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Summer 2026, Vol. 9, Iss. 11 | |
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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From Construction to Customer Care: Robert Amis Builds a New Career
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After closing his construction business and working in physically demanding jobs, Tooele County resident Robert Amis was ready for a more sustainable career. Through the Certified Remote Work Professional© course, he fine tuned his résumé, updated his LinkedIn profile and mastered professional communication skills. | |
Now, Robert is celebrating a new hybrid position as a member advocate with Collective Health. The role allows him to continue serving people, work from home most of the week and build a rewarding career without having to relocate. | |
Remote Work Remains Part of the Workday
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Robert is not alone in working from home for part of the week. In 2025, 35% of employed people did some or all of their work at home on days they worked, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. | For communities across Utah, that makes digital skills, broadband access, and workforce training as important as ever. | | | |
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Put AI to Work in Your Job Search
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AI is already part of the hiring process. A recent Greenhouse survey found that nearly two-thirds of U.S. job seekers have participated in an interview conducted by AI. | |
Knowing how to use these tools is becoming just another part of being prepared. | |
Join our free virtual workshop, "The Power of AI for Job Seekers," to learn practical ways to use AI throughout your job search. | |
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Tuesday, August 18, at noon MDT | | - Write prompts that produce better results
- Find job openings and spot scam listings
- Strengthen and tailor your application materials
- Research employers and practice for interviews
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No prior AI experience is needed. If you can type a question into Google, you can do this! | |
You will receive a handout with every prompt from the workshop, plus bonus prompts to use afterward. More AI job-search articles are available through ROI's Job Search Resource Hub. | |
Seats are limited to keep the workshop interactive. | |
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| Build Stronger Professional Connections
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Networking is more than collecting contacts or asking whether someone knows about an open position. It is a skill built through curiosity, confidence, service, and consistent follow-up. | |
ROI Program Specialist and job coach Trenton Willson explores these ideas in his new Job Search Resource Hub article, "Becoming a Master Networker." | |
Over the next several weeks, we will continue the conversation through a LinkedIn series about networking for rural and remote job seekers. Each installment will explore one part of the process, from finding a networking style that fits your personality to talking about your accomplishments and staying connected after an introduction. | |
Start with Trenton’s complete guide and follow us on LinkedIn as we take a closer look at the skills that turn conversations into lasting professional relationships. | |
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E-Commerce Skills Support Circle Cliff Ranch Alpacas | |
Diena and Mike Riddle know alpacas. Through USU Extension’s E-Commerce Accelerator (ECA), they also learned more about algorithms, search engine optimization and what makes a website work. | |
Circle Cliff Ranch Alpacas is a rural tourism and agricultural business in Bicknell, Wayne County, Utah. The ranch offers interactive alpaca experiences, classes and workshops, alpacas for sale, sponsorship opportunities, yarn, and one-of-a-kind products made from alpaca fiber. | |
Diena Riddle at Circle Cliff Ranch Alpacas in Bicknell, Utah | | During the six-week ECA program, they gained practical skills in website development, online sales, image formatting, and consistent content creation. Most importantly, they completed the program feeling confident about selling online and prepared to continue improving their website as their business grows. | | | |
Through one-on-one technical assistance and practical training, the E-Commerce Accelerator helps Utah farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners build the skills to reach customers and support their businesses online. | |
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| Exploring Remote Work in Parowan
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Curious about remote work or how to find legitimate opportunities? Join the Rural Online Initiative for a short, informal information session at the Parowan Public Library. | Learn what remote work looks like, which skills employers seek and what to expect from USU Extension’s four-week Remote Work Professional Certificate course. | | Thursday, August 6, 3 to 3:30 p.m. 16 S. Main St., Parowan | | | |
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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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.png "ROI Success: Rober Amis")
.png "Utah State University CREDET logo")