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PNWER 26th Annual Summit

Calgary, Alberta

July 17-21, 2016

DRAFT Working Group Planning Sheet

Sunday, July 12


11:30am - 7:00pm  

Registration

11:30am - 7:00pm  

Welcome Café -  Upper Atrium. Meet your fellow delegates, learn about Big Sky’s fun activities, and enjoy coffee and snacks. - Hosted by NBAR and Wilks Ranch

12:00pm - 1:00pm  

Executive Board Lunch - Invitation Only - Talus

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Executive Committee Meeting - Open to all -Talus

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Congressional Welcome - featuring the Hon. Steve Daines, Senator of Montana, Hon. Steve Tester, Senator of Montana (via video) - Huntley Dining Room  Hosted by University of Montana and NelsonMullins

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm               

Welcome Reception hosted by University of Montana and NelsonMullins - Huntley Dining Room

9:00 pm                

Hospitality Suite hosted by ExxonMobil - Whiskey Jack’s

 

Monday, July 13


 

7:00am - 5:00pm  

Registration - Lower Atrium, Big Sky Resort

7:30am - 5:00pm

Northwest Territories Welcome Lounge - Upper Atrium

Enjoy NWT territories hospitality and learn about the adventures awaiting you at the 2015 Legislative Leadership Academy and Economic Leadership Forum in Yellowknife, November 15-18, 2015.

7:30am - 9:00am

Opening Ceremonies and Keynote Breakfast featuring Matthew Rose, Executive Chairman, BNSF -  Missouri Ballroom

Hosted by BNSF

9:15am - 12pm

Concurrent Morning Sessions

Expanding Natural Gas Markets, Transportation, Workforce Development, Invasive Species, Cyber Security & Disaster Resilience

Coffee break hosted by Century Link

Session I - Monday Morning

Expanding Natural Gas Markets 

Co-chairs: Ian Burkheimer, Director of Business Development, Plum Energy & Representative Caddy McKeown, Oregon State Legislature

Hosted by AltaLink, Capital Power, and Fortis BC

What is the resource?

Overview of the resource. Supply, demand, prices, etc. What are concerns of the region’s legislators?

  • Dan Kirschner, Executive Director, Northwest Gas Association

 

NW Energy Supply and Asia markets

  • Abraham Kim, Director, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, University of Montana

How do we ensure Natural Gas is responsibly produced and regulated?

Government Best Practice

  • Ines Piccinino, Assistant Deputy Minister, Upstream Development Division, Ministry of Natural Gas Development of BC

 

What are the opportunities for our region?:

Mining

  • Ian Burkheimer, Director of Business Development, Plum Energy

Transportation

  • David A. Bennett, Director, Communications and External Relations, FortisBC

LNG Exports

  • Vern Wadey, Vice President, Jordan Cove LNG

Action Item Discussion

Session 2 - Monday Morning

Transportation - Mammoth

Co-chairs: Bruce Agnew, Director, Cascadia Center & Senator Chuck Winder, Idaho State Legislature

Hosted by CN

Idaho Trucking Initiative

  • Senator Chuck Winder, Idaho State Legislature

  

Rail Safety and Capacity

Status of Industry Initiatives for Rail Capacity Issues, Policies and Availability

  • Dean Wise, VP for Network Strategies, BNSF
  • David Miller, Assistant Vice-President for Government Affairs, CN  
  • Thomas Walsh, President, Montana Rail Link

 

Oil Tank Car Regulatory Status and Future Capacity Shortfalls

What are the challenges and processes for increasing oil car safety? What does the law say? What is the status of current laws or oil tank car regulations and other regulatory concerns and issue?  

