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2014 Annual Report
2014Annual Report
Honourable David RamsayNorthwest TerritoriesPresident, PNWER
Hon. David RamsayPNWER President
Northwest Territories
I am honored to serve this year as PNWER’s President. This region is unparalleled in the world in terms of physical beauty and abundant natural resources. We are also fortunate to be a region of skilled, resourceful, and innovative people. By working together, and by sharing our ideas, challenges, successes, and failures, we are all stronger and more resilient.
I believe there are immense opportunities within our region, and I believe PNWER is the organization that is positioned to ensure we maximize each of these opportunities. PNWER is about bringing together every perspective: public, private, academic, and NGO’s to advance our shared goals and help craft collaborative solutions. I have seen this organization work across borders and across political lines to achieve common goals of doing what’s best for our region and citizens.
I ask for your participation, your ideas, and your support for the sake of the region that we call home, and I therefore invite you to come and share in PNWER’s 2015 Annual Summit in Big Sky, Montana from July 12 – 16, 2015. With over 600 legislators, business, and local government leaders participating, the Summit is an excellent forum for developing regional
solutions to global challenges. This year, PNWER will celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Summit.
I have three goals in my role as President: to increase the profile of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region in our two countries; to increase the flow of goods and getting our resources to market, specifically Arctic resources; and encouraging greater aboriginal participation in PNWER.
I want to acknowledge the work of Washington’s Senator Kevin Ranker, PNWER’s immediate past president, for his exceptional leadership of PNWER in 2013-2014, including the 24th Annual Summit in Whistler, B.C. this past July. I also want to thank the staff at our Secretariat in Seattle, and our many private sector partners who have made these programs possible. PNWER is a public – private partnership, and your support is essential to provide the kind of programs we have been able to deliver this year.
I hope the activities and outcomes highlighted in this annual report will encourage you to continue to be actively involved in PNWER or explore opportunities to work with this organization to address our common challenges. We share the good fortune of living in a great region that looks beyond borders, and encourages collaboration with innovative people that want to improve the lives of all citizens in the region. Together we can make a difference for our families, our states, provinces, and territories, and our two great countries.
Sincerely,
ContentsIntroduction
Year at a GlanceAbout PNWERLeadership
Conferences
Programs
Upcoming Events
245
24th Annual SummitEconomic Leadership ForumAction Items
61012
Capital VisitsCenter for Regional Disaster ResilienceInvasive SpeciesLegislative Energy Horizon InstituteArctic Issues
1920 202121
Finances
Financial ReportSupporters and Partners
2223
2015 Annual Summit24
To increase the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region;
To coordinate provincial and state policies throughout the region;
To identify and promote "models of success;" and
To serve as a conduit to exchange information.
Mission
Front cover photos: Montana Office of Tourism, Megan Levy, Tourism Saskatchewan / Douglas E. Walker, and Anjuli BrekkeBack cover photos: Christina T., Frank Kovalchek, Joshua Strang, and Loren Kerns via a Creative Commons License
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Hon. David Ramsay (NWT) elected PNWER President at the 24th Annual Summit in Whistler, B.C.
The Legislative Energy Horizon Institute (LEHI) brought together 34 state and provincial legislative energy leaders for its sixth year in Richland, WA.
PNWER President and Arctic Caucus leadership participate in the Center for Strategic and International Studies & Center for International Governance Innovation “Passing the Arctic Torch” conference in Washington, D.C.
Arctic Caucus Roundtable in Washington, D.C. with congressional delegates & federal leadership
January February MarchOlympia, Boise, and Juneau Capital Visits
Center for Regional Disaster Resilience holds the Regional Port Recovery Exercise with four major WA state ports participating
Salem Capital Visit
Columbia River Treaty Symposium
Cross-Border Security and International Market Access Pre-Summit Tour
Stakeholder Roundtable with U.S. & Canada Ambassadors
Center for Regional Disaster Resilience Stakeholder Reception
Regional Supply Chain Resilience Workshop focused on fuel distribution
YEAR AT A GLANCE
July August September
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Economic Leadership Forum in Seattle, WA, including the Converge@Seattle Innovation Summit
PNWER delegation meets with U.S. Ambassador Heyman & Federal Canadian leaders in Ottawa
Center for Regional Disaster Resilience holds the Emerald Downs III Cyber Security Workshop
April May June
PNWER’s Center for Regional Disaster Resilience holds the Boise Cyber Security Workshop in Idaho
The Legislative Energy Horizon Institute (LEHI) held its graduation ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Victoria Capital Visit
Disaster Resilience for Legislators Workshop
Seattle Disaster Recovery Planning Workshop
Puget Sound Port Mutual Aid Development Meeting
Disaster Recovery Lessons Learned seminars with Louisiana Delegation
Regional Supply Chain Resilience Workshop
YEAR AT A GLANCE
October November December
““
The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER), est. 1991, is a public-private partnership chartered by the states of Alaska,
Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington; the western Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and
Saskatchewan; and Yukon and the Northwest Territories. PNWER is dedicated to encouraging global economic
competitiveness and preserving our world-class natural environment. PNWER is recognized by the federal governments
of both the United States and Canada as the “model” for regional and bi-national cooperation because of its proven success. PNWER is a respected voice and resource for our region. It provides the public and private sectors a cross-
border forum for unfiltered dialogue that capitalizes upon the synergies between business leaders and elected officials working to advance the
region’s global competitiveness.
PNWER is the preeminent bi-national advocate for regional state, provincial, and territorial issues
Public and Private Sector Leadership
PNWER delivers results on regional issues through action plans developed within 20 working groups that correspond to the region’s key priorities. Each working group is co-chaired by an industry leader and a government representative. PNWER is a forum for collaborative bi-national planning involving both the public and private sectors and offers leadership at the state, provincial, and territorial level, as well as at the national level in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa.
The Region’s Future
With over $1 trillion (USD) in gross regional product, the U.S. Pacific Northwest (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington) and Western Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, and Yukon) is one of the fastest growing regions of North America. This region is China and East Asia’s gateway to North America, and is home to several major infrastructure projects and business opportunities. Now, more than ever, the Pacific Northwest needs a bi-national, regional advocate that works with both the public and private sectors.
