Pend Oreille Economic Partnership announces 2023 summit speakers

By Reader Staff

After a three-and-half-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Pend Oreille Economic Partnership recently announced the continuation of its annual series, “What’s Up North” Bonner County Economic Summit. The allday event will take place Thursday, May 11 at the U of I Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center (10881 N. Boyer Ave.).

PEP organizers unveiled three featured keynote speakers for the event, which will also include question-and-answer and discussion sessions, breakout panel and implementation groups, networking opportunities, displays, meals, a raffle and it’s all capped off with a hosted Happy Hour.

For sponsorship opportunities or information about tickets, contact Executive Director Brent Baker, at brent@pepidaho. org or 208-290-7752.

Keynote speaker Dr. John W. Mitchell, M & H Economic Consultants

John Mitchell received his B.A. degree from Williams College and his M.S. and

Ph.D. degrees from the University of Oregon. He is a fellow of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oregon and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Mitchell was a professor of economics at Boise State University for 13 years, before joining U.S. Bancorp in 1983, where he served as chief economist July 1998, then as economist for the Western Region for US Bank until July 2007. He was Sterling Bank’s economist from 2007 to 2012.

Mitchell has been making economic presentations on the nation and region for more than 52 years, and continues to be in demand. He has been a board member and officer of many of the premier financial and economic organizations throughout the West and is currently a board member of Northwest Bank and serves on the Council of Economic Advisers for the Association of Washington Business.

Keynote speaker Samuel Wolkenhauer

Samuel Wolkenhauer is the Northern Region economist for the Idaho Department of Labor. Renowned for his lively presenta- tions, he is considered a master at using statistics and data visualization to help tie the national trends and data to our local situation and challenges — and with the rare ability to make that fun, interesting and pertinent.

Keynote speaker Dr. Andrew R. Fields

Andrew R. Fields, CEO of University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene, has more than 25 years of higher education leadership experience in academics, administrative services and student services. Fields is focused on strategic planning and innovative program development to support the mission of the university statewide while meeting the needs of a rapidly growing and changing community in North Idaho.

A true lifelong learner, Fields holds several degrees, including a doctorate in educational administration and leadership, an MBA with a focus on executive leadership, a master’s of science degree in adventure-based management and outdoor leadership, a B.S. in environmental recreation, an associate of arts degree in liberal studies, a certificate and an Associate of science degree in welding, and an associate of science in industrial technology.

In addition, Fields has completed more than 15 professional certifications.

Fields has created, enhanced and managed innovative programs for several colleges and universities, including Stanford University, Shasta College, Central Washington University, California State University East Bay, University of California Davis and University of the Pacific, Stockton. Meanwhile, he has held several positions, including dean, director and faculty. He is passionate about bringing higher education opportunities to all communities.

The Pend Oreille Economic Partnership (PEP) is the operating entity of the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, a private 501(c)6 nonprofit economic development corporation founded in 2000 and committed to working broadly across the community to develop a vibrant economy of diverse businesses and industries that offer quality job opportunities and help build prosperity for all in Bonner County. Learn more at pepidaho.org.