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Summer 2026, Vol. 9, Iss. 10 | |
If someone you know could benefit from remote work or e-commerce technical assistance, please forward this newsletter to them. Subscribe Here | |
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What Is CREDET? Learn More About Our Work
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The Center for Rural Economic Development & Emerging Technologies (CREDET) brings together Utah State University Extension programs focused on rural economic development, workforce training, business growth, and emerging technologies. | |
In a recent Utah Public Radio interview, Dr. Paul Hill, executive director of CREDET, shared how the center supports rural Utah residents, businesses, and community leaders through people-centered solutions. CREDET programs include the Rural Online Initiative, the E-Commerce Accelerator, and additional training courses and technical assistance designed to help communities build skills, grow businesses, and plan for the future. | |
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This work reflects the broader mission of USU Extension: Bringing university resources into communities to improve lives and strengthen local economies. | |
Jim Jensen, of Benjamin, in Highland Utah on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Isaac Hale, Deseret News | | In a recent Deseret News op-ed, USU President Brad L. Mortensen highlighted Extension’s role as an investment in Utah’s communities, including small-business owners learning how to expand into e-commerce. | | | |
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| New Job Search Resource Hub for Remote Workers
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Looking for remote work can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to update your resume, prepare for interviews, avoid job scams, and find legitimate opportunities. | |
The Rural Online Initiative's new Job Search Resource Hub brings practical remote job search tools and guidance into one place. Resources are approved by our job coaches and program specialists, who continue to add materials based on the needs of our students and remote job seekers. | |
The hub includes help with resumes, cover letters, virtual interviews, job scams, AI prompts, remote work tools, and job search strategy. Whether you are applying for your first remote role, changing careers, or already working remotely and looking for your next step, this resource can help you. | | | |
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Need more help with your resume? Join our next live Resume Critique & Insights Workshop on Tuesday, July 7, at noon MDT. | |
During the workshop, USU Extension experts will review a resume in real time and share tips on tailoring resumes to job descriptions, quantifying accomplishments, and improving formatting. | | | |
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| Kathy Harris Uses Remote Work Skills in New Instructional Design Role
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Kathy Harris of Cache County, a graduate of the Certified Remote Work Professional© course, recently accepted a position as an instructional designer, where she is helping faculty prepare university courses for online learning. | |
In her new role, Kathy develops educational materials and learning experiences that support students. Each project gives her the opportunity to take a different approach to online learning and help make course content more engaging, accessible, and effective. | |
"I think the course helped build confidence in my skills so that I was more confident in my job interview. I have also seen a difference in my self-confidence on the job, also." | |
Congratulations, Kathy! We are excited to see her using her skills to support online learning and reach students in new ways. | |
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Is remote work right for you? | | | |
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| Laub's Feeding
& Cubing Launches New E-Commerce Website
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We're thrilled to announce the launch of a new e-commerce website for Laub's Feeding & Cubing, created with support from the E-Commerce Accelerator. | |
Laub's Feeding & Cubing is a family agricultural business in Beryl, Utah, offering homegrown hay products, including alfalfa and hay cubes. The new website gives customers a clear place to learn about the business, explore product options, compare pickup locations, and purchase directly online. | | | |
For agricultural businesses, an e-commerce website can make products easier to find, reduce friction for customers, and open new opportunities for sales beyond word-of-mouth referrals. Since launching, buyhaycubes.com has received more than 1,800 website views and has already supported successful purchases of alfalfa and hay cubes. | |
Spencer Laub was great to work with throughout this project, and we are proud of what the team built together. We look forward to see how this new online storefront helps Laub’s Feeding & Cubing continue growing its agricultural business. | |
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| New AI Tool Helps Farmers and Ranchers Explore Agritourism
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Farmers and ranchers interested in agritourism now have a free AI tool to help explore ideas, plan next steps, and share feedback. | |
AgriTourismAI.com is an AI chatbot developed at Colorado State University Extension. The tool is designed for producers who already operate an agritourism business, as well as those who are just beginning to consider new ways to use their land. | | | |
The chatbot can help users explore business plans, marketing strategies, risk management considerations, and possible revenue streams. Before and after using the tool, participants are encouraged to share feedback by completing the study’s pre- and post-assessments. | |
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Has one of our programs helped you find remote work, grow your business online, or explore emerging technologies? We would love to hear your story. | |
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If you are exploring remote work, growing a business online, or supporting your community’s economic development, CREDET programs are here to help. | |
Know someone who could benefit? Share this newsletter. | |
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© 2026 Utah State University | |
Mailing address: Utah State University Extension - Washington County 339 South 5500 West Hurricane, UT 84737 | |
Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination, including harassment. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact remotework@usu.edu. | |
This newsletter was written, designed, and reviewed by the authors. ChatGPT (GPT-5.5 Thinking) was used to assist with editing, clarity, readability, and flow. All final content, facts, graphics, and interpretations were reviewed and approved by the authors. | |
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