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Most leaders of distributed teams—teams that work partially or fully remote—struggle with finding ways to engage team members in improving business processes. Once employees do get involved, it can be hard to maintain the momentum.
5 Best Ways to Engage Your Remote Team in Process Improvement

5 Best Ways to Engage Your Remote Team in Process Improvement

Most leaders of distributed teams—teams that work partially or fully remote—struggle with finding ways to engage team members in improving business processes. Once employees do get involved, it can be hard to maintain the momentum.

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Utah’s Rural Online Initiative seeks to keep the existing talent and attract newcomers to rural communities by providing resources and training for stay-at-home work.
Rural Utah is Training for Work from Home

Rural Utah is Training for Work from Home

Utah’s Rural Online Initiative seeks to keep the existing talent and attract newcomers to rural communities by providing resources and training for stay-at-home work.

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Despite the many challenges of the past year, Utah State University’s research funding reached a new record high during the 2021 fiscal year, with researchers receiving awards totaling $368.5 million. This growth represents a 26 percent increase from last
USU Receives Record Research Funding During Pandemic Year

USU Receives Record Research Funding During Pandemic Year

Despite the many challenges of the past year, Utah State University’s research funding reached a new record high during the 2021 fiscal year, with researchers receiving awards totaling $368.5 million. This growth represents a 26 percent increase from last...

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As a resident of Mayfield, a rural Utah town with less than 400 residents, Clayton Meyer made a living as a semi-truck driver for six years before he broke his fibula while on the job. Shortly after his accident, the company inexplicably let him go. He wa
Mining jobs are becoming remote jobs―thanks to Utah State Legislature

Mining jobs are becoming remote jobs―thanks to Utah State Legislature

As a resident of Mayfield, a rural Utah town with less than 400 residents, Clayton Meyer made a living as a semi-truck driver for six years before he broke his fibula while on the job. Shortly after his accident, the company inexplicably let him go. He wa...

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The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced a $1.1 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to Utah State University Extension to develop the Remote Online Initiative (ROI). The grant will provide specialized training to help
U.S. Dept. of Commerce Awards USU Extension $1.1 Million for Remote Work Training

U.S. Dept. of Commerce Awards USU Extension $1.1 Million for Remote Work Training

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced a $1.1 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to Utah State University Extension to develop the Remote Online Initiative (ROI). The grant will provide specialized training to help ...

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Justine Salazar, who took free online classes to help her get a new job so she could work from home during the pandemic, in Oroville, Washington. (Photo by Dan DeLong)
Millions are using a free skills program to find unexpected career opportunities in a challenging time

Millions are using a free skills program to find unexpected career opportunities in a challenging time

Justine Salazar, who took free online classes to help her get a new job so she could work from home during the pandemic, in Oroville, Washington. (Photo by Dan DeLong)

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A new, statewide remote worker certification program launched by Washington State University Extension is helping rural Washington residents seize opportunities in an increasingly digital workplace.
Remote worker certification prepares rural job seekers for the future

Remote worker certification prepares rural job seekers for the future

A new, statewide remote worker certification program launched by Washington State University Extension is helping rural Washington residents seize opportunities in an increasingly digital workplace.

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Companies in Utah and throughout the nation were suddenly able to reevaluate work decisions to weigh whether an in-person environment or a remote-work setup was the best option now and in the future. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox jumped on the opportunity shortly
'This is the future': Can telework help rural Utahns make more money and afford better homes?

'This is the future': Can telework help rural Utahns make more money and afford better homes?

Companies in Utah and throughout the nation were suddenly able to reevaluate work decisions to weigh whether an in-person environment or a remote-work setup was the best option now and in the future. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox jumped on the opportunity shortly...

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A pair of executive orders that were issued by Utah Governor Spencer Cox on Monday will have all Utah agencies required to review the jobs that could be conducted remotely or relocated to rural parts of the state.
Remote Working Opportunities on the Rise in Rural Utah

Remote Working Opportunities on the Rise in Rural Utah

A pair of executive orders that were issued by Utah Governor Spencer Cox on Monday will have all Utah agencies required to review the jobs that could be conducted remotely or relocated to rural parts of the state.

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BROOKINGS — SDSU Extension, in partnership with the Utah State University Extension and the Rural Online Initiative, is now offering a Master Remote Work Professional Certification Program. The program will equip individuals with the tools and skills need
SDSU Extension Launches Remote Work Certificate Program

SDSU Extension Launches Remote Work Certificate Program

BROOKINGS — SDSU Extension, in partnership with the Utah State University Extension and the Rural Online Initiative, is now offering a Master Remote Work Professional Certification Program. The program will equip individuals with the tools and skills need...