PNWER Staff
Matt Morrison, Executive Director Brandon Hardenbrook, Deputy Director Eric Holdeman, Director, Center for Regional Disaster Resilience (CRDR) Steve Myers, Program Manager Megan Levy, Program ManagerJennifer Grosman, Program Coordinator Kelsey Larson, Media & Communications CoordinatorFelicia Muncaster, Program Coordinator
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ABOUT PNWER
The PNWER delegation met with Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Energy Policy Adviser Keith Philips during PNWER’s Olympia Capital Visit.
PNWER is all about collaboration to make a difference. The best ideas come from people who are more interested in solutions than partisan battles.
Governor of Montana Steve Bullock
Sen. Arnie RoblanVice President
Oregon
Hon. David RamsayPresident
Northwest Territories
Sen. Curt McKenzieVice President
Idaho
Executive Committee Officers
Alana DeLong, MLAVice President
Alberta
Sen. Kevin Ranker Imm. Past President
Washington
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2014 LEADERSHIP
Bold = Jurisdiction Leads
*Partial Listing
AlaskaGov. Sean ParnellSen. Lesil McGuireSen. Lyman HoffmanRep. Peggy WilsonRep. Bob HerronSen. John CoghillSen. Cathy Giessel (Alt)Sen. Berta Gardner (Alt)Rep. Charisse Millett (Alt)Rep. Doug Isaacson (Alt)
AlbertaPremier Jim PrenticeAlana DeLong, MLACathy Olesen, MLAPeter Sandhu, MLA
British ColumbiaPremier Christy ClarkHon. Norm LetnickDan Ashton, MLASimon Gibson, MLALaurie Throness, MLAIdaho Gov. C.L. Butch OtterSen. Curt McKenzieSen. Elliot WerkRep. George EskridgeRep. Elaine SmithRep. Eric Anderson (Alt)Rep. Hy Kloc (Alt)Sen. Michelle Stennett (Alt)Sen. John Goedde (Alt)
MontanaGov. Steve BullockSen. Cliff LarsenSen. Chas VincentRep. Mike CuffeRep. Kathleen WilliamsRep. Jeff Welborn (Alt)Rep. Edie McClafferty (Alt)Sen. Mike Phillips (Alt)
The Northwest TerritoriesPremier Bob McLeodHon. David RamsayRobert Hawkins, MLA
OregonGov. John KitzhaberSen. Arnie RoblanRep. Deborah BooneSen. Doug WhitsettSen. Rod Monroe (Alt)Rep. Bill KennemerRep. Brad Witt (Alt)Rep. Kevin Cameron (Alwt)
Saskatchewan Premier Brad WallHerb Cox, MLAHon. Lyle StewartHon. Bill Boyd Dustin Duncan, MLA
WashingtonGov. Jay InsleeSen. Kevin RankerSen. Jim HoneyfordSen. Barbara Bailey (Alt)Sen. Maralyn Chase (Alt)Rep. Bruce ChandlerRep. Gael TarletonRep. Norm Johnson (Alt)Rep. Jake Fey (Alt)
YukonPremier Darrell PasloskiHon. Currie Dixon
Delegate Council
Private Sector RepresentativesColin Smith, APEGBCCanada Co-Chair
Dan Kirschner, NWGAUS Co-chair
Alaska Paul Quesnel, BPCam Toohey, ShellPortia Babcock, ConocoPhillipsHans Neidig, ExxonMobil
Alberta Dwain May, Capital PowerSonya Savage, EnbridgeScott Thon, AltaLinkBryan Maynard, MarathonGary Weilinger, Spectra Energy
British ColumbiaDon Dalik, Fasken MartineauDavid Bennett, FortisBCColin Smith, APEGBCMarcia Smith, Teck
IdahoTyson Smith, Bayer Crop Science Vegetable SeedsRoy Eiguren, Eiguren Fisher Public PolicyJohn Tippets, AgriumNorm Semanko, Idaho Water Users Assn.Ron Nilson, GroundforceTom Power, Sunshine MintingBrian Whitlock, INL/Battelle
Montana Diane Smith, American RuralMike Halligan, The Washington Companies
Oregon Dan Kirschner, NWGASunny Radcliffe, PGEDavid Cobb, HDR
Northwest TerritoriesChuck Parker, Discovery Air
SaskatchewanDennis Paddock, APEGSScott Rudderham, CanpotexAllan Migneault, Price Waterhouse Cooper
Washington William Kidd, BPNancy Atwood, PSEDeLee Shoemaker, Microsoft
Yukon Don Pumphrey, NorthwestTel
Private Sector Council*
Governor of Montana Steve Bullock
Global Challenges, Regional Solutions in Whistler, B.C.
Nearly 600 state and provincial legislators, business and civic leaders, and local government organizations attended this year’s 24th Annual Summit in Whistler, B.C., including:
AgricultureArctic CaucusBorder IssuesCross-Border Livestock HealthColumbia River Treaty SymposiumEnergy & EnvironmentEnergy StorageExpanding Natural Gas MarketsForestryInnovationInvasive SpeciesMarket AccessMiningNatural Gas TransportationOcean PolicyTourismTrade & Economic DevelopmentTransportationWater PolicyWorkforce Development
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ANNUAL SUMMIT
362 Canadians 218 Americans
75 State, Provincial and Territorial Legislators
12 Ministers 21 CEOs
14 Executive Directors of NGO’s; and
5 Canadian Federal MPs & Senators
For more information, including presentations, proceedings and the complete agenda, please visit: www.pnwer.org /2014Summit
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SSummit delegates discussed a variety of topics during the 22 working group sessions, touching on issues of energy; transportation; cross-border collaboration for the control of invasive species; and border issues, including a special roundtable session with U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman, and Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Gary Doer.
Throughout the Summit, keynote speakers helped provide greater background on issues important to the region. The Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia, focused on promoting LNG as an economic and environmental opportunity. Ambassador Doer recognized PNWER’s lasting commitment to Beyond the Border and encouraged further participation, while Ambassador Heyman emphasized border security and trade, and the region’s potential for innovative new policies. Governor of Montana, Steve Bullock, discussed the importance of workforce development and tourism to our regional economy, while promoting the 2015 PNWER Annual Summit which will take place in Big Sky, Montana.
