“ When we launched the program just over a year ago , no one could have predicted its immense success ,” says Brad , co-founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation and president of Marshall University . “ We have recruited a tremendous amount of talent to our mountains , and the applications continue to roll in . We are thrilled to be expanding the program to a fourth location for those seeking a better work-life balance . I look forward to meeting this new group of Ascenders and having them join the family of outdoor recreation enthusiasts who have found their home in the Mountain State . It ’ s just incredible to see the momentum continue to grow around this program and our great state .”
Applications are being accepted for the Greater Elkins community , in addition to the other three communities previously announced . The Elkins-Randolph County area is known for its pristine outdoor beauty , array of recreational opportunities , music and small-town charm . This community , on the western edge of the Monongahela National Forest , makes a perfect home base for adventures in the nearby forest .
“ The heart behind this program really boils down to these three principles : community , purpose and the outdoors . Those who have already made the move to West Virginia are already planting roots here and making a difference . We are thrilled to share our home among the hills with more remote workers and look forward to adding this new option in our state ’ s Potomac Highlands region ,” says Alys , co-founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation .
Ascend West Virginia will soon welcome its first class for the Eastern Panhandle . To date , more than 2,900 have applied to make the move to the Eastern Panhandle , and more than two dozen are finalizing their plans to relocate early next year . Those selected represent another diverse group hailing from 24 different U . S . states and Canada .
“ The incredible success of Ascend West Virginia shows just how appealing our quality of life is to professionals , whether or not they have previous connections to West Virginia ,” West Virginia University President Gordon Gee says . “ And in my travels , I never fail to meet former West Virginians who would love to return if they could find career options within our borders . The Greater Elkins Area location expands those opportunities for those who want to help us build a brighter future .”
The program will welcome more than 1,000 remote workers to the state over the next five years .
Beginning today , Ascend West Virginia is accepting applications for the Greater Elkins Area , as well as the Morgantown Area , Eastern Panhandle and Greenbrier Valley .
West Liberty University Names Monteroso Interim President
The West Liberty University ( WLU ) board of governors made history today by naming Cathy Monteroso , Ed . D ., its interim president . She will be the first woman to serve in the role of president .
“ I am very humbled that I have been asked to serve West Liberty University as its interim president ,” Monteroso says . “ I am thrilled to help lead this university , which I consider positioned to thrive . I believe we are the best regional university in the state of West Virginia , and we need to continue to live up to that standard .”
Monteroso has been at WLU for 13 years , serving first as a member of the faculty , then dean of the College of Education and Human Performance and most recently serving as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs . She earned her doctoral degree at Northcentral Universi t y , her master ’ s degree at Azusa Pacific University and her undergraduate degree at East
Cathy Monteroso , Ed . D .
Tennessee State University .
Jefferson County Development Authority to Launch Inaugural Business Pitch Competition
The Jefferson County Development Authority is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural business pitch competition : Jump Start Jefferson . Beginning in April 2023 , the competition will encourage local entrepreneurs to jump start their business ventures by opening or growing their respective businesses .
Through the introduction of business development concepts and best practices aimed at furthering their business expansion or start-up , the Jump Start Jefferson initiative aims to equip participants with the tools necessary for business success . Participants will have the opportunity to further develop their existing business and entrepreneurial development initiatives in a classroom setting under the guidance of subject matter experts . Over the course of five weeks , participants will attend five educational sessions aimed at providing them with information and skill development in the areas of finance and budgeting , public relations , advertising and marketing and business plan construction .
Educational sessions will culminate with the submission of a completed business plan and a business pitch presented by each participant to a select panel of judges comprised of area business leaders . Participants will be eligible for a cash grant of up to $ 5,000 . In addition , all applicants will also gain regional exposure , professional networking opportunities and educational credits toward degree completion at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College .
Forge Hires New Business Strategist
Forge , a strategic planning and consulting firm in Morgantown , WV , is pleased to announce it recently hired Taylor Simmons as a strategist .
Simmons , a native of Morgantown , has more than a decade of experience as a consultant and strategist helping a variety of businesses operate more efficiently . Prior to joining Forge , Simmons was an IT project manager and business analyst in the public energy sector for four years . He also has experience in the government contracting , health care ,
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE