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Over 600 regional business leaders, legislators, and key decision makers participated at the PNWER Annual Summit July 22 - 26 in Spokane at the Davenport Grand Hotel. Delegates explored shared challenges in the region, discussed best practices, promoted regional relationships, and developed an action plan for addressing these challenges in the coming year.
PNWER is recognized as the model for regional and bi-national cooperation, providing a platform for collaboration among public, private, academic, and non-profit stakeholders to work together as a region in pursuit of common goals. |
Session Resources
Select the session to view proceedings, presentations, and action items.
Overview of 2018 Annual Summit
Delegates
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620 regional and national leaders came to Spokane to strengthen the U.S. Canadian relationship.
Participants included: 60+ state, provincial and territorial legislators 50 corporate CEOs or VPs 60 NGO executive directors Several federal legislators 15 University Presidents 90+ governmental officials |
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2018 Host Committee
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Rep. Gael Tarleton, WA, Host Committee Public Sector Lead
Sen. Michael Baumgartner, WA Sen. Andy Billig, WA Sen. Maralyn Chase, WA Sen. Jim Honeyford, WA Sen. Judy Warnick, WA Sen. Lisa Wellman, WA Rep. Bruce Chandler, WA Rep. Mary Dye, WA Rep. Jeff Morris, WA Rep. Timm Ormsby, WA Rep. Marcus Riccelli, WA Rep. Cindy Ryu, WA Karen Blasdel, PNNL Catherine Brazil, University of Washington George Caan, WPUDA Stacey Cowles, Cowles Publishing |
Dennis Vermillion, Avista, Host Committee Private Sector Lead
Karen Blasdel, PNNL Catherine Brazil, UW George Caan, WPUDA Stacey Cowles, Cowles Publishing Kelly Fukai, Schweitzer Engineering Ann Goos, WSU Gynii Gilliam, Coeur d’Alene Area EDC Christine Johnson, Community Colleges of Spokane Cheryl Kilday, Visit Spokane Jessica Kirk, Greater Spokane Incorporated Curt Kirkeby, Avista Dan Kirschner, NW Gas Association Todd Mielke, Greater Spokane Inc. Col. Brian Newberry Gloria O'Choa-Bruck, Office of Mayor Condon Nancy Szofran, Community Colleges of Spokane Gloria Totoricaguena, PNWER Idaho Council Todd Woodard, Spokane International Airport |
Leadership Awards
Irene Plenefisch of Microsoft accepts the Alan Bluechel Award on behalf of Brad Smith at the PNWER Summit.
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Min. Conroy and Mr. Conroy are recognized for their efforts of bi-national Columbia River Treaty cooperation.
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Every year, PNWER recognizes exemplary leaders who have reduced tensions between the US and Canada in our region, or played a major role in bringing greater awareness and collaboration between cross-border organizations and stakeholders.
Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, was recognized with the Alan Bluechel Memorial Award in recognition for his efforts over the past year to develop the Cascadia Innovation Corridor and cross-border relationships. PNWER VP Rep. Gael Tarleton (left) of the Washington State Legislature presented Irene Plenefisch , Director of Government Affairs for Microsoft ( right ) with the award on Brad Smith's behalf
The Honourable Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister responsible for Columbia River Treaty, British Columbia and Former MLA Ed Conroy were recognized by Senator Arnie Roblan of Oregon (right to left) with the the Hot Potato Award for their years of work regarding Columbia River Treaty issues.
History
The Private Sector Leadership Award was named in honor of the late Alan Bluechel who envisioned the establishment of a collaborative region-wide organization to address common issues and interests was that of former State Sen. Alan Bluechel, Wash. Sen. Bluechel grew up in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan and came to the Legislature with a keen sense of the bi-national region now encompassed by PNWER; he was aided in the pursuit of his vision by counterpart Jim Horseman, then Deputy Premier and Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs for Alberta. Sen. Bluechel served as PNWER's first president.
The Public Sector Leadership Award is called "The Hot Potato Award" in reference to the Pig War of 1859 where a dispute over a pig's consumption of a stolen potato in the San Juan Islands nearly led to armed confrontation between the American and Canadian settlers. The conflict was peaceably resolved and eventually led to the current-day boundary between Washington State and British Columbia.
Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, was recognized with the Alan Bluechel Memorial Award in recognition for his efforts over the past year to develop the Cascadia Innovation Corridor and cross-border relationships. PNWER VP Rep. Gael Tarleton (left) of the Washington State Legislature presented Irene Plenefisch , Director of Government Affairs for Microsoft ( right ) with the award on Brad Smith's behalf
The Honourable Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister responsible for Columbia River Treaty, British Columbia and Former MLA Ed Conroy were recognized by Senator Arnie Roblan of Oregon (right to left) with the the Hot Potato Award for their years of work regarding Columbia River Treaty issues.
History
The Private Sector Leadership Award was named in honor of the late Alan Bluechel who envisioned the establishment of a collaborative region-wide organization to address common issues and interests was that of former State Sen. Alan Bluechel, Wash. Sen. Bluechel grew up in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan and came to the Legislature with a keen sense of the bi-national region now encompassed by PNWER; he was aided in the pursuit of his vision by counterpart Jim Horseman, then Deputy Premier and Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs for Alberta. Sen. Bluechel served as PNWER's first president.
The Public Sector Leadership Award is called "The Hot Potato Award" in reference to the Pig War of 1859 where a dispute over a pig's consumption of a stolen potato in the San Juan Islands nearly led to armed confrontation between the American and Canadian settlers. The conflict was peaceably resolved and eventually led to the current-day boundary between Washington State and British Columbia.
Thank you to our sponsors
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Code of Conduct
It is the policy of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) that all participants, including attendees, staff, volunteers, and all other stakeholders at PNWER meetings will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. To make it possible for true collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea exchange to thrive we are committed to facilitating a welcoming, respectful, and professional community for all.
Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, and unwanted touching or attention.
Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. PNWER reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from the event at any time. Sanctions may range from verbal warning, to ejection from the meeting without refund, to notifying appropriate authorities. If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate behavior or have any other concerns, notify a PNWER staff member as soon as possible.
It is the policy of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) that all participants, including attendees, staff, volunteers, and all other stakeholders at PNWER meetings will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. To make it possible for true collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea exchange to thrive we are committed to facilitating a welcoming, respectful, and professional community for all.
Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, and unwanted touching or attention.
Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. PNWER reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from the event at any time. Sanctions may range from verbal warning, to ejection from the meeting without refund, to notifying appropriate authorities. If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate behavior or have any other concerns, notify a PNWER staff member as soon as possible.