PNWER thanks the Summit host committee, co-chaired by Hon. Norm Letnick and Marcia Smith of Teck, for their hard work in planning and executing a successful event. Thanks to their efforts, Summit delegates experienced a taste of British Columbia’s incredible natural beauty and hospitality. Delegates took a policy tour to Port Metro Vancouver; learned more about B.C.’s First Nations heritage at the Squamish-Lil’wat Cultural Centre; and travelled by gondola to the top of Blackcomb Mountain to take in beautiful views of Whistler.
Above: Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Gary Doer (left), and U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman, addressed delegates at the Summit. Inset: The Ambassadors were later joined by Gil Kerlikowske, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for a Border Issues Roundtable with stakeholders (from left, Doer, Heyman and Kerlikowske).
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You can't separate climate change from current and future prosperity. It's not either-or. Any responsible leader in the 21st century knows it is both.“ “Hon. Christy Clark, Premier of B.C.
ANNUAL SUMMIT
Hon. Christy Clark, Premier of B.C., spoke about the combined importance of economic development and caring for our environment. She emphasized the rich natural resources of the Pacific Northwest and how fortunate we are to live in this region.
Hon. Gerry Ritz, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, addressed Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and the importance of finding solutions that suit both nations.
Governor of Montana Steve Bullock spoke to issues of workforce and economic development as well as the shared beauty of our region and the importance of the tourism industry.
Elyse Allan, President and CEO of GE Canada, discussed innovation in our region and its incredible potential for energy development.
Keynote speakers Bill Cooper, President, Center for Liquefied Natural Gas; and Dr. Andrew Walker, Vice President of Global LNG, BG group, addressed the economic impacts of liquified natural gas from a North American perspective and globally.
Michael Hamilton, Cyber Security Policy Advisor, Office of the CIO, Washington State, addresses cybersecurity as a regional economic issue.
Plenary lunches allow for engaging keynote speakers and networking with other working group participants. Premier Clark’s plenary keynote drew over 400 attendees.
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ANNUAL SUMMIT Award Winners
PNWER President:
Imm. Past President Sen. Kevin Ranker of Washington State was presented with an award in thanks for his service as PNWER President for the past year. Minister Ramsay will work with PNWER Vice Presidents Sen. Curt McKenzie (ID); Alana DeLong, MLA (Alberta); and new Vice President elected in Whistler Sen. Arnie Roblan (OR). Roblan is pictured speaking in the Water Policy session (right).
The winner of this year’s Hot Potato award is Wayne Dauphinee, Executive Director, Pacific NorthWest Border Health Alliance, a cross border collaborative comprised of five U.S. states and four Canadian provinces/territories focused on public health preparedness. This award is given each year to a public sector leader in cross-border collaboration. He is pictured here with Ambassadors Doer and Heyman.
Hon. David Ramsay
PNWER was very excited to welcome Hon. David Ramsay, Minister of Justice and Industry, Tourism and Investment and Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board in Northwest Territories, as our new PNWER President at the Annual Summit in July. Minister Ramsay is pictured with Premier of Northwest Territories Hon. Bob McLeod (right).
The Robert Day Memorial Award went to Marcia Smith of Teck. This award goes each year to an individual from the private sector who has brought together leaders in the U.S. and Canada to collaborate on solutions to our shared challenges. She is pictured here with Hon. Norm Letnick, B.C., and Sen. Kevin Ranker, Washington.
In an area more regionally united than geographically separated, the Pacific Northwest has taken a leading role pushing important ideas in the areas of trade, environment, energy infrastructure, and cross-border movement of goods, people and ideas.“ “Bruce Heyman, United States Ambassador to Canada
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ANNUAL SUMMITLocal Culture
A reception was held at the Squamish-Lil’Wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, where delegates heard from Chief Lucinda Phillips of the Lil’Wat Nation, enjoyed a performance by internationally acclaimed hoop dancer Alex Wells, and enjoyed the exhibits at the beautiful venue. First Nation traditional ways of life continue to be important within the local economy of British Columbia.
Over 20 working groups met for sessions, bringing together over 100 speakers and experts. Pictured: the Energy & Environment session works on a Roadmap to Net Zero.
David Hill of the University of Lethbridge in Alberta spoke at a special Columbia River Treaty Symposium, especially significant as it was the first high-level meeting between the federal, state, provincial, and tribal governments from both the U.S. and Canada to discuss the future of the treaty, and the importance of the Treaty to the Bi-National region that PNWER represents.
Keith Henry, President & CEO, Aboriginal Tourism B.C., spoke in the Tourism Session with an update on the Aboriginal tourism industry in Canada.In the Expanding Natural Gas in the Region Session, Hon. Rich Coleman, B.C. Deputy Premier
and Minister of Natural Gas Development, presented on B.C. LNG export initiatives.
Sessions
"Canada deeply values our trading relationship with the United States, and Summits like PNWER’s allow us to work together to grow our collective economic competitiveness beyond North America. “ “Hon. Gerry Ritz, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture
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WINTER MEETING
The best ideas about how to make things work back and forth across the border have come from groups like the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region.
Lynne Platt, U.S. Consul General, Vancouver
““
Legislators and business leaders from the Northwestern U.S. and Canada met Nov. 19 – 22 in Seattle for the Economic Leadership Forum (Winter Meeting) and the Converge@Seattle Innovation Summit. The Winter Meeting brought delegates together to work on regional, bi-national solutions to high priority issues. Leaders from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, and the Canadian provinces and territories of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Yukon and Northwest Territories focused on the region’s innovation ecosystem and how the region can be more collaborative.
Delegates collaborated to further develop the Roadmap to Net Zero Construction and Deep Retrofits by 2030; launch a plan to prevent invasive species infestations that could cost the Pacific Northwest up to a billion dollars annually and destroy fresh water ecosystems; and discuss transportation and market access issues in rail capacity and getting goods to market. Other working groups that met to discuss regional issues included Border; Ocean Energy & Environment; Workforce Development; the Converge@Seattle Innovation Summit; and a special Disaster Resilience for Legislators pre-meeting session hosted by PNWER’s Center for Regional Disaster Resilience.
Keynote speakers included Premier of the Northwest Territories, Hon. Bob McLeod, who discussed the future of the Arctic; Lynne Platt, U.S. Consul General in Vancouver; David Giuliani of the Washington Business Alliance; Kat Taylor, CEO of Beneficial State Bank; and Port of Seattle Commissioner Bill Bryant.
Lynne Platt, U.S. Consul General in Vancouver, B.C., addressed trade and border issues in her keynote.
