2009 annual report by PNWER Communications

2009 Annual Report

Letter From the President

2010 marks a significant milestone in PNWER’s history, the 20th Anniversary of the founding of this unique organization. I am honored to be able to serve this year as PNWER’s first woman president. I ask for your involvement, your ideas, and your support for the sake of this great region that we all call home. PNWER has made great strides in assisting policymakers in this bi-national region to be better equipped to address the special challenges we face here in both Canada and the US. I invite you to come and share in PNWER’s 20th birthday celebration in Calgary, Alberta for the Annual Summit, July 16-20, 2010 during the 2010 marks a significant milestone in PNWER’s Calgary Stampede.history, the 20th Anniversary of the founding of this unique organization. I am honored to be able to serve this year as PNWER’s first woman president. I ask for your involvement, your ideas, and your support for the sake of this great region callone home. PNWER has made stridesininthe assisting This past that yearwe hasallbeen of many challenges for great businesses region,policymakers and working in this bi-national region to be better equipped to address the special challenges we face here in both Canada and the US. Ieconomic invite you together to improve our competitiveness is even more important during challenging to come and share in PNWER’stimes. 20th birthday celebration in Calgary, Alberta for the Annual Summit, July 16-20, 2010 during We invite you to be a part of PNWER’s leadership team addressing the key industry sectors in the Pacific Northwest region. the Calgary Stampede. Some thehas highlights ofof themany past challenges year include: This pastof year been one for businesses in the region, and working together to improve our competitiveness is even more important during challenging economic times. We • you toImplementing the first PNWERNCSL Horizon Legislative invite be a part of PNWER’s leadership teamEnergy addressing the key industry Institute sectors in the certificate program for legislators to understand the fundamentals of how the energy Pacific Northwest region. infrastructure functions. 37 MLA’s and legislators participated in this program, with including the University of Idaho and US Department of Some of thetogether highlights of partners, the past year include: Energy. Completing second Legislative Leadership Academy, bringing together • • Implementing thePNWER’s first PNWERNCSL Energy Horizon Legislative Institute certificate legislators both countries to understand thethe unique differences between our program for35 legislators to from understand the fundamentals of how energy infrastructure functions. political systems in the USinand 37 MLA’s and legislators participated thisCanada. program, together with partners, including the • Developing bi-national, bio-event response plan, funded by the US University of Idaho andthe USfirst Department of Energy. Sen. Lesil McGuire Department of Homeland to Leadership bring together public and private sector 35 • Completing PNWER’s second Security, Legislative Academy, bringing together PNWER President 2009-2010 stakeholders. legislators from both countries to understand the unique differences between our political systems • US and Achieving in the Canada. the new Amtrak train service, in cooperation with over 35 partner organizations, which linked Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. • Developing the first bi-national, bio-event response plan, funded by the US Department of Homeland Security, to bring • stakeholders. Leading a coordinated effort with US and Canadian Border Agencies and together public and private sector stakeholders to improve border crossing speed through new documents and practices. • Achieving the new Amtrak train service, in cooperation with over 35 partner organizations, which linked Oregon, • Completing a study of labor needs for a potential Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Washington and British Columbia. through a grant from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. • Leading a coordinated effort with US and Canadian Border Agencies and stakeholders to improve border crossing speed through new documents and practices. I want to acknowledge the work of John van Dongen, PNWER’s immediate past president, • Completing a study of for labor for a potential Alaska Natural in Gas Pipeline through grant from Human Resources hisneeds exceptional leadership of PNWER 2009. I also want toa thank the many private and Skills Development Canada. sector partners who have made these programs possible. PNWER is a public – private partnership, and your support is essential to provide the kind of programs we have been able I want to acknowledge the work John in van2009. Dongen, PNWER’s immediate past president, for his exceptional leadership of to of deliver PNWER in 2009. I also want to thank the many private sector partners who have made these programs possible. PNWER is a public – private partnership, and yourforward supporttois meeting essentialyou to provide the kind programs we have been ableAlberta to deliver in 2009. Summit in Calgary, in July I look at PNWER’s 20thofAnnual 2010. Many of the topics above will be further developed, including discussion on: the I look forward to meeting you improvement at PNWER’s 20th Annual Summit in in July innovations 2010. Manyfor of environmental the topics above of our transportation andCalgary, energy Alberta infrastructure, will be further developed, including discussion on: the improvement of our transportation and energy infrastructure, policy, and the development of our region’s workforce. We will also have a business innovato tions for environmental policy,business and the development forum as partof ofour the region’s Summit.workforce. We will also have a business to business forum as part of the Summit. I hope the activities and outcomes highlighted from this previous year will encourage you to continue to be actively involved in year PNWER or explore you opportunities to to become involved. We in I hope the activities and outcomes highlighted from this previous will encourage to continue be actively involved have fortune of livingWe in have a great that borders, PNWER or explore opportunities tothe become involved. theregion fortune of looks livingbeyond in a great regionand thatencourages looks beyond collaboration with innovative that to want to improve the region. Together can make a borders, and encourages collaboration with innovative peoplepeople that want improve the region. Together we canwemake a our families, ourfuture. states and provinces, and our future. difference for our families, ourdifference states and for provinces, and our Sincerely,

Senator Lesil McGuire Alaska State Senator PNWER President 2009-2010

Introduction About the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region ................ Acknowlegements .................................................................... PNWER Board ......................................................................... Delegate Council........................................................................ Private Sector Council...............................................................

2 3 4 5 5

2009 Progress Homeland Security....................................................................... Cross Border Livestock Health.................................................. Capital Visits................................................................................. U.S.-Canada Border Projects...................................................... 2009 Summit................................................................................. Workforce...................................................................................... 2009 Winter Meeting/Legislative Academy............................. Energy............................................................................................

6 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Introduction

Table of Contents

Action Items..................................................................................... 17 Finances........................................................................................... 19 2010 Opportunities Sponsorship................................................................................. 20 2010 Summit............................................................................... 21

PNWER | 1

About PNWER Pacific NorthWest Economic Region

To Improve Life in the Northwest

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) is a regional U.S.-Canadian forum dedicated to encouraging global economic competitiveness and preserving our world-class natural environment. PNWER is recognized by both the United States and Canada as the model for regional and binational cooperation because of its proven success. PNWER is a respected voice and resource for our region, and provides the public and private sectors a cross-border forum for unfiltered dialogue that capitalizes upon the synergies between business leaders and elected officials who work to advance the region’s global competitiveness.