                            

  • Laureen Kinney, Assistant Deputy Minister for Safety and Security, Transport Canada
  • Ken Holgard,  Region 8 Hazardous Materials Specialist, Federal Railroad Administration
  • Jack Isselmann, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Programs, The Greenbrier Companies

Economic Impact of Railways

  • Dr. Philip Romero, Professor of Business, University of Oregon

 

Discussion including Legislative Response

  • Moderated by:  Dr. Philip Romero, Professor of Business, University of Oregon
  • Congressman Bill Owens, Senior Strategic Advisor and Independent Consultant,  McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP

Session 3 - Monday Morning

Workforce Development - Dunraven/Obsidian

Co-chairs: Representative Mike Cuffe, Montana State Legislature & Shawna Argue, Former President, APEGS

Hosted by ASET and ASTTBC

Ways education is influencing the regional economy and identifying workforce development opportunities that can enhance, attract or create more businesses. Best practices from the Washington State Centers of Excellence

  • Mary Kaye Bredeson, Executive Director, Center of Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing
  • Linda Crerar, Director, Center of Excellence, Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Shana Peschek, Director, Construction Center of Excellence

Challenges and opportunities for professional license mobility in the region.

  • Kim Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Engineers Canada
  • Colin Smith, Past President, APEG-BC

Session 4 - Monday Morning

Session 5 - Monday Morning

Invasive Species - Gibbon/Lamar

Co-chairs: Senator Arnie Roblan, Oregon State Legislature & Dr. Mark Sytsma, Associate Vice President for Research, Portland State University

Update on Regional Legislation and Current Gaps in Legislation

United States

  • Mark Sytsma, Associate Vice President for Research, Portland State University

Canada

  • Kate Wilson, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Fish & Wildlife Policy, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

A Regional Framework to Prevent the Spread of Zebra and Quagga Mussels into the Pacific Northwest: An update on the PNWER Regional Plan for coordination against the spread of invasive mussels

  • Lisa DeBruyckere, President, Creative Resource Strategies, LLC.

Discussion: Implementing the Regional Framework

What will it take to fulfill the recommendations of the framework? How can Canada be better integrated into this plan? What resources are available? What can be done with the resources that already exist? Moderated by Lisa DeBruyckere

Easing Action: A Perspective from Jurisdictions that have Addressed Mussel Infestations

  • Jeff Forester, Executive Director, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers Advocates
  • Kylie Bloodsworth, Natural Resource Specialist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Legislative Response and Roundtable Discussion on Next Steps for the Framework

Mussel Sniffing Dogs

Cindy Sawchuk, AIS Operations Lead, Dog Handler, Alberta Environment and Parks

Aimee Hurt, Director Of Operations for Working Dogs for Conservation

Cyber Security & Disaster Resilience - Cheyanne

Co-chairs: Eric Holdeman, Director, Center for Disaster Resilience, Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, John Gordnier, Consultant, Practical Solutions Intelligence Law & Randy Middlebrook, Protective Security Advisor, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Hosted by Idaho National Laboratory

Working Session

Emerging Threats in Cyber Security

Federal, State, and Private Sector partners discuss their strategy to foster partnerships for information sharing on the dynamic threat picture of cybersecurity. What information sharing mechanism is working best in their respective discipline? Where are the gaps when it comes to the cyber threat mitigation and  where can the process be improved? The panel welcomes your questions and input to the discussion to  help prevent the next cyber-attack on a business or infrastructure system.

  • Eric Holdeman, Director, Center for Regional Disaster Security - Moderator                                                                          
  • Randy Middlebrook, Protective Security Advisor, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Brett Lloyd,  Executive Director, Domestic Preparedness Assistance Center
  • Wendy Friedrich, Senior Intelligence Officer, Office of Intelligence and Analysis, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Brad Richy, Director, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security
  • Nathan Shoop, Physical Security Specialist/Information Security Audit, Zoot Enterprises, Inc.

Drones, Body Cameras & the Law

This session will explore the efforts of the legislative and judicial systems to adjust privacy concepts to the "digital/metadata" age of communications. New technology solutions are being rapidly fielded.  This session will explore the potential consequences of these developments on the need for use of UAVs [drones], body cameras, ALPRs [automated license plate readers] and other data collection technologies to be accompanied by laws and policies addressing privacy. An interactive workshop aimed at developing the outlines of such policies will be incorporated.