The Honourable Bob McLeod, Premier of the Northwest Territories, spoke about the future of the Arctic at the luncheon plenary.
PNWER President David Ramsay promoted the 2015 Legislative Leadership Academy, which will take place in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
The Converge@Seattle Innovation Summit brought together keynote panelists (from left): moderator Brier Dudley of The Seattle Times; Marc Nager, CEO, UP Global; Stacy Flynn, Founder, Future Resource Collective; and Scilla Andreen, CEO and Co-Founder, Indieflix.
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WINTER MEETING
For more information, including presentations, proceedings and the complete agenda, please visit: www.pnwer.org /2014WinterMeeting
Informative policy tours were also included in the Winter Meeting’s activities. The tours were well attended, with over 100 delegates participating in four tours. Tour not pictured: the South Lake Union biotech cluster tour.
The Pacific Gateway: Working Waterfront Session included a Port of Seattle tour by boat. The tour included stops at Vigor Shipyards, Holland America, Victoria Clipper, and SSA Marine Terminals, and delegates heard from Rear Admiral Richard T. Gromlich, Commander, Coast Guard 13th District (left); Steve Sewell, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s Maritime Industry Sector Lead; Charlie Ball, President, Holland America / Princess Alaska & Yukon Land Operations, among many others.
Policy Tours
Delegates visited Puget Sound Energy’s hydroelectric project at Snoqualmie Falls, one of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest hydropower facilities and home to the world’s first hydroelectric plant built completely underground. They are pictured here with one of the plant’s original generators.
Sessions
Left: The Executive Committee was joined by Emmanuel Brunet-Jailly of Borders in Globalization. Center: The Transportation session heard from Joe Sprague, Senior VP Communications, Alaska Airlines. Right: The Energy and Environment session discussed stakeholder engagement and project goals of the Roadmap to Net Zero Construction and Deep Retrofits by 2030. Here, a group tours the Bullit Center in Seattle, the world’s greenest commerical building. Other working groups that met included Invasive Species, which held a workshop on developing a regional defense against zebra and quagga mussels.
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ACTION ITEMS
What are action items?Action Items are developed by working groups at PNWER’s two annual meetings. These Action Items are approved by the Executive Board, and constitute PNWER’s work plan for the year.
What is a working group?Working Groups focus on key regional issues throughout the year and are led by a public sector and private sector co-chair, along with one lead PNWER staff member. At this year’s Summit in Whistler, 22 working groups met to develop Action Items.
Agriculture
Country Of Origin Labelling (COOL) Resolution (See page 18)
Let it be RESOLVED that PNWER supports the U.S. and Canada’s food safety modernization process and encourages federal officials to work towards mutual acceptance of food safety standards and not pursue additional verification requirements. PNWER appreciates and encourages the ongoing consultation of stakeholders in formulating policy changes.
Focuses on the Regulatory Cooperation Council Action Plan, specifically agricultural topics, including food safety, mutual reliance of food testing results, and crop protection products.
Arctic Caucus
Coordinate an initial meeting with business leaders to examine the possibility of a Pan-North American Arctic Business Council that includes Nunavut, with the intent that business leaders take the leadership of the Business Council. The goal is to provide input to Regional Economic Policy.
PNWER will coordinate an Arctic Caucus delegation to Washington D.C. for the October 2014 Center for Strategic and International Studies meeting.
PNWER’s Working Groups meet at the Annual Summit and the Economic Leadership Forum to create and develop Action Items.
Patrick Kole, Idaho Potato CommissionHerb Cox, MLA, Saskatchewan
Sen. Lesil McGuire, Alaska State LegislatureRep. Bob Herron, Alaska State LegislatureHon. Currie Dixon, YukonHon. David Ramsay, Northwest Territories
Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs
Partnership between Alaska, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories, committed to promoting collaborative policies for the North American Arctic.
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ACTION ITEMS
Border Issues Addresses challenges in mobility of trade and citizenry at the border, providing insight to the Beyond the Border Action Plan and pursuing a working border between the U.S. and Canada.
Develop list of possible pilot projects as well as input on a stakeholder input/feedback process and submit to the Beyond the Border to consider for the next phase.
Work with small group to develop a more detailed NEXUS+ Business Traveler Pilot Proposal and circulate to working group members for comment.
Develop a pre-clearance implementation taskforce and PNWER will host regular conference calls to provide CBSA and CBP ongoing input and recommendations on the implementation of the U.S. – Canada pre-clearance agreement (once released). PNWER to seek public/private funding to support the implementation task force.
Create a tracking system for lessons learned on energy storage.
Develop a planning, procurement and permitting cheat sheet / lessons learned.
Catalogue case studies for the region.
Summarize / simplify the Deparment of Energy’s existing case studies – reducing the engineering lingo in case studies so they are more relevant and clear for policy makers.
Energy Storage The Energy Storage Coalition (ESC) is committed to expanding the role of energy storage in a more affordable, clean, and reliable electric power system.
The Cross Border Livestock Health Conference Working Group suggest the Regulatory Cooperation Council work towards harmonizing state/federal requirements for exportation of cattle.
Review OIE animal welfare standards to see how they relate to guidelines established in Canada and USA, with the goal of greater consistency between the two countries.
Have a regular update on action item progress throughout the year to ensure progress continues on the approved action items.
Ensure the CBLHC Working Group gets local and national industry input on the 2015 CBLHC agenda development in order to promote attendance by industry groups.
Mike Nikolaisen, B.C. Association of Cattle FeedersDr. Martin A. Zaluski, Dept. of Livestock, Animal Health Division, Montana
Dr. Don Alper, Western Washington UniversitySimon Gibson, MLA, British Columbia
Rep. Jeff Morris, Washington State LegislatureMark Oens, Snohomish Public Utilities Dept., Washington
Co-Chairs
Cross-Border Livestock Health Exchanges information on animal health issues, develops a common under-standing of disease policies, and works to advance animal health interests.
Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs
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Forestry Focuses on forest managment, forest health, forest products and the forestry industry in the Pacific Northwest region.
The Forestry Working Group would like to commit to meeting at the 2015 Annual Summit in Big Sky, Montana.
Support for U.S. Administration initiative to move firefighting budget to FEMA to allow for Forest Service budget to be used for fire prevention and management.
