The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is a statutory, public/private partnership composed of legislators, governments, and businesses in the Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington and the Western Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Yukon Territory. PNWER promotes greater regional cooperation by governments and business to enhance the region's global competitiveness, while striving to maintain or improve its environment. If it were a nation, PNWER would rank 11th among the world's leading industrial economies, with combined population of more than 18 million and an annual gross regional product of over $350 billion (USD). PNWER was created in 1991 by uniform legislation passed in each of the member jurisdictions.

All state and provincial legislators in the region are members of PNWER, as are the Governors and Premiers. In addition, private sector members, counties, economic development commissions, industry associations and similar entities may join PNWER by paying dues on a sliding scale determined by their size. The general membership of PNWER meets once a year.

Forging New Partnerships

In order to accomplish the goals of regional cooperation and economic growth while maintaining environmental quality, PNWER has forged a unique collaboration between the public and private sector. PNWER has designated nine targeted sectors of business and industry that are strong within the PNWER jurisdictions and developed proactive working groups for each sector. Each working group is lead by a legislative, public sector, and private sector co-chair. The working groups have initiated legislation, sponsored teleconferences, industry forums, and produced research papers, all toward the mutual benefit of the eight jurisdictions.