2022 Rural & Remote Summit Recap
On Thursday, September 22, approximately 100 attendees attended the Rural & Remote Summit, held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hays.
The format of the day was conversational and interactive. The day started with a welcome from Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center CEO Scott Sproul and an overview of the EICI programs and their purpose from Programs Director Lucas Goddard. Gretchin Staples then launched the audience into conversations from that point forward, introducing who was in the room, connecting those who are successfully working remotely currently with those wanting to achieve this goal, and recognizing participants. The importance of being in the right room, at the right time, with the right people was emphasized and attendees were encouraged to network with the group.
Something new this year and very well received were the Speed Sessions. Attendees had a choice of 9 different tables to sit at and discuss varying topics, with 12 minutes per session. All sessions were led by volunteers that shared about their own personal experiences with remote working, coworking spaces, coding as a profession, the nomad lifestyle, and how to get a remote job. Feedback has been very positive and this is something that we will expand on for next year.
After a complimentary BBQ buffet lunch, the keynote speaker delivered some interesting facts about how rural communities can attract new residents who are wanting to relocate from the larger metro areas. Mike Rutz, CEO of Make My Move, gave a new perspective to community leaders, sparking conversation with those in the Economic Development roles during the networking sessions.
Breakout Sessions for topics specific to those interested in remote work vs. those interested in community development are key to communicating information in a smaller group, and something that has been a staple since our first summit four years ago. Gretchin led the conversation and answered questions about how to get a remote job by introducing three successful participants via zoom and sharing two interviews with current Employer Partners of Rural & Remote. Connecting potential participants with individuals in our area that have already seen success with our program makes it more real and less intimidating. Lucas had great interaction from community leaders that are seeing success with coworking spaces and creating remote working communities within their area. Key leaders were able to share what has worked and what has not worked, leading the group to discover new ideas to implement after the summit.
Since R&R was founded in 2019, the world has changed. We are honored and excited to continue to lead the charge by sharing what we have learned about the many facets of remote work including how to navigate a career change, best practices when working remotely, and how to make new residents feel welcome to bring their remote jobs with them! Each member of our team is here to support and guide those that are interested in remote work.
Success Story: Dane Simoneau
Rural & Remote is opening doors for people in Northwest Kansas to live WHERE they love, while doing WHAT they love. Yes- it IS possible- and Dane Simoneau is a living example of what happens when one chooses to pursue that possibility.
Eager to stay in his rural community but unsatisfied with his 9-5, Simoneau started a small business servicing computers, in order to scratch the itch of doing a job related to his true love of technology. “Before R&R I was working a typical 9-5 and could not find a satisfying job in technology in my small community,” he explained. “The only passion I could find at the time was starting a small business servicing computers. I was always interested in learning to code.”
Now that Simoneau has successfully finished the program and is happily employed, he is reaping all the benefits of the remote work lifestyle. “I can stay in my safe, small, friendly community and thanks to R&R I can work at an amazing company doing something I’m passionate about.”
Pre-R&R, while servicing a client’s computer, that client happened to mention Rural & Remote. Intrigued, Simoneau took initiative to pursue the opportunity. “Once I heard about the program I immediately contacted Kade and began the process. Life has been better ever since,” said Simoneau.
He began the program in early 2020 and finished in October of the same year. During his training, Simoneau learned about various technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, SQL, and React, in order to earn his title as a Full-Stack Web Engineer.
Simoneau had a very pleasing experience with the program. “The folks at R&R were the best! Complete support and it was easy to come in contact with them. The coding program I followed also had amazing support and mentors available to help along the way!”
Post R&R, Simoneau runs his own business repairing computers and is the Webmaster at Yummy Crypto. He also does Quality Assurance at a Crypto Currency Exchange. He cannot say enough good things about the ability to stay and live in your beloved community while also having high job satisfaction. “Absolutely go for it! If you love your rural community, but cannot find a job you’re passionate about, remote is the way to go.”
Simoneau cites major positives of remote work as being able to wake up and be at work, no commute, and a personal space to work, as well as the freedom to wear whatever you want to work. He says the most challenging aspect is learning to self discipline and finish your work, which he calls a “crucial skill” to being successful at remote work.
Giving advice to future program enrollees, he states, “You need a personal space without distractions so that you can work efficiently. Also, you need to consider how skilled you are at navigating a PC and modern software. That said, these skills can be developed with a bit of time and effort. Lastly, dedication and self discipline.”
Simoneau urges people to learn more about the world of remote work, even if you may think it isn’t a good option. “If you don’t think remote work is for you, I’d at least suggest you look at some of the job listings out there,” he says. “There are A LOT of jobs available to work remote, contract or full-time and you might just find one you’re interested in! There are an amazing amount of opportunities waiting for you. All you need is a computer and the drive.”
Simoneau is now happily living in his hometown, following his passion, and enjoying his life, all because of the doors that opened by saying “yes” to Rural & Remote.