PNWER’s mission is to increase the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region. Through strategic actions we coordinate provincial and state policies throughout the region; identify and promote “models of success;” and serve as a conduit to exchange information

New Members In 2009 PNWER welcomed the Northwest Territories as its 10th jurisdiction. “Our Territory is privileged to be welcomed into PNWER. Creativity, innovation and enterprise are as synonymous with the Northwest Territories as with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. We are excited about the new relationships we will establish, the ideas and perspectives we’ll learn, and the opportunities and choices we are creating for our people and businesses. “The partnerships and leverage that we gain through PNWER will be beneficial in advancing key opportunities for NWT residents and businesses in areas like northern pipelines, new resource investments, tourism and infrastructure. Our membership marks a coming of age for our Territory and a milestone on our path to being an economic leader – not just in Canada but in the entire Pacific Northwest region.” - Hon. Floyd Roland, Premier of the Northwest Territories

2 | 2009 Annual Report

The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region wishes to recognize the following agencies and organizations for their financial support over the past year: AgriBeef Co. Amalgamated Sugar Company APEGGA APEG - BC APEGS Association of Washington Business ASTT of British Columbia Avista Corp. BC Transmission Corporation British Columbia Innovation Council Bruce Power Cascadia Center for Regional Development CH2M Hill Clipper Vacations ConocoPhillips Consulate General of Canada - Denver Consulate General of Canada - Seattle Eiguren Public Law and Policy PLLC Fasken Martineau Grown in Idaho Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Idaho National Laboratory Idaho Power Intermountain Gas Company Institute of Health Economics LS Power McKinstry Merck Frosst Microsoft Monsanto PacifiCorp Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Plutonic Power Corporation Premera | Blue Cross Puget Sound Energy Qwest Regina Hotel Association Ridgeline Energy Shell Simplot Spectra Energy Teck Tourism Vancouver

TransCanada United Dairymen of Idaho University of Regina URS Washington Division Vancouver Airport Authority Sponsors and Partnerships Alaska Alberta British Columbia Idaho Montana Northwest Territories Oregon Saskatchewan Washington Yukon • Comprehensive Community Bio-Event Resiliency Project, US Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs, Oakridge National Laboratory • Energy Horizons, US Department of Energy, National Conference of State Legislatures • Alaska Pipeline labour study, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada • Washington State Department of Commerce, Border Improvements and 2010 Olympics • Dams and Levee program, DHS, Infrastructure Protection, Dam Sector; Argonne National Labratory • 2010 Olympics project, State of Oregon, Economic Development • Interagency Biological Restoration Demonstration, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Cubic, Pacific Northwest Laboratory • U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability • Flathead County Montana Office of Emergency Management • King County Office of Emergency Management • Washington State Fusion Center • Seattle Police Department

Introduction

Acknowledgements

PNWER | 3

PNWER Leadership 2009-2010: Executive Committee* Senator Lesil McGuire President Alaska

Hon. Mel Knight Vice President Alberta

Representative Mike Schaufler Vice President Oregon

State/Provincial leads of Executive Board Alaska Senator Fred Dyson Alberta George Groeneveld, MLA Honourable Rob Renner David Coutts, MLA (Ret.) British Columbia Honourable Naomi Yamamoto Honourable Barry Penner Idaho Representative Max Black Montana Senator Kim Gillan Northwest Territories Honourable Bob McLeod

Michael Chisholm, MLA Vice President Saskatchewan

Washington Representative Glenn Anderson Senator Alan Bluechel (Ret.) Yukon Honourable Jim Kenyon Private Sector Representatives:

John van Dongen, MLA Immediate Past President British Columbia

Neil Windsor, APEGGA Canada Co-Chair Jan Romerdahl, US Bank US Co-Chair

Representative George Eskridge Past President Idaho

4 | 2009 Annual Report

Matt Morrison, PNWER Executive Director

BOLD = Past PNWER President

* Partial List

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell Sen. Fred Dyson Sen. Charlie Huggins Sen. Lesil McGuire Sen. Tom Wagoner Sen. Anna Fairclough Rep. Bryce Edgmon Rep. Lindsey Holmes Rep. Peggy Wilson

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach Alana DeLong, MLA Kyle Fawcett, MLA Hon. Mel Knight Richard Marz, MLA George Groeneveld, MLA British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell Hon. Naomi Yamamoto Idaho Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter Sen. John Goedde

Sen. Kate Kelly Sen. Monty Pearce Sen. Elliot Werk Rep. George Eskridge Rep. Mary Lou Shepherd Rep. Elaine Smith Rep. John “Bert” Stevenson Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer Sen. Kim Gillan Sen. Ryan Zinke Rep. Gerald Bennett Rep. Wanda Grinde Northwest Territories Premier Floyd Roland Hon. Bob McLeod David Ramsay, MLA Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski Sen. Fred Girod Sen. Rod Monroe Sen. David Nelson Sen. Doug Whitsett

Introduction

Delegate Council

Rep. Paul Holvey Rep. Mike Schaufler Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall Michael Chisholm, MLA Hon. Bill Boyd Dustin Duncan, MLA Washington Governor Chris Gregoire Sen. Paull Shin Sen. Jim Honeyford Rep. Glenn Anderson Rep. Maralyn Chase Rep. Bruce Chandler Rep. Bob Hasegawa Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie Glen Hart, MLA Hon. Jim Kenyon Steve Nordick, MLA

Bold = PNWER officers and State/Provincial Leads

Private Sector Council Canada Co-Chair: Neil Windsor, APEGGA US Co-Chair: Jan Romerdahl, US Bank Alaska Bruce Carr, Alaska Railroad Ken Freeman, ExxonMobil Paul Quesnel, BP Alberta Neil Windsor, APEGGA Marie Rajic, TransCanada Tim Boston, EPCOR Duane Lyons, AltaLink

British Columbia Don Dalik, Fasken, Martineau Greg Thomas, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Sarah McCullough, Spectra Energy Transmission Jock Finlayson, Business Council of BC Colin Smith, APEG-BC Idaho Roy Eiguren, Eiguren Public Law & Policy Neil Colwell, Avista Evan Hayes, Idaho Grain Producers Gary Fuhriman, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation

Montana Haley Beaudry, Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. Oregon Scott Farris, TransCanada Pipelines James Baumgartner, Black Helterline, LLP Washington Jan Romerdahl, US Bank William Kidd, BP Jerry Cochran, Microsoft Bill Struyk, Johnson and Johnson Ken Johnson, Puget Sound Energy Yukon Don Pumphrey, NorthwesTel

PNWER | 5

Homeland Security Center for Regional Disaster Resilience

by PNWER. Participating stakeholders include local, tribal, State/Provincial and Federal agencies, and private sector and non-profit partners.