Rep. Mike Cuffe, Montana State LegislatureRic Slaco, Interfor
Energy & Environment
Creation of a Roadmap to Net Zero Construction and Deep Retrofits by 2030: This roadmap would focus on two targets, premised on cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in residential, commercial and industrial settings:
1) Facilitate the achievement of net zero emissions for new buildings by 2030 and2) Encourage the reduction of energy/emissions of existing buildings.
Through the accomplishment of these targets, the roadmap would encourage four main objectives: affordability, jobs, competitiveness, and resiliency. Increased energy efficiency would result in affordable energy bills for consumers. The promotion of energy efficiency will result in the demand for advanced knowledge and manufacturing jobs in both rural and urban communities. It will increase productivity and competitiveness across the built environment, while providing long-term resilience to the PNWER region. Through the implementation of this roadmap, the region would lower its energy use and therefore, lower costs for consumers, create jobs, and continue to be a national leader in energy best practices.
Request permission to seek funding from private sector sponsors over the next three months to support the development a White Paper on the Roadmap to Net Zero Construction and Deep Retrofits by 2030, and if resources are procured, hire a contractor to produce the white paper. Jurisdictional networks will then be developed to support stakeholder engagement to assist in developing the most appropriate approach in each jurisdiction.
Paul Mason, Sea Breeze Power Corp.Rep. George Eskridge, Idaho State Legislature
Co-Chairs
Work with Northwest Gas Association to convene a series of conference calls with interested regional stakeholders to examine opportunities to better coordinate on regulatory, taxation and other standards related to the expansion of natural gas markets in the region.
Expanding Natural Gas Markets Works to increase regional collaboration regarding natural gas as a transportation fuel and the regional development necessary infrastructure.
Ian Burkheimer, Plum EnergyHon. Rich Coleman, B.C.
Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs
Addresses the convergence of environmental sustainability and economic development while focusing on distributed generation, microgrids and energy efficiency
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Innovation The Pacific Northwest region must channel the strengths of its many separate resources into a collaborative, comprehensive effort that maximizes the economic benefits of regional innovation.
Promote the Winter Meeting and the Converge@Seattle Innovation Summit.
Measure innovation in the region: gather metrics of where the region stands.
Revise the asset inventory of the region and make it interactive; focus on keeping it up-to-date.
Promote research collaboration agreements in the region.
Keep the innovation working group involved in all working groups as a resource for innovative solutions to specific working groups.
Invasive Species Addresses the regional economic and environmental impact of invasive species and promotes regional collaboration and sharing of best practices.
Host meeting or call with PNWER Jurisdictions to discuss Perimeter of Defense and get buy-in.
Identify pathways for infected watercraft and establish annual traffic in the region.
Discuss outcomes of Columbia River Basin team planning at PNWER’s winter invasive species meeting.
PNWER collaborate in hosting western invasive species meeting.
PNWER to support current federal Canadian legislation regarding movement of Quagga and Zebra mussels.
Engage PNWER legislators in expanding the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Taskforce to include Invasive Species or develop a similar taskforce for IS in PNWER.
Request an edict from the Department of Interior that all boats leaving federal waters known to be infected must be inspected and decontaminated.
PNWER help to write letters to Minsitries of Environment asking them to streamline approval of treatment options to make them compatable with those of neighboring states.
Ask to be included on the agendas of other PNWER working groups affected by Invasive Species.
Assist Western provinces in engagement of the Growing Forward 2 project.
Develop protocol for border crossings to keep record of boater traffic at international border.
Develop Quagga and Zebra mussel outreach packet for retailers including commitment form, fact sheet, prop.
During the next Ottawa visit, visit Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans about marine invaders and CBSA.
Mark Sytsma, Portland State University Rep. Deb Boone, Oregon State Legislature
Works to increase regional collaboration regarding natural gas as a transportation fuel and the regional development necessary infrastructure.
Co-Chairs Alana DeLong, MLA, AlbertaDave Zepponi, Northwest Food Processors Association
Co-Chairs
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Market Access Aims to initiate a discussion on market access throughout the region, providing opportunities for dialogue with all member jurisdictions on the dynamics of moving commodities to market.
A session on Market access should continue to be included in future PNWER annual summit agendas and PNWER member jurisdictions should continue to monitor the physical, political and social challenges required to transport products to market both within the PNWER region and abroad.
Following the completion and approval of the New West Partnership initiatives related to Market Access presented during the panel, the Market Access Working Group should consider the possibility of a similar approach being applied to US PNWER member states, followed by a PNWER -wide analysis of Market Access issues.
Both Canadian and U.S. members of PNWER should commit to continuing to engage their respective federal governments on the issue of Market Access.
Mining Identifies best practices for environmental sustainability in the mining sector while fostering natural resource development.
Further the discussion on supply chain with regards to mining, including supply chains in and outside of the provinces, at next year’s Summit.
Build stronger partnerships with research institutes and universities to create innovative working groups and assets inventory. Formalize relationships between the state and universities as well as independent third-parties (whether it’d be universities or NGOs, for instance, Resource Works).
Improve knowledge of the various jurisdiction and environmental issues: create a regulatory and environmental comparison to find best practices throughout the PNWER region.
Ocean Policy Provides a forum of seaside jurisdictions to collaborate on the environmental and economic challenges facing our oceans and coastlines.
PNWER to develop white sheet of info on the Marine Spatial Planning process in each state and province with best practices and greatest challenges.
Catalogue a database of existing response systems to eliminate overlap.
Future event to discuss the interdependencies of transport of oil through marine and terrestrial systems.
Hold an Ocean Energy and Environment Roundtable at PNWER’s 2014 Winter Meeting.
Continue to find ways where PNWER can help to coordinate the mapping to share best practices.
Make Ocean Acidification a topic of discussion for PNWER 2015 Capitol Visits, presenting current legislation and policy next steps.
Scott Rudderham, Canpotex Ltd.Kathy Olesen, MLA, Alberta
Sen. John Coghill, Alaska State LegislatureKarina Briño, Mining Association of B.C.
Sen. Arnie Roblan, Oregon State LegislatureJohn Staynor, ITB Marine Group Ltd.
Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs
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Facilitate initial collaboration among Aboriginal tourism interests across the PNWER region.
Refine the tourism dashboard to more accurately illustrate the size and scope of tourism in the PNWER Region.
Convene a broader discussion about potential collaboration among tourism marketers in the PNWER Region.
