September 2015
2015 Winter Meeting Registration Opens
You're invited to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories for the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region's (PNWER) Annual Winter Meeting, November 15-17, featuring our Legislative Leadership Academy and Economic Leadership Forum.

Strengthen your understanding of the fascinating practical differences of how the U.S. and Canadian political systems actually work, develop lasting relationships with your colleagues and explore economic opportunities and challenges in the arctic. PNWER's 'Real Winter Meeting' is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the wonder of the true North.

Visit PNWER.org/2015wintermeeting to register and find more information on the event, flights and accommodations. The page will be updated as speakers and agenda particulars are confirmed.  
LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY - NOV. 15-16
The bi-annual Legislative Leadership Academy is designed to improve legislators' knowledge of differences in U.S. and Canadian government systems and assist legislators in developing important relationships with their colleagues in neighboring jurisdictions across the border. 

Through a series of facilitated discussions with fellow legislators, you will gain a better understanding of the practical differences between the state, provincial and territorial political systems. The academy also features a tour of the beautiful Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly building, where there are no political parties and the government functions by consensus. 
Legislators will learn about the consensus government system of the Northwest Territories and tour the unique Legislative Assembly building


The Legislative Leadership Academy will feature in-depth sessions on:
  • Structural differences in U.S. and Canadian governmental systems
  • Roundtable discussion on campaign, election and leadership processes in states and territories
  • Discussion on provicial, territorial, state and federal relations
  • "View from the Speaker's Chair," a comparative look at the role of the Speaker of the House and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
This event begins on the morning of Sunday, November 15, so please plan to arrive in Yellowknife by Saturday, November 14. 

The Legislative Leadership Academy class of 2013 in Banff, Alberta. More than 130 legislators have graduated from the biennial program since it began in 2007. 
TAKE THE QUIZ & SAVE $100!
The U.S. and Canada are each others' most important trading partner, with more than $2 billion in trade taking place every day. 

But how much do you know about government on the other side of the border? Take our quiz to test your knowledge of government systems and structures in your neighboring country. 

The first 5 completed quizes returned to us are good for $100 off meeting registration. Download, complete and email to [email protected]

ECONOMIC LEADERSHIP FORUM - NOV. 16-17
Immediately following the Legislative Leadership Academy and in the same venue is the annual PNWER Economic Leadership Forum. 

This event provides an opportunity for local, state, and provincial leaders in both the public and private sectors to carry out focused, in-depth discussions on key subjects affecting our regional economy.


Economic Leadership Forum events begin the morning of Monday, November 16. Private-sector members are welcome to join legislators at a hospitality suite reception at The Explorer Hotel at 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 15. 


Earlybird pricing for the Winter Meeting is available until October 9. Save up to $100 on registrations and book flights early!

The Economic Leadership Forum will hold sessions on: 
  • Arctic Governance
  • Aboriginal Development
  • Market Access and Arctic Transportation Systems
  • Mining 
  • Energy Development in the North & Net-Zero Buildings in the Pacific Northwest
POLICY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Dogsled Ride - Monday, Nov. 16, 3-6 p.m. 
Dash through the snowy trails around Grace Lake on an exciting, but cozy ride. Meet the dogs, take pictures, and most importantly, have fun! Parkas, boots and mitts will all be provided. 

Yellowknife Sights and History Tour 
Monday, Nov. 16, 3-5 p.m.
Join local experts on a tour of the city and learn how this historical gold-mining town transformed into the diamond capitol it is today. See local art and learn about the history and culture of the people that make this area unique. This tour is approximately 2 hours in length and showcases highlights of the city.

Aurora Village Dinner and Reception - Tuesday, Nov. 17, evening
Enjoy dinner, watch for the Northern Lights and mingle with legislators and business leaders at Aurora Village in Yellowknife. The reception will also feature a graduation ceremony for the Legislative Leadership Academy.

Other policy tours and activities to be announced. 

ACCOMMODATIONS
The Explorer Hotel
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will be staying and meeting at The Explorer HotelLocated on a high point in downtown Yellowknife, the Explorer's spacious guest rooms offer spectacular panoramic views of Niven Lake and Back Bay to the north and Frame Lake and the Legislative Assembly to the south.

Secure your room for the event by calling 1-800-661-0892 and mention you are with PNWER to book within our room block. The room block expires October 14, so please reserve your room before then. 

YELLOWKNIFE FLIGHTS & AIRLINES
Daily scheduled airline flights serve Yellowknife and connect to all major Canadian and many U.S. cities.  When you arrive at the Yellowknife Airport, look for the free shuttle service van to The Explorer Hotel.

Yellowknife is served by many of Canada's major airlines from the south, including Air Canada-JazzFirst AirWestjet and Canadian North.

For more information on flights to and from Yellowknife, please refer to the  Yellowknife Airport for flight arrival and departure information.
ABOUT PNWER
The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) was created in 1991 by the states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories. 

It is a statutory public/private non-profit dedicated to increasing the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region, while maintaining and enhancing our natural environment.

Our overarching goals are to:
  • Coordinate provincial and state policies throughout the region
  • Identify and promote "models of success"
  • Serve as a conduit to exchange information.
  • Promote greater regional collaboration
  • Enhance the competitiveness of the region in both domestic and international markets
  • Leverage regional influence in Ottawa and Washington D.C.
  • Achieve continued economic growth while maintaining the region's natural resources
Our 25th Annual Summit in Big Sky, Montana, brought together more than 530 leaders from the public and private sector to confront the biggest regional challenges to trade, economic growth, industry, employment and the environment. 

PNWER's 21 working groups develop yearly action items at our Summits to continually advance policy initiatives with public and private stakeholders. 

Learn more at PNWER.org

 Thank you to our early 2015 Winter Meeting Sponsors
 
Sponsorship opportunities still available for the 2015 Winter Meeting. Please visit our sponsorship webpage for more information!