The Center for Regional Disaster Resilience has been running strong for the past three years, building on a large body of work focusing on infrastructure interdependencies and regional preparedness that PNWER began shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. That work has focused on the creation of the PNWER-wide Pacific Northwest Partnership for Regional Infrastructure Security, a similar Puget Sound Partnership, the Blue Cascades regional infrastructure interdependencies exercise series, an integrated action plan based on lessons learned from these and other exercises and events, and numerous projects and activities to help the PNWER Region become more secure and disaster resilient. Several PNWER member jurisdictions now have their own partnerships, interdependencies initiatives, and preparedness improvement activities underway. Many of PNWER’s activities have been made possible through funding provided by federal agencies, state, provincial and local governments, as well as private sector members and other organizations.

The DSES-09 efforts in the TriCounties have been leveraged for the preparation of a possible The Tri-Cities sit at the confluence of the Yakima, Green Snake, and Columbia Rivers River Valley mitigation project in 2010. In November 2009, over 115 representatives from essential service providers, and owners and operators of Green River Valley stakeholder organizations met in Seattle, WA to contribute towards a situational update and overview of interdependencies and cascading impacts resulting from a major flood in the Green River valley.

Dam Sector Exercise Series 2009 Initiative and Follow-on Projects The Pacific NorthWest Economic Region and regional stakeholders with State and Federal partners have been working together to improve preparedness and resilience for major floods. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pacific Northwest Economic Region along with regional stakeholders throughout the mid-Columbia River Basin finalized a year long exercise series in December focused on disaster resilience in the Tri-County area of Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla Counties of Washington State. The goal of the 2009 Dams Sector Exercise Series – Columbia River Basin (DSES-09) initiative was to develop a regional strategy to improve disaster resilience and preparedness for the Tri-Counties. The discussion based exercise approach was used to identify areas of improvement and develop an implementation plan of action items for regional stakeholders to address major floods. This collaborative effort has been underway since fall 2008 and builds upon an initiative—“Pacific Northwest Columbia River Basin Pilot Project”—led 6 | 2009 Annual Report Homeland Security

The workshop was a collaborative initiative led by the WA Homeland Security Region 6 (King County) Critical Infrastructure Protection Working Group, the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Center for Regional Disaster Resilience, and the Puget Sound Partnership for Infrastructure Security and Resilience, in cooperation with the City of Tukwila and King County Office of Emergency Management. The workshop focused both on short-term actions to enhance regional and organizational resilience and a follow-on risk mitigation strategy of collaborative activities that can be further developed and undertaken in the future. Both the DSES-09 project and the Green River Valley Interdependencies Workshop have been tremendously successful at engaging stakeholder communication and identifying potential gaps in planning efforts. The end of the DSES-09 marks a yearlong process that is aiding in the planning and insight towards follow-on projects across the state and broader region.

Blue Cascades Exercise Series PNWER has conducted five regional critical infrastructure interdependencies exercises over the past seven years. Designed and supported by regional stakeholders, the exercise series has been the vehicle for the development of a Regional Integrated Action Plan for Disaster Resilience. The recommendations and findings have lead to numerous projects that are currently underway.

The Pacific Northwest Economic Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center for Regional Disaster Resilience and Puget Sound stakeholder organizations are working with the Office of Health Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Science and Technology Directorate, to develop a Comprehensive Community Bio-Event Resilience (CCBER) Roadmap. The Pilot Project serves as a model for communities and broader regions nation-wide to integrate the private sector, and non-profits for pandemics, bio-attacks, and other major health hazards. Recognizing that private industry, businesses, and other non-government organizations constitute integral components of every region, a Comprehensive Community Bio-Event Resilience Plan will be developed by the health care sector and other organizations with roles in emergency management, in partnership with the private sector and other key regional stakeholders. As part of the project, PNWER is holding a cross border bio-event workshop for Canadian and U.S. stakeholders. The goal of the workshop is to identify gaps and best practices between our two countries on sharing information and support during bio-event emergencies. The project will leverage the Puget Sound Health Alliance, which has been identified as a key Action Item at previous annual summits.

The Washington State Fusion Center with PNWERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Center for Regional Disaster Resilience and representatives from the private, public and non-profit sectors collaborated to develop the information sharing and analysis capability for the critical infrastructure component of the Washington State Fusion Center. Major objectives of this program were to facilitate regional information sharing by building trust among key public and private stakeholders and collaboratively identifying security and preparedness gaps. The result is a sustainable information fusion system that can provide public, private and other key stakeholders with appropriate secure and resilient two-way situational awareness to address all-hazard disasters and other threats. The Washington State Fusion Center is utilizing the NorthWest Warning Alert and Response Network (NWWARN) as the backbone for the communication between critical infrastructures, business, and law enforcement. NWWARN has been an integral support element for the Information Sharing pilot project by involving state and localities, critical infrastructures, and essential service providers.

2009 Progress

Pilot Project to Develop a Comprehensive Community BioEvent Resilience Project

Regional Information Fusion Center Increases Sharing of Information

Montana Infrastructure Interdependencies Workshop PNWER helped lead the Montana Infrastructure Interdependencies Initiative Workshop which was held on May 28, 2009 at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, Montana. Stakeholders from around the region provided input, received briefings and exchanged information on best practices for disaster resilience. The meeting kicked off the next steps towards having a regional interdependencies exercise in Montana. Several critical infrastructure sectors were represented and gave brief presentations of their organizations and their interdependencies. The event attracted nearly 70 participants from the PNWER |7 Homeland Security

public, private and non-profit sectors focusing on interdependencies among infrastructures. The workshop was supported by the Montana Office of Criminal Investigation and participants from the State Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Health, regional energy companies, and the Montana Wood Products Association.

helped local governments enhance their ability to regularly assess preparedness needs for response to energy emergencies from all-hazards and helped promote coordination and cooperation among all levels of government and regional energy providers. AmeriCorps VISTA Position at PNWER

