Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

08/18/2026

THIS WEEK: AI isn't just for writing emails anymore, it's transforming how West Virginia outdoor businesses operate.

Join us August 20 at 11:00 AM ET for a practical webinar featuring real case studies from WV outdoor recreation businesses using AI to automate workflows, improve customer experiences, and gain competitive advantages.

AI consultant and former outdoor industry pro Tom Gerencer will cut through the hype and show you what's actually working in the field today, from outfitters and guides to campgrounds and adventure parks.

Whether you're new to AI or looking to expand how you use it, you'll walk away with actionable ideas for your business. Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04tqfnl0

08/10/2026

Level up your skills with us this fall! Register today!

We're teaming up with Oglebay's National Training Center and American Trails to bring you the inaugural Trail Development & Operations Institute. This immersive, multi-day program combines classroom instruction with hands-on field learning to prepare today's trail professionals for tomorrow's challenges.

Set within Oglebay’s unique indoor and outdoor learning environments, participants gain practical knowledge from experienced trail professionals while applying concepts in real-world settings. Whether planning new trails or enhancing an established network, this program provides the tools, guidance, and expertise to support every stage of the journey.
Because successful trail systems depend on both strategic leadership and skilled field operations, the Institute offers two specialized learning tracks: Supervisor/Director and Field Management/Maintenance. While participants share foundational concepts, each track delivers targeted instruction—in both the classroom and the field—designed to build the specific knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their respective roles.
Each track is built around nationally recognized, NOCTI-approved Core Competencies for Trail Management and enriched by real-world case studies, proven best practices, and decades of on-the-ground experience from industry experts.

Through our partnership with American Trails, participants also have the opportunity to earn valuable professional development credits. Institute sessions are eligible for APA Certification Maintenance (CM), LA CES credits through ASLA, and additional equivalency options, ensuring the experience delivers lasting value long after participants return to their communities.

Register today!
https://hubs.li/Q04ssCXq0

08/07/2026

Add this enlightening conversation to your weekend listening. Danny Twilley, assistant vice president of economic & community development at West Virginia University, and Emily Huguenin, director of Ascend WV, joined host Patience Fairbrother Wallace on Talent Wars, a podcast from Development Counsellors International (DCI). The conversation explores how West Virginia is building on its strengths to attract new residents.

They discuss how West Virginia is using outdoor recreation, community and quality of life to attract talent to the Mountain State and encourage people to stay. Danny and Emily also share how years of research helped position outdoor recreation as a talent attraction strategy and how that vision has grown into Ascend WV, a six-community initiative with more than 660 members and a 96% retention rate.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about Ascend WV’s approach and how the model is being adapted to reach graduates and veterans through First Ascent and Ascend Heroes.

https://hubs.li/Q04sj04n0

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

This week! Join Jesse Cecil from the Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at WVU for a Grant Readiness webinar on Wednesday, August 6th at 11:00 AM ET.

Learn how to prepare your outdoor infrastructure project for implementation funding and position your community for success. Whether you're planning trails, parks, or recreation facilities, this session will equip you with the tools and strategies to make your project grant-ready. Register now at https://hubs.li/Q04rJj070 and take the next step in bringing your vision to life.

07/29/2026

AI is transforming West Virginia's outdoor recreation industry, and it goes far beyond ChatGPT.

Join us August 20 at 11:00 AM ET for a free webinar featuring AI consultant and former outdoor industry professional Tom Gerencer. Discover how real West Virginia outdoor businesses are using AI to automate workflows, build custom applications, improve customer experiences, and gain competitive advantages.

Through local case studies and live demonstrations, you'll see what's actually working for outfitters, guides, campgrounds, adventure parks, lodging providers, and tourism businesses across the state.

Register now and see what's possible when West Virginia's outdoor businesses harness the power of emerging technology: https://hubs.li/Q04nYdv90

07/24/2026

Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that outdoor recreation generated $2.3 billion in economic activity in West Virginia in 2024, supporting 21,936 jobs and $1.0 billion in wages and compensation across the state. West Virginia continues to contribute to and benefit from the growth of the outdoor recreation economy.

Read More: https://hubs.li/Q04qJVb40

07/22/2026

Register before it's too late!

We're teaming up with Oglebay's National Training Center and American Trails to bring you the inaugural Trail Development & Operations Institute. This immersive, multi-day program combines classroom instruction with hands-on field learning to prepare today's trail professionals for tomorrow's challenges.

Whether planning new trails or enhancing an established network, this program provides the tools, guidance, and expertise to support every stage of the journey.
Because successful trail systems depend on both strategic leadership and skilled field operations, the Institute offers two specialized learning tracks: Supervisor/Director and Field Management/Maintenance. While participants share foundational concepts, each track delivers targeted instruction—in both the classroom and the field—designed to build the specific knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their respective roles.

Each track is built around nationally recognized, NOCTI-approved Core Competencies for Trail Management and enriched by real-world case studies, proven best practices, and decades of on-the-ground experience from industry experts.
Through our partnership with American Trails, participants also have the opportunity to earn valuable professional development credits. Institute sessions are eligible for APA Certification Maintenance (CM), LA CES credits through ASLA, and additional equivalency options, ensuring the experience delivers lasting value long after participants return to their communities.

Register today!
https://hubs.li/Q04qkYQW0

07/20/2026

Reminder! This weekend!

Join the Smith OEDC, WV State Parks, Poca. trails, and SHARC Trails for a hands-on day of trail maintenance at Seneca State Forest.
Participants will learn basic trail-building and maintenance techniques while enhancing the Thorny Creek Trail. Whether you are interested in learning how sustainable trails are built or simply want to lend a hand, this is a chance to work alongside experienced trail stewards and contribute to West Virginia’s expanding outdoor recreation infrastructure.
Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04pQbZs0

07/19/2026

REMINDER: This Wednesday's Webinar

Don't wait for an accident to happen. Join us this Wednesday, July 23rd at 11:00 AM ET for "Insurance for the Outdoors: Preparing in Advance of Injury."

Ruthie Rivers from Granite Insurance will walk you through creating a Standard Operating Procedure for accident management, covering both participant and employee incidents. Learn how to protect your business, reduce liability, and handle emergencies with confidence.

Wednesday, July 23 | 11:00 AM ET

Register now and get prepared before the unexpected happens: https://hubs.li/Q04nY2jZ0