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Grand County Commissioner Curtis Wells is on the transition team of Utah’s governor-elect, brainstorming policy proposals concerning rural Utah that the group will submit to Spencer Cox, who is preparing to implement ambitious policies on an array of matt
Cox names Curtis Wells to rural policy team

Cox names Curtis Wells to rural policy team

Grand County Commissioner Curtis Wells is on the transition team of Utah’s governor-elect, brainstorming policy proposals concerning rural Utah that the group will submit to Spencer Cox, who is preparing to implement ambitious policies on an array of matt...

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The COVID-19 pandemic completely changed the way millions of companies operate, and one of the biggest game-changers was the rapid adoption of remote work. Even now, several months into this forced experiment, it’s still too early to evaluate the full eff
U.S. Cities & States Incentivizing Remote Workers

U.S. Cities & States Incentivizing Remote Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic completely changed the way millions of companies operate, and one of the biggest game-changers was the rapid adoption of remote work. Even now, several months into this forced experiment, it’s still too early to evaluate the full eff...

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The UN believes 14 of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals can be solved or advanced through virtual work. Living and working in a sustainable way is more than just good business. It can impact everything from socioeconomics to diversity to climate issues
Virtual work enables a more sustainable future

Virtual work enables a more sustainable future

The UN believes 14 of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals can be solved or advanced through virtual work. Living and working in a sustainable way is more than just good business. It can impact everything from socioeconomics to diversity to climate issues...

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COLUMBIA - The number of remote workers has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the University of Missouri is attempting to train workers to find remote employment.
MU Extension promotes remote work training

MU Extension promotes remote work training

COLUMBIA - The number of remote workers has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the University of Missouri is attempting to train workers to find remote employment.

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The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is working in partnership with the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), the Salt Lake Chamber and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) to build the Rural Workforce Network initiativ
San Juan County opportunity for online working

San Juan County opportunity for online working

The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is working in partnership with the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), the Salt Lake Chamber and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) to build the Rural Workforce Network initiativ...

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Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) program recently received two awards: the Innovation and Creativity Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) and the 2020 Western Extensio
USU Extension's Rural Online Initiative Program Receives National and Regional Awards

USU Extension's Rural Online Initiative Program Receives National and Regional Awards

Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) program recently received two awards: the Innovation and Creativity Award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) and the 2020 Western Extensio...

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Facebook on Thursday became the latest company to join the likes of Twitter and Nationwide Insurance in giving large portions of their employees the option to work from home, possibly forever. We expect most of Utah’s businesses won’t make such a drastic
In our opinion: Brace for a future of working from home

In our opinion: Brace for a future of working from home

Facebook on Thursday became the latest company to join the likes of Twitter and Nationwide Insurance in giving large portions of their employees the option to work from home, possibly forever. We expect most of Utah’s businesses won’t make such a drastic ...

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The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous health, economic, and social impacts on virtually everyone. Beginning in March 2020, schools and businesses closed and everyone that could began working from home. Despite tremendous and ongoing economic impacts, t
COVID-19 and Economic Opportunities for Rural America

COVID-19 and Economic Opportunities for Rural America

The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous health, economic, and social impacts on virtually everyone. Beginning in March 2020, schools and businesses closed and everyone that could began working from home. Despite tremendous and ongoing economic impacts, t...

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At a time when general fund money is stretched thin, House Representative Val Potter said ongoing funding will be used to continue to grow the Rural Online Initiative program.
Ongoing Funding For Utah's ROI Program

Ongoing Funding For Utah's ROI Program

At a time when general fund money is stretched thin, House Representative Val Potter said ongoing funding will be used to continue to grow the Rural Online Initiative program.

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Rural business and government leaders gathered at the Utah State Capitol on Feb. 19, 2020, for Rural Day on the Hill. They shared success stories and discussed the challenges of doing business in rural Utah.
Cowboy Hats On

Cowboy Hats On

Rural business and government leaders gathered at the Utah State Capitol on Feb. 19, 2020, for Rural Day on the Hill. They shared success stories and discussed the challenges of doing business in rural Utah.

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The nation’s governors are delving into their varied policy priorities for the coming year, but a new shared reality is emerging: Governors are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the Internet.
Governors Commit to Broadband as Critical Infrastructure in State of the States

Governors Commit to Broadband as Critical Infrastructure in State of the States

The nation’s governors are delving into their varied policy priorities for the coming year, but a new shared reality is emerging: Governors are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the Internet.