Continue to advance the idea of Canada - U.S. parallel visa processing pilot project in China.
Engage B.C. Ferries and Washington State Ferries on the idea of a pan-coastal travel pass.
Tourism Helps address best practices and solutions to challenges in growing regional tourism. Most recently, the group has focused on marketing the region to the world as a tourism destination.
Continue pre-PNWER conference tours.
Establish a task force to work on oversized truck permits, size and weights in the PNWER region.
Form a preclearance task force with the PNWER border and tourism groups.
Transportation Focuses on the infrastructure of our major corridors and gateways, with a special interest on border infrastructure. The group is also addressing critical bottlenecks for freight mobility in the region.
Explore opportunities to encourage both federal governments to institutionalize the RCC. Work on educating state/prov and federal legislators on the value of the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC).
Through PNWER explore a RCC model for state/prov. level cooperation on regulatory standards related to natural gas, creditialing, data sharing, energy efficiency, etc.
Trade & Economic Development This group helps states, provinces, and territories work together on improving the process of trade between the U.S. and Canada.
Cristina Falcone, UPS Canada Simon Gibson, MLA, B.C.
Hon. Naomi Yamamoto, British ColumbiaDave Cowen, Butchart Gardens
Bruce Agnew, Cascadia Academy, WashingtonSen. Curt McKenzie, Idaho State Legislature
Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs
Co-Chairs
Develop a PNWER-wide workforce and economic development collaborative for the resurging middle market economy.
Develop a workplan to be submitted at the November winter meeting in Seattle.
Workforce Development Identifying the barriers to addressing labor shortages, the key stakeholders, and specific actions that can be implemented to alleviate these shortages.
Shawna Argue, APEGS Sen. Maralyn Chase, Washington State Legislature
Co-Chairs
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WHEREAS the current mandatory country-of-origin labelling (COOL) legislation enforces the labelling of beef and pork for sale in the United States (U.S.) indicating where the animals were born, raised or slaughtered whether in the U.S. or in Mexico or Canada: and,
WHEREAS that legislation is opposed, and is being challenged in court, by organizations representing the majority of U.S. producers, processors and retailers; and,
WHEREAS that legislation provides no additional assurance of the safety of meat and livestock to American consumers; and,
WHEREAS that legislation threatens the existence of seven processing businesses in the Pacific Northwest and thereby adding an estimated 9,000 to the ranks of the unemployed along with many others in related businesses; and,
WHEREAS that legislation has been calculated to result in increasing costs to American beef producers of a minimum of $84 per slaughtered animal; and,
WHEREAS that legislation deliberately injures and provokes retaliation beyond the scope of commodities targeted by COOL legislation by the two largest customers for American beef and pork and the U.S.’s largest overall trading partners, namely Canada and Mexico; and,
WHEREAS previous similar but less restrictive legislation has been ruled as violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and obligations and the ruling was appealed by the U.S. and the challenge subsequently lost; therefore,
Let it be RESOLVED that PNWER supports the ongoing Canada and U.S. government and industry efforts to resolve COOL. PNWER strongly encourages United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack not to appeal the WTO compliance panel decision due in September 2014, should it favor Canada and Mexico. PNWER supports a full repeal of COOL as it applies to Canadian beef and pork. PNWER also supports solutions that eliminate the need for segregation such as a U.S. label wherein slaughter confers origin, or a North American label that applies to all beef and pork from animals born and/or raised in the U.S., Canada or Mexico and slaughtered in the U.S.
Agriculture Country-of-Origin Labelling Resolution
Develop a LinkedIn page for private and public stakeholders to add in updates on water legislation over the year to continue dialogue and share best practices.
Plan an educational water policy webinar to highlight valuation of water and other water policy concerns.
Compile research from institutes to connect with policy makers to better inform water policy decision making.
From Columbia River Treaty Session: PNWER respectfully requests that the U.S. Department of State continue the Columbia River Treaty, and that British Columbia and the States of the Pacific Northwest be encouraged to work together and individually to support/promote any future changes within the existing continued treaty.
Water Policy The Water Policy group addresses important regional water issues such as the renegotiation of the Columbia River Basin Treaty and the effects of climate change on water management.
Sen. Jim Honeyford, Washington State LegislatureDavid Hill, Centres and Institutes and Research Advocacy, University of Lethbridge
Co-Chairs
These action items are the result of detailed deliberations of the working groups. More information, presentations, and proceedings can be viewed online at:www.pnwer.org /2014WinterMeeting & www.pnwer.org /2014Summit
CAPITAL VISITS
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The annual Ottawa capital visit took place June 3 – 4. A highlight of the visit was a private breakfast meeting with the United States Ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman (left, with Colin Smith, PNWER private sector co-chair), at his residence.The Ottawa delegation met with the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq,
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council (pictured, center); the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture; Senator Richard Neufeld, Chair of the Senate Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee; David McGovern, Senior Advisor and Director of Beyond the Border Action Plan and Regulatory Cooperation Council for Canada.
A delegation of PNWER officers visited Victoria, B.C. on May 5 – 6. Meetings were held with the Honourable Norm Letnick, B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture; the Honourable Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review; the Honourable Mary Polak, Minister of Environment; and Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business.
The delegation made its way to Boise, Idaho on Jan. 16, following the Olympia meeting. The visit included meetings with Lt. Gov. Brad Little (center); Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security Director, Brigadier General Brad Richy; and House and Senate majority and minority party leadership.
A successful capital visit in Juneau, Alaska took place Jan. 22 – 23. Delegates attended several high-level meetings with Alaska State Governor Sean Parnell, Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell and Alaska State legislative leadership.
The PNWER delegation visited Olympia, Washington on Jan. 14. Highlights of the visit included a meeting with Gov. Jay Inslee, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, Senate leadership, and a Legislative Energy Horizon Institute Alumni Meeting.
These action items are the result of detailed deliberations of the working groups. More information, presentations, and proceedings can be viewed online at:www.pnwer.org /2014WinterMeeting & www.pnwer.org /2014Summit
The PNWER Board makes annual visits to several state and provincial capitals to
assess regional priorities that PNWER should focus on in the coming year. These visits usually include meetings with
the Governor or Premier, legislative leadership, and state and provincial agency leaders.
CITIES VISITED IN 2014:
BOISE | JUNEAU | OLYMPIA | OTTAWA
SALEM | VICTORIA | WASHINGTON, D.C.
