him to the executive office of Intuit, his personal passion remained in West Virginia. Together, Brad and his wife Alys realized West Virginia’s quality of life, welcoming communities, and valuable outdoor recreation resources offered unique opportunities to bring an increase in focus, investment, and development to the state.
Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
West Virginia University's Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative aims to utilize West Virginia’s outdoor assets to ignite the state’s economy and enhance quality of life for West Virginians through outdoor recreation.
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A two-fold partnership between the Smith OEDC and WV Tourism develops, grows and operates Ascend WV, with the Smith OEDC specifically handling "boots on the ground" operations and collaborative efforts through WVU.
WV Department of Tourism
The West Virginia Department of Tourism works with industry partners to build and promote a world-class tourism destination that provides jobs, stimulates investment, grows existing businesses and promotes a positive image of the state as a place to visit, go to college, live, work and retire. Bringing to the table elements of the state’s beloved #AlmostHeaven brand, the Department of Tourism joined the Ascend WV team.
What is Ascend WV?
Ascend WV is a talent attraction and retention program for multiple towns in West Virginia. As more and more people work remotely, the statewide remote worker program aims to leverage West Virginia’s outdoor assets to bring fresh talent to the Mountain State, cultivate dynamic communities, and continue to fuel the entrepreneurial and innovative thinking of West Virginia. The program targets full-time remotely employed individuals from outside the state who can work anywhere and want to be part of a contemporary, experience-driven lifestyle.
How did the idea for a remote work program begin?
It all started with a pen... and a napkin... at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Snowshoe, WV. Watch the Smith OEDC anniversary series videos for the full story!
Part 1: How the Office Came to Be
Part 2: Support from The Smiths
In Partnership with WV Tourism
Bringing to the table elements of the state’s beloved #AlmostHeaven brand, the Department of Tourism joined the Ascend WV team. Through this partnership, remote workers can experience the Mountain State like never before, with incentives like a free year of outdoor recreation and development of new trails and experiences. These strategic investments into West Virginia's outdoor recreation opportunities will benefit both the state’s new and current residents while keeping West Virginia a beautiful place to live, work and play.