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The nation’s governors are delving into their varied policy priorities for the coming year, but a new shared reality is emerging: Governors are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the Internet.
State of the States 2020: Broadband Is Critical Infrastructure

State of the States 2020: Broadband Is Critical Infrastructure

The nation’s governors are delving into their varied policy priorities for the coming year, but a new shared reality is emerging: Governors are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the Internet.

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Laura Holmgren’s job as a 4-H Club program coordinator was “kind of in limbo” after maternity leave last year. She wanted to take care of her daughter, but she also enjoyed working. Plus, she’s the insurance provider for her family since her husband farms
Telework program is ‘game changer’ for women in rural parts of Utah

Telework program is ‘game changer’ for women in rural parts of Utah

Laura Holmgren’s job as a 4-H Club program coordinator was “kind of in limbo” after maternity leave last year. She wanted to take care of her daughter, but she also enjoyed working. Plus, she’s the insurance provider for her family since her husband farms...

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SALT LAKE CITY — Putting Skittles in a freeze-dryer started as an experiment, one Mike Sarles chuckles about and describes as “a little silly.”
Innovation center in Garfield County looks to bridge ‘2 different worlds’ of Utah

Innovation center in Garfield County looks to bridge ‘2 different worlds’ of Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — Putting Skittles in a freeze-dryer started as an experiment, one Mike Sarles chuckles about and describes as “a little silly.”

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Utah’s economy is among the strongest and most diverse in the country, but the oil-dependent Uinta Basin is being left behind.
Guest opinion: The proposed Uinta Basin railway will prevent progress in rural communities

Guest opinion: The proposed Uinta Basin railway will prevent progress in rural communities

Utah’s economy is among the strongest and most diverse in the country, but the oil-dependent Uinta Basin is being left behind.

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Since announcing my candidacy for governor, my wife Abby and I have visited 198 of Utah’s 248 cities and towns — only 50 more to go. Along the way, we’ve knocked on dozens of doors, joined more than 40 community service projects and met with thousands of
Guest Opinion: Utah's greatness lies in the strength of its people

Guest Opinion: Utah's greatness lies in the strength of its people

Since announcing my candidacy for governor, my wife Abby and I have visited 198 of Utah’s 248 cities and towns — only 50 more to go. Along the way, we’ve knocked on dozens of doors, joined more than 40 community service projects and met with thousands of ...

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Do you want to work remotely or start an online business? Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (brought in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Office of Rural Development and Grand County) was created t
Rural Online Initiative connects workers, online jobs

Rural Online Initiative connects workers, online jobs

Do you want to work remotely or start an online business? Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (brought in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the Office of Rural Development and Grand County) was created t...

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Much of urban Utah suffers from poor air quality. Much of rural Utah struggles economically. It may be possible to address both problems with the same piece of legislation: the Clean The Darn Air measure that is gathering signatures to qualify for the 202
Commentary: Urban and rural Utah will both benefit if we Clean The Darn Air

Commentary: Urban and rural Utah will both benefit if we Clean The Darn Air

Much of urban Utah suffers from poor air quality. Much of rural Utah struggles economically. It may be possible to address both problems with the same piece of legislation: the Clean The Darn Air measure that is gathering signatures to qualify for the 202...

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In this fascinating conversation with Trenton Wilson, the Programme Coordinator for the Rural Online Initiative at Utah State University we explore how remote work is having a positive impact in rural Utah, what the remote work certification programme con
Interview with Trenton Willson of Rural Online Initiative (Utah State University)

Interview with Trenton Willson of Rural Online Initiative (Utah State University)

In this fascinating conversation with Trenton Wilson, the Programme Coordinator for the Rural Online Initiative at Utah State University we explore how remote work is having a positive impact in rural Utah, what the remote work certification programme con...

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The Rural Online Initiative (ROI) program, housed at Utah State University, educates, coaches and mentors Utah’s rural workforce. The program assists Utah residents who are currently unemployed, underemployed or have dropped out of the workforce to obtain
Rural Online Initiative Program Provides Alternatives

Rural Online Initiative Program Provides Alternatives

The Rural Online Initiative (ROI) program, housed at Utah State University, educates, coaches and mentors Utah’s rural workforce. The program assists Utah residents who are currently unemployed, underemployed or have dropped out of the workforce to obtain...

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A local university extension is inviting county residents to learn about a new form of employment.
Remote Work Opportunity Entices Barton County Residents

Remote Work Opportunity Entices Barton County Residents

A local university extension is inviting county residents to learn about a new form of employment.