Regional Critical PNWER Homeland Security and Disaster Resilience Committee Involvement Infrastructure Protection • Pacific NorthWest Border Health Alliance • FEMA Region X Regional Assistance Committee (RAC) (CIP) Task Force

PNWER has utilized a U.S. Federal Government • U.S. DHS Regional Consortium Coordination Council (RCCC) opportunity to hire • Northwest Alliance for Cyber Security (NWACS) PNWER conducts an AmeriCorps quarterly conference • Washington State Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee VISTA volunteer. In (IPSC) calls and periodic August, Megan Levy • Washington State Homeland Security Region 6 (King County) meetings with CIP began her term with Critical Infrastructure Committee managers from the • Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program(RCPGP) PNWER. PNWER member Megan works full• Puget Sound Partnership for Regional Infrastructure Security jurisdiction states time in the PNWER • 2010 Olympic Security Task Force and provinces. The • Washington Statewide Preparedness for Philanthropic Sector offices, supporting Task Force has the growth of the evolved into a forum to discuss key issues that impact NorthWest Warning and Alert Network (NWWARN) theregion, discuss potential collaborative projects, and the Center for Regional Disaster Resilience. She is and share information on best practices. In particular, working on outreach and recruiting findings and outcomes from the information sharing regional stakeholders to participate in efforts in the Puget Sound region have been shared the NWWARN and our public-private with CIP managers. partnerships for disaster resilience. This program has been a benefit for U.S. DHS Regional Consortium Coordination Council PNWER and upon completion of the year long commitment, Megan will receive an education reward In recognition that PNWER has become for her volunteer service from the Corporation of a model for public-private partnership for disaster National Community Service. resilience and infrastructure security, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Northwest Alliance for Cyber Security (NWACS) Infrastructure Protection, invited PNWER in 2007 to be a charter member of the Executive Board of The PNWER Center for Regional Disaster Resilience this Council and to contribute to its development. formed the Northwest Alliance for Cyber Security to The goal of the Council is to bridge the cross-sector, bring together stakeholders to share information and cross-jurisdiction, cross-function infrastructure coordinate on regional information security protection concerns and explore how to build issues after the 2004 Blue Cascades II regional cyber resilience into infrastructures, communities, regions, security exercise. The Alliance has broadened with a and states. wider range of stakeholders in the Northwest and was renamed the Northwest Alliance for Cyber Security Energy Assurance and Resiliency Workshop for (NWACS) in 2006. Local Governments PNWER worked with the U.S. Department of Energy, The mission of NWACS is to improve and maximize Office of Energy Assurance, to develop a workshop the cyber resilience by maximizing opportunities and with regional stakeholders focused on energy communications between local, regional, and federal assurance and resiliency planning. The workshop organizations and enterprises. NWACS held a cyber8 | 2009 Annual Report Homeland Security

risk-management seminar with representatives from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to inform regional stakeholders on strategies and methods to mitigate the risk of cyber attacks. In 2010 NWACS will conduct a Cyber Security Full Scale Exercise.

Cross Border Livestock Health

The 2nd Cross Border Livestock Health Conference was held in conjunction with the PNWER 19th Annual Summit in Boise July 13-14, 2009. The objectives of the CBLHC were to provide the opportunities for state and provincial veterinarians, government, animal health experts, and industry: • To enhance relationships and build networks between state and provincial jurisdictions; • To exchange information on animal health issues and concerns; • To develop a common understanding of disease policies; • To exchange information on emergency response to emerging and foreign animal disease; and, • To advance Canadian and American animal health interests. Over 50 people including state and provincial veterinarians, federal government animal health representatives, other animal health experts, pertinent industry representatives, legislators and elected officials from both Canada and the United States attended the conference. There was representation from the following provinces and states: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Washington State, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.

• Traceability • Animal diseases (Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, Blue Tongue and Anaplasmosis) • Animal welfare. Feedback and comments from conference attendees were extremely positive. Attendees found the conference to be extremely valuable in terms of the overall interaction and communication between American and Canadian elected officials, government and industry. The ability to network and build strategic relationships was of priority to attendees. Conference History At the 2005 Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) meeting, the Agriculture Working Group brought forward an action item that would resurrect the Northwest Livestock Health Conference, formally a part of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. An assessment conducted with key stakeholders to determine their level of interest was overwhelmingly positive. Given the desire for a broader focus, the NWLHC was renamed the Cross-Border Livestock Health Conference (CBLHC) and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and the Washington State Department of Agriculture worked collaboratively to bring the first new “replacement” conference to fruition in Spokane, Washington in January 2007.

2009 Progress

2009 Conference Summary

The conference included a day and a half of presentations and discussions on priority beef and dairy animal health issues, specifically:

Feedback and comments from the 2007 conference were very positive. The general sentiment was that the conference was extremely valuable in terms of the overall interaction and communication between American and Canadian industry and government officials, as well as for the networking and relationship building opportunities. PNWER |9

Cross-Border Livestock Health

Federal and State/Provincial Capital Visits The 2009 PNWER office capital visits were a tremendous success. Officers from throughout the PNWER member jurisdictions met with Federal legislators in both Canada and the US, as well as local legislators in each jurisdiction, including: Alaska, Alberta, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan, Ottawa, and Washington, DC. The PNWER delegates had the opportunity to meet with the governors and premiers of each jurisdiction, including Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach, Idaho Governor C.L.“Butch” Otter, Northwest Territories Premier Floyd Roland, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, and Alaska’s thenGovernor Sarah Palin. The delegates briefed the legislators on issues of relevance to our region, Delegates with Premier Floyd Roland of the such as: Northwest Territories, PNWER”s newest member Energy, Border Management, Workforce Development, Homeland Security, Innovation, and Tourism/2010 Olympic issues. The visiting PNWER delegates included: Senator Lesil McGuire-AK, MLA Kyle Fawcett- AB, MLA Len Mitzel- AB, Neil Windsor- AB, MLA John van Dongen-BC, MLA John Yap- BC, Rep. George Eskridge- ID, Rep. Mike Schaufler- OR, MLA Michael Chisholm- SK, Consul General of Canada Peter Lloyd- WA, Rep. Jeff Morris- WA, Hon. Jim Kenyon- YK Ottawa In Ottawa, delegates participated in two full days of visits with parliamentary ministers and representatives, 10 | 2009 Annual Report

Federal and State/Provincial Capital Visits

including opposition leaders. The Delegation hosted a roundtable discussion on Canada – US relations and border management entitled, “Beyond WHTI – Moving toward a vision of border management that facilitates a 21st Century Integrated Economy.”

