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Fall 2025, Vol. 8, Iss. 20 | |
If someone you know could benefit from remote work, please forward this newsletter to them Subscribe Here | |
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E-Commerce Accelerator Success Story: Faircrest Farms
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We are excited to celebrate Faircrest Farms, an urban regenerative farm in Weber County led by Farmer Karl and Rita Edeling. This spring, they launched a new e-commerce website after participating in our E-Commerce Accelerator (ECA), a six-week technical assistance program.
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Since launching their website, Faircrest Farms has fulfilled hundreds of orders and achieved five-figure online sales. Nearly one-third of their revenue comes through email and text marketing managed directly through their site. Their tomatoes and salad mixes are customers' favorites. | | | |
| "This is a way to get small farmers like us connecting with customers," Farmer Karl said. "USU's program has really empowered me to get our farm online and they walk you through it in a way that's doable." | |
The E-Commerce Accelerator, part of USU Extension's Rural Online Initiative, helps agricultural and rural businesses grow through online sales. So far, it has supported 43 website completions, with 35 businesses generating more than $784,000 in online revenue, and many more preparing to launch.
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Celebrate with Karl and Rita by visiting FaircrestFarms.org to explore their locally grown products.
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Become the next business to find ecommerce success with ECA technical assistance.
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Tuesday, Nov. 4 1:00 p.m. MST One-hour Zoom session
| Join our expert career coaches as they review a volunteered resume from a recent Certified Remote Work Professional© graduate. Watch the critique live and get real-time advice with practical tips you can use to make your resume stand out for remote positions. | | Wednesday, Nov. 5 Noon MST One-hour Zoom session
| Join Kim Ealy, Employment and Internship Advisor at Weber State University, for a focused session on building experience that aligns with remote career goals. Learn strategies to identify transferable skills, grow your expertise, and position yourself for success in remote work. | | | |
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What is the Best Path for Getting a Good Job? | |
A new report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute finds that 71% of Utah jobs will require postsecondary education by 2031. While Utah ranks third in the nation for postsecondary attainment, there is still a need to increase educational opportunities to meet our state's workforce demands.
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Higher education is linked to higher earnings, lower poverty, better health, and greater civic participation. These findings show how investing in education benefits both individuals and communities.
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Did you know you can earn a Utah State University degree without leaving your hometown? Explore flexible online and statewide options that make higher education more accessible than ever. | | Through Utah State University Extension's Rural Online Initiative (ROI), Utahns can build remote work and digital skills that strengthen local economies and expand access to quality employment. | | | |
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AI and the Changing Job Market
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Artificial intelligence has changed how companies recruit and evaluate talent. A recent article from Morningstar mentions that job seekers who see AI as a tool rather than a hurdle may find greater success.
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The most valuable entry-level candidates are those who can use AI thoughtfully, reviewing what it produces, correcting errors, and applying sound judgment. Employers also look for candidates who: | |
- Show AI awareness without overdependence,
- Target roles where human expertise enhances technology, and
- Use interview questions about AI to demonstrate critical thinking.
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This fall, the Rural Online Initiative team has been traveling across Utah, hosting in-person information sessions to share how e-commerce and remote work can strengthen rural communities. From the Uintah Basin to Cedar City, Utahns are learning about flexible career opportunities and how to build digital skills that support local economies.
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Paul and Jacob at USU Bastian Agricultural Center | |
We appreciate the great turnout and enthusiasm at each stop, and the chance to meet many Utahns ready to take steps toward remote work success.
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Have a success story or testimonial to share?
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We’d love to hear how ROI has made a difference in your journey.
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Know a friend or colleague who would like to receive monthly updates on Utah State University's Rural Online Initiative? Please share this email with them.
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Together with our students, partners and community supporters, we're building opportunities across rural Utah. Thank you for being apart of it. Our team of program specialists, coordinators, and researchers work together to strengthen Utah's rural workforce through remote work and digital economy education. | |
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© 2025 Utah State University | |
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