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PNWER's delegation discussed regional issues impacting our economy, learned about potential agenda items to discuss at the 2013 Summit, and extended delegate recruiting efforts during visits to four regional state capitols, January 13 - 23, 2013.
Additional PNWER capitol visits are also being planned for Washington, DC (March 6 - 7); Edmonton, Alberta (April), and Ottawa,Ontario (early June).
 PNWER delegates meet with Montana Governor Steve Bullock
Helena, Montana
The first visit began on January 13 in Helena, Montana. The delegation included Hon. Lyle Stewart, PNWER President and Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture; Alana DeLong, MLA for Alberta; Colin Smith, past president of APEGBC and PNWER Private-Sector Chair; David Kettles, Director of U.S. Relations for Alberta; Matt Smith, International Officer for Saskatchewan; and Matt Morrison, PNWER Executive Director. The group gave presentations on the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute (LEHI) and the PNWER Transportation Working Group to the joint Natural Resources and Transportation Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee. The delegation additionally met with Senate President Jeff Essmann; House Speaker Mark Blasdel, and House Speaker Pro-Tem Austin Knudsen.
The group then presented to a special joint House and Senate Energy, and Natural Resources Committee session, and had a productive meeting with Montana's new Governor Steve Bullock and Lt. Governor John Walsh. From there, they met with Executive Branch Directors from Agriculture, Transportation, and Commerce. More than 40 legislators attended the PNWER pizza lunch in the old Supreme Court Chambers in the Capitol.
PNWER delegation meets with WA Lt. Governor Brad Owen (far right) and his key staffer, Antonio Sanchez, Director of Economic Development and International Relations (second from right).
Olympia, Washington
Next was a visit to Olympia, Washington. Douglas Horne, MLA for British Columbia, Oregon Rep. Deborah Boone and Dr. Don Alper of Western Washington University's Border Policy Research Institute joined the delegation in Olympia on January 16. The group gave a briefing during the Washington State Senate Energy, Environment & Telecommunications Committee on the potential economic impact of invasive mussels in our lakes and rivers and steps other states such as Idaho are taking to encourage the rest of the region to cooperate to keep invasive species out of the region. The delegation then appeared before the House Technology and Economic Development Committee and and gave an update of both the Beyond the Border Action Plan of PNWER's Innovation Working Group activities.
PNWER's officers met with Lt. Governor Brad Owen as well as Senate President Pro-Tempore Tim Sheldon. Other individual meetings included; Rep. Bruce Chandler and Senators Karen Frazer, Kevin Ranker (PNWER Vice President), Maralyn Chase and Jim Honeyford. During a joint session of the House and Senate, Rep. Boone, Ms. DeLong and Minister Stewart were publicly welcomed and introduced during Gov. Inslee's inauguration.
Delegates meet with Idaho Governor C.L "Butch" Otter.
Boise, Idaho
From Washington, PNWER headed to Boise, Idaho for a visit from January 17 - 18. On the first day, the members of PNWER's delegation met with Gov. Otter and Lt. Gov. Brad Little and discussed the recent formation of the PNWER Idaho Executive Council and the successful 2012 Winter Meeting in Coeur d'Alene. The delegation then attended sessions in the House and Senate where they were formally introduced. The delegation also met with the entire leadership of the House and Senate, including the leaders of the majority and minority to hear about Idaho's regional issues.
Additionally, members of the group provided a briefing on PNWER's Transportation Working Group before the Senate Transportation Committee and a House Resources and Conservation Committee where Ms. DeLong and Minister Stewart discussed energy resources in their respective jurisdictions. The first day concluded with a meeting of the Idaho Executive Council to provide updates on issues impacting Agriculture, Border issues, Transportation, Energy and Workforce. This was followed by a private-sector reception at the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.
On the second day of meetings, PNWER began the day with a meeting focused on Agriculture that included: Agriculture Department Director, Celia Gould; Idaho State Veterinarian, Dr. Bill Barton; Rick Stott, CEO Agribeet; Patrick Kole, Potato Commission; Lloyd Knight, Idaho's invasive species lead; Russ Hendricks, Idaho Farm Bureau; Department of Labor Workforce Development Specialists Susan Simmons and Marsha Wright and Commerce Department Director, Jeff Sayer. The group ended the day by meeting with commissioners Marsha Smith, Mack Redford and Paul Kjellander of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
PNWER delegation meets with Alaska Governor Sean Parnell
Juneau, Alaska
Finally, PNWER traveled to Juneau, Alaska from January 21-23. The delegation was joined by Premier Bob Mcleod of the Northwest Territories, as well as Dr. Richard Starke, MLA for Alberta, and Herb Cox, MLA for Saskatchewan. On the first day, the group was formally introduced in both the House and Senate Chamber. They met with Rep. Alan Austerman, Captain Anthony Vogt, Chief of Staff, 17th USCG District; Captain Scott Bornemann Commander, Sector Juneau; and Senators Lesil McGuire (Past PNWER President), John Coghill, Cathy Giessel, Donald Olson, Johnny Ellis and Fred Dyson. Many of the discussions centered on potential topics for the upcoming PNWER Summit in Anchorage in July.
During the PNWER pizza lunch, Premier McLeod, Rep. Bob Herron and Sen. McGuire all gave remarks on the importance of PNWER and the important work the organization is doing focused on Arctic issues. The first day concluded with a meeting with members of the private sector and Alaska host committee for the 2013 Summit.
On the second day, the group met with Governor Sean Parnell, as well as State Representatives: Herron, Eric Feige, Dan Saddler, Lance Pruitt, Charisse Millett, Mike Chanault, Doug Isaacson, Peggy Wilson and Senate President Charlie Huggins
Additionally, please see this related press release, "Premier continues to build Yukon-Alaska relations."
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