The visiting delegates in Juneau, Alaska

PNWER also participated in a discussion on the Natural Gas Pipeline with the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State for Transport, and the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources. Washington DC PNWER hosted a Border Symposium in Washington DC on February 24, 2009 along with the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Canada Institute, the Canadian American Business Council, and Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute. The focus of the Symposium was to explore whether the US and Canadian governments have taken sufficient measures to handle peak flows and maintain crossborder trade during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The meeting provided PNWER delegates the opportunity to address high level border officials, from both the US and Canada, on regional solutions developed to handle challenges at the border. Distinguished guests included Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire; Congressmen Rick Larsen (D-WA); Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport; Hugh Conroy, International Mobility and Trade Corridor Project; Christopher Sands, the Hudson Institute; Michele James, US Customs and Border Protection; and Kelly Johnston, Campbell Soup Company.

U.S. - Canada Border Projects

The Federal capital visits gave insight to the border issues being addressed both in the US and Canada. Along with these visits, PNWER was involved in a number of cross-border projects and meetings. Border Solutions Coordination Council In 2008, PNWER launched the Border Solutions Coordination council made up of public and private stakeholders committed to reducing border costs and strengthening security. PNWER recognizes that legitimate cross-border mobility is vital to the economic well-being and safety of American and Canadian citizens. With the coming 2010 Olympic Games border issues will continue to be an important component of tourism and economic success. The mandate of the Border Solutions Coordination Council is to: • Provide consistent input on regional priorities from governments, stakeholders and border communities in the Pacific Northwest • Help shape border security policy and implementation strategies • Connect the federal governments in a systematic way with local impacts of border decisions.

On March 25, 2009 PNWER partnered with the Brookings Institution, along with the Canadian Embassy, the Woodrow Wilson Center and its Canada Institute, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Canadian Studies for the meeting titled “Towards a Better Border: The United States and Canada,” held in Washington DC. PNWER Executive Director Matt Morrison spoke on the Regional Cooperation Panel along with Kirk T. Steudle, Transportation Director, Michigan Department of Transportation; and Paul Storer, Professor, Western Washington University. Matt Morrison spoke to the unique border situation in the Pacific Northwest, which includes tourism, agriculture, and the movement of small business resources; as opposed to the big corporate back and forth border movements seen in other states. He addressed both the triumphs of cross border movement, (the creation of the enhanced drivers license) and the frustrations (the slow process of creating family and first responder NEXUS passes).

2009 Progress

The border between Canada and the United States has historically been a model for other international boundaries in defending each nation’s sovereignty and increasing mutual security while promoting frequent and friendly travel and trade. The two countries are major commercial partners whose economies are integrally bound together in the world’s largest bilateral trading relationship. More than 7 million jobs in the United States and 3 million jobs in Canada depend on the Canada-U.S. border working well. As a regional consortium addressing economic issues on both sides of the border, PNWER has focused on the importance of cross-border trade, travel, and security.

Towards a Better Border: The United States and Canada

The meeting was held to promote public and private partnerships on both sides of the border, especially in regards to economic recovery and growth. Closing remarks were provided by Hon. Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, who spoke of the challenge of providing security on a border over which both countries reach economically, but also over which citizens of both nations have become accustomed to crossing freely to the point of disregarding it as a national border. As Secretary Napolitano commented,“Relationships really will matter here because we need to be thinking about PNWER |11 U.S.-Canada Border Projects

how do we exchange information, how do we share data, and how do we do it in a way that embodies other values that we share, such as privacy and the protection of privacy.â&#x20AC;? Amtrak Cascades Service This year marked a big step for the Amtrak Cascades train service. Amtrak Cascades began as a single route connecting Seattle, Washington with Vancouver, British Columbia. Later routes were added, including a service that ran between Portland, Oregon and Bellingham, Washington, and a route that ran from Eugene, Oregon, via Portland, to Seattle. During the 2008 Annual Summit the transportation working group learned about the opportunity for the addition of a second round-trip service on the route connecting Vancouver, Seattle and Portland. This new train would be the first to directly connect Vancouver and Portland, and would represent a new opportunity for tourist and business travel along the corridor. Many of the operational components of the additional train were arranged in 2008, including a $7 million track improvement project completed by the province of British Columbia and BNSF. The final major impediment to the implementation of service was due to issues with the Canadian Customs and Border Security Agency (CBSA), which required the Cascades Operators to pay cost recovery for the increased number of border agents needed for additional passengers to clear customs in Vancouver. PNWER, together with a coalition of about 40 other organizations and governments, worked with the Canadian Federal Government though a series of Economic Impact Studies, letters, and both formal and informal communications to show the how the economic benefits of greater travel to the area could far outweigh the cost of additional border agents. As a result of these communications a pilot project was 12 | 2009 Annual Report

U.S.-Canadian Border Projects | 2009 Summit

developed allowing the train to begin service in August 2009. In preparations for the 2010 Olympics, there are now two round-trips a day in and out of Vancouver, BC. This service will continue through the Paralympics, and then be further reviewed. Based on ridership and other factors, CBSA may continue the service without cost recovery. PNWER is continuing to work with its transportation partner, the Cascadia Center for Regional Development, to expand the marketing and awareness of this valuable, environmentally friendly mode of transportation. We also are working to raise awareness in BC, Washington, and Oregon about the importance of working together on applications for federal funding for rail improvements, a significant part of the US stimulus plan. 2010 will continue to see a strong focus on rail in PNWERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transportation working group.

2009 Summit in Boise Governor Otter welcomed over 500 PNWER delegates to Boise July 12-16, 2009 for three full days of in-depth discussion on regional issues such as: Agriculture, Energy, Environment, Border Issues, Telecommunications, Trade & Economic Development, Homeland Security, Forestry, Invasive Species, Water Policy, Health Care, and Workforce. PNWER swore in its first female president, Alaska State Senator Lesil McGuire. Senator McGuire named Energy, Arctic Issues, Transportation and Large Infrastructure, and Workforce John van Dongen, MLA, of British Columbia as her top initiates Senator Lesil McGuire of Alaska as priorities. the new PNWER president in the gavel passing ceremony.

Delegates attended a welcoming reception at the Basque Block, featuring Boise Mayor David Bieter, and US Congressmen Walt Minnick. Guests were treated to a traditional Basque dance performance and cuisine,

representing Boise’s large Basque population--the largest in the country.