  • John Gordnier, Consultant, Practical Solutions Intelligence Law

Canadian Senate Report on Terrorism

  • Senator Daniel Lang, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on National Security and Defence, Senate of Canada

12:15pm - 2:15pm

Keynote Luncheon

Featuring the Honourable Steve Bullock, Governor of Montana, Welcome from Dr. Royce Engstrom, University of Montana hosted by Northwestern Energy - Missouri Ballroom

2:30pm - 5:30pm

Concurrent Afternoon Sessions

Energy, Market Access, Agriculture, Invasive Species, Arctic Caucus, & Forestry

Coffee break hosted by Montana Farm Bureau

Session I-Monday Afternoon

Energy - Talus

Co-chairs: Senator Cliff Larsen, Montana State Legislature & Gary Weilinger, Vice President, External Affairs, Spectra Energy

Hosted by Calumet Montana Refining, Phillips 66, and Denbury

Carbon Capture from oil refining

 Best Practices in Enhanced Oil Recovery

  • Greg Schnacke, Executive Director, Governmental Relations, Denbury Resources

Carbon Capture from Post-Combustion Coal

(Boundary dam produces less than 1/4 of the emissions of most natural gas electrical generation facilities)

-Progress of CCS in Saskatchewan

-Update on the first six months of operations on the World’s first commercial Carbon Capture and Storage facility on a coal plant.

  • Mike Monea, President, Carbon Capture and Storage Initiatives, SaskPower

 

Communicating with the public. “How to connect energy infrastructure with core values?” 

  • Peter MacConnachie, Senior Sustainability Specialist, Suncor Energy

 

EPA Clean Power Plan: Challenges and Opportunities for the Region

-What is at stake for Montana under the proposed Clean Power Plan?

-What process do we envision for drafting a compliance plan to submit under the Clean Power Plan?

-What challenges and opportunities do we see under the Clean Power Plan?

  • Tim Baker, Policy Advisor for Natural Resources, State of Montana Governor’s Office

-What is the role of advanced energy in Clean Power Plan compliance?

-Reliability: How much of a concern should this be for states & provinces?

-What are cost-effective measures states can take for CPP compliance?

  • J.R. Tolbert, Senior Director, State Policy, Advanced Energy Economy

 Transmission Panel

  • Efforts to Improve Transmission Siting through RAPID Toolkit for Transmission Siting
  • Efforts to Develop Export Transmission (MSTI) to Enable Renewable Energy Development, Transmission Siting Challenges, Lessons Learned and Successes
  • Overview of Renewable Resources Unable to get to Load because of Transmission Constraints
  • Chris Scolari, Policy Advisor, Energy and Waste, Western Governors’ Association
  • Chris Hodge, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, NaturEner
  • Michael Cashell, Vice President, Transmission, NorthWestern Energy

Discussion on Action Items 

Session 2 - Monday Afternoon

 

Market Access - Mammoth

Co-chairs: Scott Rudderham, Senior Vice President, Operations, Canpotex Ltd. & Rep. Gael Tarleton, Washington

Hosted by SSA Marine, Canpotex, and Devon Canada

Moving product to market is increasingly becoming complex procedure as companies vie to sell their products around the world.  The session during this years’ summit examines some of the regulatory hurdles that firms face in establishing port facilities to handle cargo, and the relationships that they develop and maintain that are invaluable to their success.