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MAJOR PROGRAM AREAS
PNWER’s Center for Regional Disaster Resilience (CRDR) had an active year in 2014. It is working to establish a CRDR Advisory Board of public and private sector leadership from throughout the region to advise the Center on its future focus and direction. The first conference call was held in December 2014.
A few of the Center’s key accomplishments in 2014 include: City of Seattle Disaster Recovery Plan: The CRDR spent the year partnering with the City of Seattle to prepare a Disaster Recovery Framework that will guide their recovery planning efforts. This is
a unique project: for the first time in the United States, a framework for post-disaster decision making is being established with the input of the whole community. The estimated completion date for this effort is in March 2015. Port Mutual Aid Agreement: The Washington State Port Mutual Aid Agreement was the direct outgrowth of a long-term effort to achieve regional collaboration across the maritime sector in the Pacific Northwest. Building on previous maritime work and as part of a Regional Supply Chain project, the CRDR worked with other partners to establish a mutual aid agreement that provides a legal foundation for the sharing of all types of resources between ports in an emergency or disaster situation. This has now been adopted by 12 ports. Credit must be given to regional partners who contributed to the document’s creation and adoption. Special thanks to the Washington Public Ports Association for their role in administering the mutual aid agreements. State of Idaho Cybersecurity: The CRDR is assisting the Idaho State Bureau of Homeland Security in a three-year effort to establish a state-wide public-private partnership for resiliency. The first workshop was held November 13, 2014 in Boise. In 2015 the CRDR will host a full-day tabletop exercise focused on cyber interdependencies. Work will continue through 2016 with the development of an Action Plan for resilience. For more information about the CRDR, visit www.RegionalResilience.org.
Glen Woodbury, Director, Center for Homeland Defense and Security at Naval Postgraduate School, led a Disaster Resilience for Legislators session at PNWER’s 2014 Winter Meeting.
Invasive SpeciesBuilding on the efforts of the past five years, the State of Washington tasked PNWER to identify ways the state could partner with neighboring states and provinces to prevent the spread of invasive zebra and quagga mussels into Northwest waters. These invasive species, typically moved by boats and other watercraft, pose a significant threat to the environment and economy of the Region by changing water quality, diminishing fish populations, and coating underwater infrastructure like hydropower facilities and agriculture irrigation lines.
To meet this need, PNWER is working with partner organizations throughout our region, and into neighboring states and provinces to develop a Regional Prevention Framework that outlines recommendations for improving the region’s defenses. An initial meeting was held November 21 in Seattle, Washington to begin the framework outline. We will build on the outcomes of this event with a series of meetings and webinars before producing the final report in June 2015.
Photo, right: Sen. Jim Honeyford holds up a license plate covered in zebra and quagga mussels which he used to promote his invasive species bill, Senate Bill 6040, to the Washington State Senate Natural Resources and Parks Committee.
Photo courtesy of KIMA-TV
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MAJOR PROGRAM AREASLegislative Energy Horizon Institute
The PNWER Legislative Energy Horizon Institute (LEHI) graduated the fourth cohort of state and provincial legislators on November 13 in Washington, D.C. The graduation ceremony was held at the Canadian Embassy. The LEHI program began in 2009 with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, and this year the Government of Canada supported the program through Natural Resources Canada, as well as a dozen private sector partners.
The program has produced a corps of 131 legislators across the U.S. and Canada with an increased understanding of how complex energy systems work, how they are built, financed, and regulated.
Over 35 legislators fulfilled all the requirements for the certificate in Energy Policy from the University of Idaho, PNWER, and NCSL. They participated in a three and a half day session at the Pacific Northwest National Lab in Richland, Washington, August 22 – 26, followed by a three-day intensive program in Washington, D.C. on November 12 – 15. The in-depth curriculum features a stellar faculty with expertise in all forms of energy generation and transmission. The complex issues associated with regulation of electricity, natural gas, petroleum, and renewable resource infrastructure as well as the interdependencies inherent in our energy systems are highlighted in the 60 hour curriculum.
“Energy issues are complex and interconnected. This course has been very helpful and what I have learned will enable me to make informed policy decisions. I am very appreciative for the opportunity to participate,” said Sen. Bill Hansell of Oregon.
LEHI alumni have gone on to become leaders in their respective state and provincial governments in energy policy. Next year’s class will again have two sessions, one in Richland, WA at the Pacific Northwest National Lab July 24 – 28, and the second in Washington, D.C. October 7 – 10, 2015. For more information, including the curriculum and list of graduates, visit http://www.pnwer.org/energyhorizon.
Arctic CaucusMembers of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region’s Arctic Caucus took part in several important meetings and events across the region and in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa in 2014.
PNWER Capitol Visit in Juneau, Alaska: The PNWER delegations met with Governor Sean Parnell and the Alaska Legislative leadership on a number of important regional issues. To learn more about the capitol visits, see page 19.
PNWER Arctic Roundtable: PNWER hosted its third Arctic Roundtable with a diverse array of stakeholders, subject matter experts, and policy makers in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Capitol. The forum included the entire Alaska Congressional delegation, key representatives from the State of Alaska's Arctic Policy Commission, U.S. and Canadian Federal leadership and private sector stakeholders. Co-Chairs of the PNWER Arctic Caucus, Alaska Sen. Lesil McGuire and Rep. Bob Herron, kicked off the roundtable with insights on the importance of North American leadership in Arctic Policy and the critical role Alaska plays in the U.S. for the Arctic. Alaska’s Senators Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski along with Congressman Don Young expressed strong support for PNWER and the Caucus and Alaska’s role in the Arctic. All participants expressed keen appreciation for deepening and broadening Arctic awareness. It was a great opportunity for attendees to highlight the areas where the U.S. and Canada already have great coordination and to speak about how the Arctic is becoming an increasingly important region.
Arctic Sessions in Washington, D.C.: Members of the Caucus met in Washington, D.C. for two great sessions related to the Arctic. On September 30, The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted a “Passing the Arctic Torch” conference that discussed board issues pertaining to the transition of the Arctic Council chairmanship from Canada to the United States. Several PNWER members attended this event. The following day, members of the Caucus met at the Embassy of Canada to have a broader discussion on the Arctic and the role for the Caucus in the coming year.