PNWER hosted a Western Barbeque at the JR Simplot Stables, where guests were entertained by a performance on the guitar by Governor Otter, a truly unique Idaho experience! Governor Otter addressed delegates, telling them that,“The Pacific Northwest is one of the fastest growing regions in North America and the need for binational, regional advocates that work with both the public and Governor Otter welcomes delegates at the Western private sectors is Barbeque important in this economic climate.” At the 2009 Annual Summit, PNWER welcomed the Northwest Territories as the 10th jurisdiction to join the organization. The Northwest Territories has a population of about 40,000, and is rich in resources such as gold, diamonds, natural gas and petroleum. The summit was met with positive responses from attendees. Delegates appreciated the opportunities to address key issues, establish Action Items, and increase communication between the private and public sectors. Lynn D. Westfall, Senior VP External Affairs & Chief Economist of the Tesoro Corporation said, “PNWER is the perfect opportunity for legislators and business to conduct

The Boise Host Committee, chaired by Roy Eiguren of Eiguren Public Law & Policy and Bruce Newcomb, former Speaker of the House, did a fantastic job of organizing the Summit and welcoming our delegates to the city. The Host Committee organized several policy and family tours including: Idaho National Laboratory, the National Interagency Fire Center, US Geothermal, the Banner Bank LEED Building, JR Simplot, Healthwise, Nunhems Seed, and Clear Springs Trout Farm

Workforce The Alaska Highway Pipeline Project PNWER, with funding from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), produced a report this year to identify the state of preparedness and planning of the Pacific Northwest region’s private and public sectors as it relates to the construction of the Alaska gas pipeline. The report was identified overall employment demand for the pipeline, as well as gaps in infrastructure, training, and workforce planning and supply.

2009 Progress

Summit Delegates with Basque Dancers

a long overdue dialogue.”

Denali- The Alaska Gas Pipeline, LLC (Denali); and TransCanada Alaska Company (TransCanada) are actively preparing for an open season to develop a natural gas pipeline from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, connecting to the Alberta Hub and into the lower 48 states. Both pipeline proposals follow the same route, and will run approximately 2,700 kilometers (1,677 miles) underground through Alaska, the Yukon, British Columbia and into Alberta. The project will require an enormous planning effort, from both a logistical and a labor point of view. The challenge will be to identify a source of labor that is both skilled enough, and large enough to meet the demands of the project; and establish how to get the people and the materials to the construction sites in order to optimize progress on the project. The research showed there is a significant body of information to begin developing best practices and common strategies. If the plans and policies that PNWER |13 2009 Summit | Workforce

have been created could be expanded regionally, the governments involved may be more successful in implementing them. It would help governments plan budgets, develop joint priorities and manage their resources more effectively. Without any coordination however, the jurisdictions involved will continue to compete unnecessarily with each other for the workforce, rather than working together to increase this vital resource. Common themes which appeared in the research were the need for:

Len Mitzel, MLA, and Min. Naomi Yamamoto of British Columbia lead a discussion on Canadian government to the group of US legislators

• More current and relevant data about the labor supply and the market’s needs; • The need to integrate industry and the private sector in the training process to a greater degree (i.e. – more apprenticeships, funding for training, developing training standards); • Beginning the training process early enough to enable workers to be ready for pipeline related jobs; • The need to retain current workers longer, and to attract other groups such as First Nations, women, and immigrants.

A group of Legislative Academy delegates participate in a group discussion

2009 Winter Meeting Legislative Leadership Academy The second PNWER Legislative Leadership Academy was held November 4-7, 2009 in Regina, Saskatchewan concurrent with the Economic Leadership Forum. Leaders throughout the region participated in two days of seminars on the US and Canadian political systems, involving interactive workshops, and in-depth discussions. The Legislative Academy was invited to attend Question Period and later participants were able to apply their new knowledge in a mock question period. These leaders returned to their own states and provinces with a better understanding of how the two systems work, and have developed important relationships to better prepare them to work together on binational issues. Delegates attended lectures and participated in small 14 | 2009 Annual Report

Workforce | 2009 Winter Meeting

The 2009 Legislative Academy Class, pictured with Hon. Don Toth, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan

A special thanks to our Legislative Leadership Academy Faculty: Dr. Don Alper,

Director and Professor, Center for Canadian-American Studies, Western Washington University

Dr. Ken Rasmussen,

Associate Dean and Professor, University of Regina

Dr. Michael Treleaven,

Associate Professor, Political Science, Gonzaga University

group discussions, on topics such as federal versus state/provincial politics, campaigns and elections, and the role of lobbyists, media and interest groups. Provincial Speakers Hon. Don Toth of Saskatchewan, and Hon. Ken Kowalski of Alberta, along with Washington State Speaker Pro Tempore Hon. Jeff Morris headlined a popular session entitled “From the Speaker’s Chair”

Speakers for the Economic Leadership Forum included Ambassador Gary Doer, Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. and Hon. Brad Wall, Premier of Saskatchewan, among many others who lent their time and talents both as keynote speakers and as chairs, moderators, and panelists for the four day Forum. PNWER would like to extend a special thanks to Vice President Michael Chisholm, MLA and the staff of Intergovernmental Relations for all of their organizational support.

ENERGY

2009 Progress

Also in attendance at the Legislative Academy was a group of graduate students from the JohnsonShoyama School of Public Policy at the University of Regina. These students had the very unique experience of attending all of the Legislative Academy sessions alongside regional legislators, and had the opportunity to actively participate in discussion of US and Canada politics. The graduate students enthusiasm and academic insight offered fresh perspective to the conversations.

Leadership Forum. Saskatchewan is the number one province in all of Canada in job creation, and leaders from throughout the PNWER region met in Regina to discuss innovation, the environment, and many other topics with the goal of creating sustainable economic growth in the region. The event offered an exceptional opportunity for member jurisdictions to build relationships across borders.

