PNWER efforts to build a regional defense against Invasive Species

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Council and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission present: "Preventing an Invasion: Building a Regional Defense against Quagga and Zebra Mussels" on  Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at Heathman Lodge, Vancouver, WA. Quagga and zebra mussels are the most economically-damaging aquatic organisms to invade the United States, costing an estimated $5 billion in prevention and control efforts since their arrival in the late 1980's.This session will explore the far ranging economic implications of quagga and zebra mussel infestations and develop an action plan for protecting our region's waterways. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and provide feedback on regional issues of importance such as hydropower vulnerability assessments, rapid response planning and bolstering funding for regional prevention programs.

Register at the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, by clicking here.

Registration now open for the 2013 Summit - July 14-18

Experience Anchorage through novel policy tours and exciting evening reception opportunities. Come visit the tidewater glaciers by cruise ship, and see wildlife in its natural habitat in one of the greatest frontiers left on earth.

Join more than 600 legislators and leaders from government and business from PNWER’s ten states, provinces and territories to address the major policy issues impacting the region. The PNWER Summit is a platform to tackle a variety of policy issues, from transportation challenges to cross-border livestock health to energy sustainability. Please visit www.pnwer.org/2013Summit for more information and registration!

                     


New online forum will help develop ideas for potential next round of Beyond the Border / RCC Action Plans

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER), Canadian American Business Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are working with cross-border stakeholders to collect ideas and recommendations to forward to agencies in both the U.S. and Canada for consideration for the potential next round of the Beyond the Border and Regulatory Cooperation Council action plans. The online forum, Idea Scale, will allow  users  to submit recommendations to address issues that are an impediment to cross border business or actions to improve security between our two nations In this online "community," users can submit ideas, vote on existing ideas, or add comments. Please click here to take part in the important process of helping to shape U.S.-Canada bi-national policy.

2012 Annual Report

The PNWER 2012 Annual Report is now available! Learn more about PNWER activities throughout 2012, including the Action Items developed at our annual meetings, progress on the Arctic Caucus and energy programs. [Download PDF Annual Report Now]

2012 Economic Leadership Forum a Great Success! 


Over 120 government and business leaders from all over the PNWER region collaborated at the 2012 Economic Leadership Forum in beautiful Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Delegates strengthened their understanding of regional issues such as invasive species prevention, border cooperation, and workforce development. Pictured above is the "Luncheon plenary on Foreign Takeover Bids" featuring Laura Dawson, President, Dawson Strategic; Barry Penner, Davis LLP (BC); and Jeff Morris, director of PNWER's Energy Horizon Program. Action Items are now available. Please see the 2012 Economic Leadership Forum website and our Facebook page for session proceedings and more photos.

US-Canada Maritime Resilience

The Beyond the Border Working Group has proposed the development of a frame work for swiftly managing traffic in the event of an emergency, with the goal being to expedite maritime commerce recovery through regional collaboration between Canada and the United States. PNWER is leading the development of the Framework, guided by stakeholders in British Columbia (BC) Lower Mainland and the United States Pacific Northwest region. Specifically, the pilot project leverages region-based, cross-border maritime resilience and recovery committees. The outcomes of this pilot will guide similar work in the Atlantic and Great Lakes regions beginning in 2013.  Click here for more information

Idaho intensifies role in PNWER group

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho aims to boost its residents' job prospects by intensifying involvement in an economic group that spans the U.S.'s Northwestern states and five Canadian provinces. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter Thursday signed an executive order to create the Idaho Council of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. (Read the full story) ...

View action items from the 2012 PNWER Summit  



The action items from the 2012 PNWER Summit are online! View them here.  

PNWER Leadership: Minister Lyle Stewart, president



The Honourable Lyle Stewart, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture, was sworn in as the president of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) at the 2012 Annual Summit in Saskatoon July 13-19. This is the first time that a representative from Saskatchewan has been elected to this year-long position since the province joined PNWER in 2008.

"It is an honour to be taking up this new role as president," Minister Stewart said. "PNWER is instrumental in influencing policy decisions that ultimately affect our regional and provincial economic growth."