U.S. Senators Mark Begich (left) and Lisa Murkowski (right) took part in the PNWER Arctic Roundtable in Washington, D.C.
Legislators in Richland, WA tour Energy Northwest’s Nine Canyon Wind Project.
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The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Foundation operates as a 501c6 nonprofit organization. PNWER’s income is derived from statutory dues from member jurisdictions as well as state/province and federal grants and contacts and private sector contributions. Private sector sponsorships vary by company and amount and help fund projects, meetings and conferences.
During the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, PNWER’s total income was $1,699,765.49 and total expenses were $1,589,091.74.
Other 2%
Statutory Dues 24%
Sponsorships 32%
Gov. Grants & Contracts
30%
Meeting Revenue
12%
FY14 Revenue
Program Expenses
30%
Meeting Expenses
27%
Administrative 43%
FY14 Expenses
Revenue
Other $34,814.80
Statutory Dues $416,000.00
Sponsorships $545,914.16
Gov. Grants & Contracts $502,376.23
Meeting Revenue $200,660.30
Total Revenue $1,699,765.49
Expenses
Program Expenses -$480,552.48
Meeting Expenses -$428,591.29
Administrative -$679,947.97
Total Expense -$1,589,091.74
FINANCIALS
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SUPPORTERS
Legislative Energy Horizon Institute
Northwest Warning, Alert and Response Network
Seattle Police Department
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability
King County Office of Emergency Management
Washington State Fusion Center
Canadian Consulate General - Seattle
U.S. Consulate General - Vancouver
TransportCanada
U.S. Coast Guard
Pierce County
Regional Catastrophic Planning Team
National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL)
Berk Consulting
Snohomish County Office of Emergency Management
Natural Resources CanadaOregon Department of Agriculture
The Beckett Group
Natural Resources Canada
Dynamis Simudyne
State of Idaho
The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region wishes to recognize and thank the following organizations for their financial support over the past year:
Aboriginal Tourism B.C.AltaLinkAgriumAPEGSAPEGBCASETASTTBCBNSFBooz Allen HamiltonBPCanadian NaturalCAODCCanpotex Ltd.Capital Power CorporationCAPPCBI CanadaCenovus EnergyChevronCN
ConocoPhillipsCruise Line International Association - Northwest and CanadaDevonEiguren Fisher Public PolicyEnbridgeEncanaExxonMobilFasken MartineauFortis BCGolder AssociatesHDRIdaho Dairyman’s AssociationIdaho National LabIdaho Water User’s AssociationImperialInterforMarathonMicrosoft
Nelson MullinsNikeNunhems USA, Inc.Pacific Northwest LNGPort Metro VancouverPrince Rupert Port AuthorityPuget Sound EnergyShellSpectra EnergySSA MarineStantecTalgoTeck ResourcesThe Butchart GardensTransaltaWe Work For HealthWestshore TerminalsYVR
AlaskaAlbertaBritish ColumbiaIdaho
MontanaThe Northwest TerritoriesOregonSaskatchewan
WashingtonYukon
Statutory Members
Private Sector Members
Project Partners
The membership program is a way for individuals, businesses, public organizations, and non-profits to maximize their involvement in developing our regions’ policies, building new business connections, and learning of emerging opportunities and issues.
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STEVE BULLOCK ANGELA MCLEAN GOVERNOR LT. GOVERNOR
STATE CAPITOL • P.O. BOX 200801 • HELENA, MONTANA 59620-0801 TELEPHONE: 406-444-3111 • FAX: 406-444-5529 • WEBSITE: WWW.MT.GOV
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR STATE OF MONTANA
November 7, 2014
On behalf of the State of Montana, I invite and encourage you to come to Big Sky, Montana for the Silver Anniversary 2015 Annual Summit of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. We are honored that PNWER has chosen Big Sky, Montana to hold the Summit on July 12 – 16, 2015. Montana is an active member of PNWER and actively promotes collaboration in the Pacific Northwest region through the close cultural, bilateral and multilateral links we have with our neighboring states and provinces that are part of PNWER.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet with key business and legislative leaders from ten jurisdictions in two countries, all who are interested in building innovative solutions to solve common challenges, and enhance the economy and lifestyle of our communities. PNWER is a leader in fostering regional and international cooperation on priority issues such as agriculture, energy, the environment, disaster resilience, economic development, invasive species, trade, tourism, transportation and workforce mobility. Join me in Big Sky next July for what promises to be an exciting conference that will bring together over 500 legislators, private sector and government leaders to share innovative solutions for our great region. And while you are here, take in some of Montana’s spectacular, unspoiled nature, visit a vibrant and charming small town, and have breathtaking experiences by day, then enjoy relaxing hospitality at night. I look forward to seeing you in Big Sky!
Sincerely,
STEVE BULLOCK Governor
Pacific NorthWest Economic Region
25TH ANNUAL SUMMITBIG SKY, MONTANA
Save the DateJuly 12 - 16, 2015
25 Years • Silver Anniversary
For more information, visit:
www.pnwer.org/2015Summit
Sessions and discussions to include:
• Energy• Agriculture• LivestockHealth• MarketAccess• Innovation• InvasiveSpecies• Workforce• WaterPolicy• Transportation• Tourism• Mining• Border• OceanPolicy• DisasterResilience• Forestry
Joinover600legislators,business,andlocalgovernmentleadersinBigSky,Montanaforfourexcitingdaysofin-depthworksessions.ThePNWERAnnualSummitisdesignedtobuildinnovativesolutionstoregionalchallengesandcraftcollaborativepartnershipsthatwillenableustocapturenewopportunitiesforsustainablegrowthofourcommunities,whilepreservingourworld-classenvironmentandqualityoflife.Networkingeventswillgiveyouafirst-handopportunitytoworkwithkeyleadersfromtheNorthweststates,provinces,andterritories,whileavarietyofpolicytoursprovideachancetotakeinthebeautyandinnovativepracticesofourhoststate.
Photos courtesy Montana Office of Tourism / Big Sky Resort
Pacific NorthWest Economic Region
25TH ANNUAL SUMMITBIG SKY, MONTANA
Save the DateJuly 12 - 16, 2015
25 Years • Silver Anniversary
Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER)
2200 Alaskan Way, Ste. 460 | Seattle, WA 98121Phone: (206) 443-7723 | Fax: (206) 443-7703
www.pnwer.org