Energy Horizon Program

Speaker Don Toth (left) presents Graduate student Adewale Dada with his diploma at the final banquet

The legislative academy concluded with a graduation ceremony for participants. Graduates were given a chance to spend some time with their fellow academy classmates, receive their diplomas, and prepare to bring the lessons they learned back to their home jurisdictions. Some participants stayed in Regina an extra day to attend one or both of the policy tours, including a trip to the Petroleum Technology Research Centre/International Test Centre at the University of Regina. Economic Leadership Forum The Legislative Leadership Academy took place concurrently with the 2009 PNWER Economic

2009 was a landmark year for PNWER’s Energy Horizon Program, now in its seventh year. At the 2008 Vancouver Summit, the Energy Chair’s Task Force and the Energy Horizon Project identified four priorities for the coming year, primary of which was the development of a Legislative Energy Institute to prepare new legislators for a commitment to energy policy. PNWER’s private sector partners had recognized a need for legislators to have a better understanding of the basic energy system, including how the infrastructure works, and how public and private utility managers make business decisions to prepare for the region’s future energy needs. From this, the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute was born. PNWER approached the US PNWER |15 2009 Winter Meeting | Energy

Department of Energy with the idea. They liked the concept of the Institute, and directed PNWER to present the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) with the concept of a pilot program, which would act as a regional test for a possible national program. The US DOE agreed to provide $65,000 in seed funding to get the Institute going. PNWER reached out to major energy stakeholders, including utilities in the region, to gauge possible supplementary support. Additional funding was Dean Allen, CEO of McKinstry Co., addresses legislators in Boise secured from NCSL, and from several private sector ‘launch’ sponsors Spectra, Puget Sound Energy, BP, Northwest Gas Association, PacifiCorp and Enbridge. It was through this outreach that it was suggested we collaborate with the University of Idaho’s widely respected utility manager’s course. PNWER partnered with the University of Idaho’s Executive MBA Leadership Institute to develop the curriculum of the 21 day Legislators learned about the future of energy in executive course. the region at the first of three Institute sessions, which was held in Boise, ID Legislators who complete the 60 hours of course work will be awarded a certificate in Energy Policy from the University of Idaho. It took two months to construct the curriculum and meeting logistics, three months to recruit the first class, and 11 months to coordinate the classroom instruction. The opening of the first class on the Energy Horizon Legislative Institute was held during the 2009 PNWER Summit in Boise, Idaho. The first class consisted of just 37 legislators from both the US and Canada, but enthusiasm about the institute spread 16 | 2009 Annual Report Energy

throughout the entire conference. In addition to the University of Idaho Faculty, speakers included Steve Wright, BPA Administrator; Hon. Mel Knight, Minister of Energy for Alberta; Steve Reynolds, CEO of Puget Sound Energy; Doug Bloom, CEO of Spectra Canada; Lynn Westfall, Senior VP of Tesoro; and many others. The second face to face meeting concluded in San Diego in December 2009 during the Winter NCSL meeting. Evaluations of the courses have been overwhelmingly positive. One comment that reflects many of the evaluations of the event read: “Presenters were talented and informed. Information was presented and compared to everyday language; humor was included and presenters were comfortable in what specifics they were responsible for bringing to the group.” Evaluators also provided insight into topics they would like included in the future, which has helped shape future meetings. The final portion of the Institute will be held April 7–10, 2010 in Washington, DC. The focus of the DC curriculum will be on understanding the roles and responsibilities of the various federal regulatory agencies (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, North America Electric Reliability Corporation, Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Energy, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and National Energy Board of Canada) in relation to state and provincial authority. In addition there will be sessions on climate change legislation, and updates from Capitol Hill. The session will culminate in a graduation ceremony where all participating legislators will receive their certificates.

2009 Action Items Agriculture

abolish nuisance regulations; work to simplify and clarify rules for business travel; and recommend staff improvements.

Action Items

Invasive Species Goals include working to develop a regional roundtable discussion with state/provincial industry PNWER will support federal funding for the West & government stakeholders and principal federal Coast Governor’s Agreement on Ocean Health officials to communicate the regional economic Spartina Eradication Plan, and Quagga Zebra implications of specific federal Agriculture policy. Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in order to increase Issues to be addressed in 2010 include water knowledge of the plans throughout the region. management and supply; carbon foodprint; energy Goals include changing and transportation; and the balance between These action items were developed by participants at the name of the committee to “Bio environment and the 2009 PNWER Annual Summit in Boise, Idaho. Security Committee” economic growth. to garner more interest; developing inspection protocols and procedures Agriculture - Cross-Border Livestock Health Conference that allow reciprocity for inspection of boats; engaging the Bonneville Power Administration in We will work with officials from the Canadian and the Invasive species working group by emphasizing US governments to encourage the acceptance of impact of Quagga mussels on Salmon; contact the electronic documentation and endorsement of the Western Governors Association to raise awareness import/export of live animals and products between the two countries. The working group will in bordering states; compile a list of legislators that are active on invasive species issues; begin work on investigate and report progress on harmonization an economic analysis of the cost of invasive species of livestock trucker training programs;investigate invasion in each PNWER state and province; and proposed and instituted changes to livestock support research on the management of aquatic transportation; and obtain the OIR report/ invasive species. The Executive Board will approve direction regarding livestock transportation in the PNWER letter to Secretary Salazar and the Canada and the US. The group will also urge the Minister of Fisheries asking for enhanced USDA to expedite the rule making process to enforcement of boat inspections, and improved restore access for Canadian sheep and goats, and state plans for managing invasive aquatic species. work with the federal officials from both countries The Board will encourage member legislators to to achieve this goal. send similar letters. We intend to make the Cross-Border Livestock Health Care Health Conference a yearly event at the PNWER Annual Summit and will work with the 2010 host In association with the 2010 Calgary PNWER committee to begin to plan next year’s event. meeting, we hope to hold a meeting of health evidence centres and key decision makers to Border Issues identify opportunities for joint identification of priorities for evidence review; mechanisms for Develop a two track process for moving forward. cooperating and using shared capacity at academic Track 1: Future vision of a border that does not centres in the region; sharing approaches to engage struggle with a trade vs security trade-off. Vision with the public and industry in technology should incorporate principles of what a wellst assessment processes; a potential launch of Health governed 21 century border should look like. evidence network for PNWER region; and Track 2: Practical steps include reestablishing a promotion of self care and decision support aids regional border council to provide regular input for consumers [Including Health Link Info Line]. to US/Canadian officials; recommend to reform/

PNWER |17

PNWER will use the Health Care working group website and newsletter to identify reliable evidence based resources for comparing international health systems. A slide kit of international comparative health statistics will be prepared for use by PNWER decision-makers.

provincial, and municipal governments to adopt open procurement policies within our region and between our two countries. PNWER staff will clarify and distribute information about the opportunity for PNWER to be a partner on US stimulus funding grants.