Welcome and Introductions

 

Terminal Operators

  • SSA Marine is the world’s largest operator of cargo terminals in the world.  The firm handles a diversity of product worldwide as well as providing a full spectrum of transportation services to exporting and importing firms.  Their presentation will focus on a number of aspects of working with agencies to ensure that they meet environmental compliance guidelines, while working within interstate commerce laws and at the same time maintaining public and labor support.
  • Joe Ritzman, Vice President, Business Development, SSA Marine
  • Millennium Bulk Terminals-Longview is an operating bulk materials port on the Columbia River in Cowlitz County, Washington.  They will provide an overview on the impacts that regulations are having on their business as they redevelop.  In particular their presentation will focus on their proposed coal export terminal and the regulatory processes that they face.
  • Wendy Hutchinson, Vice President Public Affairs, Millennium Bulk Terminals

 

Tribal

  • Featured in this discussion will be the Crow Tribe in Montana, which is actively pursuing trade opportunities in the Pacific-Northwest to reach international customers for Crow coal. The Crow Tribe partnered with Cloud Peak Energy on development of a mine and is working with export terminal operators to gain market access for its reserves. The mine, once developed, will provide significant job opportunities and critical revenue for the Tribe.
  • Darrin Old Coyote, Chairman, Crow Nation

 

Discussion and Action Items

 

Session 3 - Monday Afternoon

Agriculture - Huntly Lodge Dining

Co-chairs: Patrick J. Kole, Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs, Idaho Potato Commission & Larry Doke, MLA, Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan

Hosted by United Grain Corporation

Regional Transportation Challenges Impacting Agriculture Markets

Overview of regional transportation issues impacting the agriculture sector. (rail capacity, port capacity, trucking issues, port slow down) What is the economic impact and how can we better coordinate collectively to accommodate increasing demand? What opportunities exist to better coordinate?

  • Leslie Blakey, President, Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors
  • John Youngberg, Executive Vice President, Montana Farm Bureau Federation
  • Hon. Lyle Stewart, Minister of Agriculture, Government of Saskatchewan

Cross-Border Harmonization

How the US and Canada are organized in public and private sector efforts to provide for research, market development and promotion programs. For instance, Canada and the US are undertaking reviews of food safety regulations, are there opportunities for alignment?

  • Kim Falcon, Department Chief, Montana Department of Agriculture
  • Keith Mussar, Vice President Regulatory Affairs, I.E.Canada

Social License Issues Impacting the Agriculture Sector

Many new standards have arisen within the agriculture sector that are not government mandated.These include; GMO labeling, humane certifications, animal welfare rating, responsibly grown designation, etc.  How do these new standards affect consumers, producers and retailers? How are these standards created and enforced? How are these changing the way producers and retailers do business? How do these impact the way consumers shop?

  • Shelley Jones, Manager, Agriculture Awareness, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
  • John Youngberg, Executive Vice President, Montana Farm Bureau Federation

Discussion on Action Items

Session 4 - Monday Afternoon

Session 5 - Monday Afternoon

Session 6 - Monday Afternoon

Invasive Species - Continued from morning session, Gibbon/Lamar

Co-chairs: Oregon State Senator Arnie Roblan & Dr. Mark Sytsma, Vice President for Research, Portland State University

Emerging Concerns and Best Practices for Coordinated Response

Emerald Ash Borer

  • Dr. Laurie Kerzicnik, Insect Diagnostician and Assistant IPM Specialist, Montana State University

Emerging Issues in the Region and their Biological Impact

  • Dr. Ragan Callaway, Professor, University of Montana

New Zealand Mud Snails

  • Robyn Draheim, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (Invited)

Fisheries impact of flowering rush 

  • Virgil Dupuis, Extension Director, Salish Kootenai College

Biocontrol efforts on flowering rush 

  • Jennifer Andreas, Director, Integrated Weed Control Program, Washington State University

Innovations in Inspection and Control: Mussel Sniffing Dogs

  • Cindy Sawchuck, Strategic Advisor, Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (Invited)

Changing Mentality towards Prevention and EDRR

  •  Travis Ziehl, Assistant Supervisor, Teton County Weed and Pest

Working Session: Enhancing Communication Among Existing Regional Invasive Species Partnerships

This facilitated working session will provide an opportunity for stakeholders from throughout the region to discuss how the region can advance communication among existing invasive species groups, from state and provincial invasive plant and species councils, to the Columbia River Basin, and Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The session will incorporate the invasive species councils to discuss the best ways for the various councils to interact with and update each other, and the possibility of a meeting between the councils in the future. We will also discuss what PNWER’s role should be in facilitating regional invasive species responses.

