Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative Igniting West Virginia's economy and quality of life through outdoor recreation.

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative leverages West Virginia's outdoor recreation assets to ignite the state's economy, develop world-class recreational infrastructure and expand outdoor educational opportunities. Through education, research, community engagement, and asset development, we lead innovative programs and initiatives that improve the economy, health, and future of West Virginians. With partnerships and alliances between West Virginia University, educators, state and local governments, the outdoor industry, and outdoor enthusiasts, we will redefine the state and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of West Virginia.

Join us October 17 at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center for a hands-on Rock Armor Workshop with our seasoned instructors,...
10/07/2026

Join us October 17 at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center for a hands-on Rock Armor Workshop with our seasoned instructors, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. ET.

If you spend any time on trails in West Virginia, you know two things: rocks and water. Rock armoring is a fundamental skill for your team building and maintaining trails in the Mountain State. Intro to Rock Armor covers why, where, and how to set stones to protect the trail from weather and visitor-caused erosion.

Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04zjpCt0

WEBINAR REMINDER:Planning an outdoor event but not sure where to start? Join us October 8 at 11 a.m. for a free webinar ...
10/06/2026

WEBINAR REMINDER:

Planning an outdoor event but not sure where to start? Join us October 8 at 11 a.m. for a free webinar with Ben Isenberg from Symmetry, designed specifically for outdoor businesses and organizations looking to turn ideas into action.

Learn proven strategies for event planning from concept development and budgeting to marketing and maximizing attendance. Whether you're organizing your first trail race, community paddle event, or outdoor festival, this session will equip you with practical tools to create memorable experiences that strengthen your community and grow your business.

This webinar is part of our commitment to supporting West Virginia's outdoor organizations with the resources and expertise needed to thrive. Register today and connect with fellow outdoor professionals who are building West Virginia's outdoor economy, one event at a time.

Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04zmw0g0

Do you like off-roading? We are partnering with the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council - NOHVCC to bring ...
10/06/2026

Do you like off-roading? We are partnering with the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council - NOHVCC to bring you a motorized trail workshop. Using the new Appalachian Outlaw Trails - AOT as the classroom, instructors will cover the design, construction, maintenance, and management of sustainable OHV trails. Suited for land managers, community advocates, and enthusiasts, this one-day workshop has something for everyone!
No need for a buggy, ATV, truck, or shovel -- we will drive to low-clearance-friendly places, and cover what's needed on foot.
Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04zjlks0

WEBINAR ANNOUCEMENTJoin us on October 22 for a special webinar with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IM...
09/30/2026

WEBINAR ANNOUCEMENT

Join us on October 22 for a special webinar with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) on Ride Center and Trail Town designations.

Marty Caivano and Jillian Olson will share insights on the criteria, application process, and strategic partnerships needed to earn these nationally recognized designations. Learn just how your community can leverage them to strengthen trail systems, boost tourism, and grow your outdoor economy

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Register now and bring your questions: https://hubs.li/Q04yMcwX0

Join us October 17 at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center for a hands-on Rock Armor Workshop with our seasoned instructors,...
09/30/2026

Join us October 17 at Cranberry Mountain Nature Center for a hands-on Rock Armor Workshop with our seasoned instructors, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. ET.

If you spend any time on trails in West Virginia, you know two things: rocks and water. Rock armoring is a fundamental skill for your team building and maintaining trails in the Mountain State. Intro to Rock Armor covers why, where, and how to set stones to protect the trail from weather and visitor-caused erosion.

Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04yKcCw0

This month, people from across the country joined us at Oglebay's National Training Center for the inaugural Trail Devel...
09/29/2026

This month, people from across the country joined us at Oglebay's National Training Center for the inaugural Trail Development & Operations Institute. Thank you to everyone who attended, American Trails, and Warwood Tool for making the Institute a success!

If you missed it this year, come see us for the next offering in September 2027! In the meantime, check out our other upcoming trainings: https://hubs.li/Q04yBK_60

Planning an event that actually drives results for your outdoor business? Join us October 8 at 11am ET for a free webina...
09/15/2026

Planning an event that actually drives results for your outdoor business? Join us October 8 at 11am ET for a free webinar with Ben Isenberg from Symmetry.

Ben brings 20 years of destination marketing and hospitality experience plus firsthand knowledge of West Virginia's outdoor economy as an Ascend WV participant and GVORBA founding board member. He'll share practical strategies for creating events that build community, attract customers, and generate revenue.

You'll learn how to:
1. Plan with purpose and clear business goals
2. Promote effectively to reach your audience
3. Execute memorable experiences
4. Measure what matters

Whether you're launching your first event or refining your approach, this session offers actionable insights from someone who's done it at every scale, from regional festivals to international forums.

Register now at https://oedc.wvu.edu/get-involved/webinars/ -sessions.

Since May, Ascend WV has helped welcome over 100 new residents to the Kanawha Valley. Come celebrate this exciting miles...
09/04/2026

Since May, Ascend WV has helped welcome over 100 new residents to the Kanawha Valley. Come celebrate this exciting milestone, hear about new partnerships that help make the program possible, and meet some of the amazing new West Virginians who have chosen to call the Charleston area home through this incredible initiative.

Register here:
https://hubs.li/Q04wKTCn0

Starting a business in West Virginia? You don't have to go it alone.Join us September 24 at 11:00 AM ET for "Connecting ...
08/27/2026

Starting a business in West Virginia? You don't have to go it alone.

Join us September 24 at 11:00 AM ET for "Connecting the Dots: Navigating the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem" a free webinar designed to help founders discover and access the resources available at every stage of business growth.

Amber Ravenscroft, President & Founder of the Bridging Innovation Institute and Director of the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, will guide you through the network of support systems that can help turn your business vision into reality. With over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship-led economic development and a deep commitment to rural Appalachia, Amber brings nationally recognized expertise to help you connect with the right resources at the right time.

Whether you're just starting or looking to scale, this webinar will show you how to tap into West Virginia's entrepreneurial community and the abundance of tools already available to support your success.

Everything you need is already here. Let's connect the dots together.

Register now and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey: https://hubs.li/Q04vzVFp0

Every year tells a story of progress toward a common goal in West Virginia.Our 2025 Impact Report highlights the partner...
08/25/2026

Every year tells a story of progress toward a common goal in West Virginia.

Our 2025 Impact Report highlights the partnerships, projects, and people working to strengthen West Virginia through outdoor recreation and outdoor economic development. Inside, you'll find stories from communities across the state, key milestones from the past year, and a closer look at the work driving long-term impact.

Explore the report: https://hubs.li/Q04vcXVT0

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Morgantown, WV
26505

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