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Economic development in the United States is driven by a number of economic, political, and social factors. One of the key factors in companies’ ultimate location decisions are economic development incentives. While incentives are rarely the primary facto
Understanding the Evolving Incentives Landscape

Understanding the Evolving Incentives Landscape

Economic development in the United States is driven by a number of economic, political, and social factors. One of the key factors in companies’ ultimate location decisions are economic development incentives. While incentives are rarely the primary facto...

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The San Juan County Office of Economic Development has announced an online rural pilot program that will be implemented by USU Extension throughout Utah's southern counties, including San Juan County.
Online Initiative and Roving Forums Aim to Strengthen Rural Economy

Online Initiative and Roving Forums Aim to Strengthen Rural Economy

The San Juan County Office of Economic Development has announced an online rural pilot program that will be implemented by USU Extension throughout Utah's southern counties, including San Juan County.

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During the 2018 Utah General Legislative Session, House Bill 327 and HB 390, the Rural Online Initiative and the Rural Economic Development Incentive, ROI and REDI respectively, were signed into law by Gov. Gary R. Herbert. These programs were created as
Utah rural initiatives to change economic development, Utah CAI drops

Utah rural initiatives to change economic development, Utah CAI drops

During the 2018 Utah General Legislative Session, House Bill 327 and HB 390, the Rural Online Initiative and the Rural Economic Development Incentive, ROI and REDI respectively, were signed into law by Gov. Gary R. Herbert. These programs were created as ...

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During the 2018 Utah General Legislative Session, H.B. 327 and H.B. 390, the Rural Online Initiative (ROI) and the Rural Economic Development Incentive (REDI) respectively, were signed into law by Gov. Gary R. Herbert changing the landscape of rural econo
Rural initiatives to change the landscape of economic development

Rural initiatives to change the landscape of economic development

During the 2018 Utah General Legislative Session, H.B. 327 and H.B. 390, the Rural Online Initiative (ROI) and the Rural Economic Development Incentive (REDI) respectively, were signed into law by Gov. Gary R. Herbert changing the landscape of rural econo...

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“Tulsa is aiming to attract people by offering those who work remotely and entrepreneurs $10,000 to move there. If they agree to stay for at least one year, the workers will receive cash that includes rent subsidies and stipends.”
How Freelancing and Other Remote Work Will Help Save Rural Life

How Freelancing and Other Remote Work Will Help Save Rural Life

“Tulsa is aiming to attract people by offering those who work remotely and entrepreneurs $10,000 to move there. If they agree to stay for at least one year, the workers will receive cash that includes rent subsidies and stipends.”

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The USU Extension Rural Online Initiative hosted a meeting Wednesday evening in the Price City Hall to give residents an opportunity for in-person conversation pertaining to all that is remote work.
Expand Your Opportunities Through the Rural Online Initiative

Expand Your Opportunities Through the Rural Online Initiative

The USU Extension Rural Online Initiative hosted a meeting Wednesday evening in the Price City Hall to give residents an opportunity for in-person conversation pertaining to all that is remote work.

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EPHRAIM-- The Utah Legislature recently created a new program called the Rural Online Initiative (ROI). A free “town hall” style meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 6 p.m., to explain the program, and how to work from home. Participants need to re
Want to work from home? Attend ROI program

Want to work from home? Attend ROI program

EPHRAIM-- The Utah Legislature recently created a new program called the Rural Online Initiative (ROI). A free “town hall” style meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 6 p.m., to explain the program, and how to work from home. Participants need to re...

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Throughout history, people have consistently migrated from rural areas to cities, where opportunities for education, employment, transportation and commerce are more significant. It’s no different today as evidenced along the Wasatch Front where the econo
New Opportunities In Rural Utah

New Opportunities In Rural Utah

Throughout history, people have consistently migrated from rural areas to cities, where opportunities for education, employment, transportation and commerce are more significant. It’s no different today as evidenced along the Wasatch Front where the econo...

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BOULDER - A new piece of legislation aims to increase remote employment opportunities for those living in rural Utah. Together with Utah State University, state officials have created an Extension program that will teach individuals the tools they need to
Master Remote Certificate Program to be Held October 25th at Boulder Elementary

Master Remote Certificate Program to be Held October 25th at Boulder Elementary

BOULDER - A new piece of legislation aims to increase remote employment opportunities for those living in rural Utah. Together with Utah State University, state officials have created an Extension program that will teach individuals the tools they need to...