The MOU for the PNW Border Health Alliance is being circulated for sign-off and becomes effective when executed by two or more jurisdictions. To date, the MOU has been signed by Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and is presently on its way to British Columbia. PNWER encourages all jurisdictions to sign the MOU in 2009.

Transportation

Homeland Security/Regional Disaster Resilience PNWER should explore with DHS and DOE the possibility of developing a course modeled on PNWER’s Energy Legislative Institute to provide legislators with information on homeland security and disaster resilience. We should also explore the development of an initiative to increase understanding of cross-border regional infrastructure interdependencies that can impact response/recovery and restoration associated with large-scale disasters. Innovation PNWER encourages the regional University Presidents to continue to utilize the annual summit as a forum to meet and discuss regional issues. Tourism PNWER will forward information regarding regional 2010 Olympics partnership opportunities to member states, and develop a pilot partnership, and funding, with the Binational Tourism Alliance and PNWER to work one or two projects of mutual interest. Trade and Economic Development The US and Canada are the largest trading partners in the world. PNWER celebrates this and promotes free trade as it will strengthen the economies of both nations. PNWER discourages protectionist measures and retaliatory actions because they are not good for the US or Canada, but encourages local, state, 18 | 2009 Annual Report

PNWER extends its appreciation to the governments of Canada and Cabinet for waving a customs fee for the second Amtrak Cascades service to Vancouver. The Cascadia Center for Regional Development and PNWER have formed an ad hoc advisory group of tourism, transportation, and environmental leaders along the Cascades Corridor to work directly with WSDOT, Amtrak, and the Ministry of Transportation to help market the train to a wide regional and international audience. The goal is to ensure that the “pilot project” for the fee waiver is a success and the service will continue permanently without additional costs. PNWER believes that restoration of inter-city passenger rail service between Seattle and Denver could promote: Economic development and increased tourism to the recreation sites along the Columbia River and Rocky Mountain regions; Accessibility to rural areas that have seen reductions in intercity bus and air service, promotion of freight mobility and market access for farm products through joint investments in tracks for passengers and freight; community safety through new federal and Class One RR investments in “Positive Train Control” GPSbased safety systems designed to prevent collisions and derailments; and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Water Policy PNWER should explore the possibility of hosting a Columbia River treaty symposium for legislators and stakeholders to begin a dialogue to understand respective issues and priorities Workforce Development Continue the development of a Northern Pipeline Coordinating Council, including information gathering on potential partners, scoping, and members.

2009 Finances

Finances

PNWER’s from dues from member states, federal andand state/provincial grants and PNWER’sincome incomeisisderived derived from dues from member states, federal state/provincial grants contracts, and private sectorsector contributions. All states/provinces pay $35,000 per yearper andyear territories and contracts, and private contributions. All states/provinces pay $35,000 and pay $7,000. Montana pays $21,000 per year. Private sector contributions vary by company and amount. Territories pay $7,000. Montana pays $21,000 per year. Private sector contributions vary by Approximately 40% of PNWER’s revenue was received from federal and state/provincial agencies for company and amount. Approximately 40% of PNWER’s revenue was received from federal and various projects. state/provincial agencies for various projects. During the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, PNWER’s total income was $1,303,333 and total During the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, PNWER’s total income was $1,303,333 and expenses totaled $1,286,444 total expenses totaled $1,286,444 Statement of Activities for the Year Ended September 30, 2009

Statement of Activities for the Year Ended September 30, 2009

Functional Expenses Operating Expenses Program Expenses Meeting Expenses TOTAL

$582,221 $418,299 $285,724

Finances

Revenue Public Sector Parterships $280,000 Revenue Private Sector $365,000 $280,000 PublicPartnerships Sector Partnerships Private Sector Partnerships Gov. Grants & Contracts $500,101 $365,000 Gov. Grants & Contracts Meeting Income $167,010 $500,101 Meeting Income $167,010 TOTAL $1,303,333 TOTAL $1,303,333

$1,286,444

$582,221 $418,299 $285,724 $1,286,444

PNWER |19

Sponsorship

Why Join PNWER? PNWER is the only regional planning and facilitation organization set up in statute by the border states and provinces to deal with cross-border policy and planning in the Pacific Northwest. “PNWER has been the single most effective organization that we have been associated with in our twenty-three year existence in addressing political as well as business issues.,” - Darrell Bryan, Preident and CEO of Clipper Navigation Inc. “PNWER is an opportunity for continuing to build relationships. None of the Alberta Companies can afford to have any blockages or barriers to cross-border trade. A company like TransCanada works hard to contribute to organizations such as PNWER because it’s important to us and our shareholders that governments don’t set up additional trade barriers,”- Hal Kvisle, CEO of TransCanada “PNWER has provided a unique venue to reach both regional government leaders, as well as other business leaders; a process which is vital to our business,” - Paul Manson, CEO Sea Breeze Corp

An investment in PNWER offers: • businesses the reach of a cross-border, region-wide network of private and government officials. • the premier resources for bringing together public and private sector leaders. • a strong voice for business and government across five states, three provinces, and two territories. • a private sector council, which helps business develop new relationships with partners, vendors, and suppliers. • a gateway to hundreds of regional economic development resources.

For addtional information, contact: Ian Burkheimer, Director of Partnerships (206) 443-7723 ianb@pnwer.org

20 | 2009 Annual Report

or visit: www.pnwer.org/sponsorships

2010 PNWER Annual Summit “An Energized Outlook: Leading the Way”

Save the date! Calgary, Alberta July 16-20, 2010

2010 Summit topics will include:

For more information please visit www.pnwer.org/2010annualsummit

2010 Opportunities

Celebrate PNWER’s 20th anniversary, experience the Calgary Stampede, and connect with business and government leaders from throughout the region.

• Infrastructure--pipelines, railways, transmission, air • Environmental focus on sustainability • Stimulus results and economic resilience • Nanotechnology • Enhanced oil recovery and gas/ coal to liquids technology • Changing fundamentals in gas-i.e. shale, liquids • Impact of pandemics on tourism and business • Rural /First Nations Workforce Development • Regulatory transformation and the effects on the regional economy

PNWER |21

Pacific NorthWest Economic Region World Trade Center West 2200 Alaskan Way Ste. 460 Seattle, WA 98121 Phone: (206) 443-7723 Fax: (206) 443-7703 www.pnwer.org