Winter 2026, Vol. 9, Iss. 6

If someone you know could benefit from remote work or e-commerce technical assistance, please forward this newsletter to them.

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Job Seeker Support for Iron County Residents

As workforce changes continue to impact communities across Utah, including a recently announced business closure affecting Cedar City later this year, access to new work opportunities is more relevant than ever.

The Rural Online Initiative (ROI) is actively connecting individuals with training, resources, and support to help them transition into remote and technology-enabled careers.

Join us for an upcoming Cedar City Remote Work Information Meeting at the Cedar City Innovation Center to learn how to get started:

Register for the Cedar City Information Meeting →

Jodi Bronner of Washington County is our Job Seeker of the Month and a recent graduate of the Certified Remote Work Professional^© course.

After becoming a single parent in a rural community, Jodi turned to our remote work training to build new skills and create flexibility for her family.

Jodi brings strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities, along with hands-on experience managing business operations, working with customers, and handling day-to-day responsibilities independently.

She is now seeking a remote or hybrid role in administrative support, operations, or team coordination. Her resilience, adaptability, and willingness to learn sets her apart as she pursues her next chapter.

Jodi can be contacted at jodi_linda@yahoo.com →

Connecting With Communities Across Utah

Our team continues to meet individuals where they are.

This week, we connected with communities in Levan, Nephi, and Eureka, sharing information about remote work opportunities and training pathways. We are also working with high school students in Washington and Carbon County to teach job search and career readiness skills.

These efforts are part of our commitment to expanding access to workforce development across rural Utah.

If you need strategies for finding remote jobs or strengthening your resume, connect with one of our ROI job coaches for guidance and support.

E-Commerce Accelerator Spotlight: Hot Mess Heifer

While individuals are building new career pathways, rural and agricultural business are also expanding their reach online. Through the E-Commerce Accelerator (ECA), rural businesses across Utah are building branded online storefronts and generating new revenue.

One recent example is Hot Mess Heifer, which has launched a fully functional e-commerce website:

Visit hotmessheifer.com →

Their success highlights an important shift. Today, strong branding and search visibility go hand in hand. Search engines increasingly prioritize experience, expertise, and trust. A consistent, recognizable brand helps businesses stand out and compete more effectively online.

Through ECA, we help businesses build not just websites, but sustainable online strategies that support long-term growth in Utah communities.

Protect Yourself: Remote Job Scam Red Flags

When you start looking for jobs online, you become vulnerable to scams.

Our team recently shared 12 Remote Job Scam Red Flags to help individuals stay informed and protected. A few to watch for:

Requests for payment or personal financial information
Job offers without an interview
Communication that feels rushed or overly urgent
Unclear job descriptions or company information

Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself in today’s job market.

View all 12 remote job scam red flags →

Sharing Research on Emerging Technologies

Our team continues to stay engaged with national and international conversations shaping the future of work and digital skills training that connect residents to remote work, telehealth, education, and commerce.

We recently presented at the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE) on college student's dependency on artificial intelligence and the implications for workforce development.

We will also be attending the Running Remote Conference (April 27–29) to learn from industry leaders on flexible work, company culture, scaling remote teams, and emerging technologies. These are topics that are discussed in our Certified Remote Work Leader^© course.

Check out our Certified Remote Work Leader^© course →

Share Your Remote Work Success Story

Did the Rural Online Initiative help you land a remote job? Tell us how remote work is shaping your career and help inspire others exploring new opportunities.

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Stay Connected

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.

Meet the Team

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. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.

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