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On its face, the U.S. employment picture is rosy, showing a long stretch of slow but sustained growth in both hiring and wages, with U.S. employers having created new jobs for each of the past 95 months since the recession ended. However, the robust numbe
How Remote Jobs Can Help Employ Rural America: Success in Kentucky

How Remote Jobs Can Help Employ Rural America: Success in Kentucky

On its face, the U.S. employment picture is rosy, showing a long stretch of slow but sustained growth in both hiring and wages, with U.S. employers having created new jobs for each of the past 95 months since the recession ended. However, the robust numbe...

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ST. GEORGE — Looking for ways to increase economic opportunity for struggling residents in rural parts of Utah, state officials are implementing a program to allow for more remote work opportunities over online platforms.
Can rural flight be alleviated in Southern Utah? Coordinators of new remote work initiative hope so

Can rural flight be alleviated in Southern Utah? Coordinators of new remote work initiative hope so

ST. GEORGE — Looking for ways to increase economic opportunity for struggling residents in rural parts of Utah, state officials are implementing a program to allow for more remote work opportunities over online platforms.

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The Carbon County Commissioners were recently paid a visit by the Eastern Region Utah State University Extension Coordinator Jordan Leonard to present the rural online initiative pilot program. Leonard stated that for this first year, they will be focusin
Hone Your Remote Working Skills With the Rural Online Initiative Pilot Program

Hone Your Remote Working Skills With the Rural Online Initiative Pilot Program

The Carbon County Commissioners were recently paid a visit by the Eastern Region Utah State University Extension Coordinator Jordan Leonard to present the rural online initiative pilot program. Leonard stated that for this first year, they will be focusin...

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As many rural Utah residents are struggling with unemployment or underemployment, a new pilot program has been implemented by Utah State University Extension to help residents in the southern counties develop the skills needed to compete for remote employ
USU extension focuses on strengthening Utah’s rural economies

USU extension focuses on strengthening Utah’s rural economies

As many rural Utah residents are struggling with unemployment or underemployment, a new pilot program has been implemented by Utah State University Extension to help residents in the southern counties develop the skills needed to compete for remote employ...

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Much like the platforms of many county commissioner candidates in rural areas of the nation, I too had visions of economic development being the solution for a struggling, poor, and a small county with little to no tax base. A county in which over 74% of
Innovative ‘Online Initiative’ will help diversify, boost Utah’s rural economies

Innovative ‘Online Initiative’ will help diversify, boost Utah’s rural economies

Much like the platforms of many county commissioner candidates in rural areas of the nation, I too had visions of economic development being the solution for a struggling, poor, and a small county with little to no tax base. A county in which over 74% of ...

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Utah State Legislation 2018 General Session – Rural Online Initiative
Utah State Legislation 2018 General Session

Utah State Legislation 2018 General Session

Utah State Legislation 2018 General Session – Rural Online Initiative

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SALT LAKE CITY — A proposed pilot project overseen by the Utah State University's county extension offices aims to boost rural online job opportunities in struggling areas of the state, where county leaders bemoan their biggest export is young adults who
Online jobs initiative aims to stop export of young adults from rural Utah

Online jobs initiative aims to stop export of young adults from rural Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — A proposed pilot project overseen by the Utah State University's county extension offices aims to boost rural online job opportunities in struggling areas of the state, where county leaders bemoan their biggest export is young adults who ...

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LOGAN, Utah (AP) — A Utah lawmaker has introduced a bill that would create a pilot Utah State University Extension program to help boost employment in rural parts of the state.
Lawmaker: Proposed bill will create jobs in rural Utah

Lawmaker: Proposed bill will create jobs in rural Utah

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — A Utah lawmaker has introduced a bill that would create a pilot Utah State University Extension program to help boost employment in rural parts of the state.

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A Utah lawmaker has introduced a bill that would create a pilot Utah State University Extension program to help people in rural communities find remote employment.
Bill calls on USU Extension to create jobs in rural Utah counties

Bill calls on USU Extension to create jobs in rural Utah counties

A Utah lawmaker has introduced a bill that would create a pilot Utah State University Extension program to help people in rural communities find remote employment.

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When Angela Arnold was laid off at the end of last year, she didn’t know if she would find work that would let her stay in Carbon County. But then she got a job that keeps rural workers home by design.
Rural Utahns hope new push to create jobs means they don’t have to leave home to be employed

Rural Utahns hope new push to create jobs means they don’t have to leave home to be employed

When Angela Arnold was laid off at the end of last year, she didn’t know if she would find work that would let her stay in Carbon County. But then she got a job that keeps rural workers home by design.