Forestry - Dunraven/Obsidian

Co-chairs: Tom Partin, President, American Forest Resource Council & Senator Chas Vincent, Montana State Legislature

Hosted by Interfor

Federal Forest Policy and Funding Fire Management

  • Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Management in British Columbia

Major forest management issues in British Columbia and policy responses to these issues; mountain pine beetle,  climate change, changing industry demographics and more.

  • Gerry MacDougall, Regional Executive Director, Cariboo Region,  British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Marketing Through Technology and Policy

Advancing the use of timber products in tall buildings by exploring new technology in engineered wood products. Looking at ways to align building codes in the region to allow the construction of taller wood-framed buildings.

  • Dr. Thomas Maness, Dean of the College of Forestry, Oregon State University

Panel Discussion: Collaborative Management Solutions for Forest Health, Fire Resistance and Economic Vitality

Question and answer session on the toughest issues facing Northwest forests: fires, pests, funding sustainable management and infrastructure needs. Perspectives from partners on innovative collaborative projects and forward-looking state initiatives.

  • Bob Harrington, Montana State Forester, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
  • Jessica Crowder, Policy Advisor, State of Wyoming Governor’s Office
  • Chad Davis, Senior Policy Analyst, Oregon Department of Forestry
  • Russ Hoeflich, Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor, Restore America's Forests Program, The Nature Conservancy

Discussion and Action Items

Arctic Caucus - Gibbon

Co-Chairs: Senator Lesil McGuire, Alaska State Legislature; Representative Bob Herron, Alaska State Legislature; Hon. Stacey Hassard, Yukon Legislative Assembly; and Hon. David Ramsay, Minister of Justice, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, Government of the Northwest Territories, Current President of PNWER

Introductions

Update on Caucus activities

  • Juneau Capital Visit and Arctic Hearing
  • Arctic Maritime Transportation session in Vancouver
  • North American Arctic Leaders Forum in Washington, D.C.
  • Economic Study – How the North impacts our region
  • Proposed Governors Premier Road Show

Northern Transportation Systems

  • Update on data collection

2015 Winter Meeting

  • Agenda and Session that will be highlighted

Pass the gavel to Minister Ramsay incoming PNWER Arctic Caucus Chair

  • Sustainability of the Arctic Caucus Beyond 2015

Next Steps and Action Items moving forward

6:30pm - 9:00pm

Reception - Peaks Pavilion (tent behind Snowcrest Lodge).  Featuring the music of the Lone Mountain Trio.

Hosted by Imperial Oil

9:00pm

Hospitality Suite hosted by Enbridge - Whiskey Jack’s

Tuesday, July 14


7:00am - 5:00pm

Registration - Big Sky Resort

7:30am - 5:00pm

Northwest Territories Welcome Lounge - Upper Atrium

Enjoy NWT territories hospitality and learn about the adventures awaiting you at the 2015 Legislative Leadership Academy and Economic Leadership Forum in Yellowknife, November 15-18, 2015.

7:30am - 9:00am

Keynote Breakfast featuring His Excellency Bruce Heyman, U.S. Ambassador to Canada hosted by HDR - Missouri Ballroom

9:15am - 12:15pm

Concurrent Morning Sessions

Energy & Environment, Mining, Border Issues, Water Policy & Cross-border Livestock Health I

Coffee Break hosted by Eide Bailey

Session I - Tuesday Morning

Energy & Environment - North Mammoth

Co-chair: Paul Manson, Chairman, Sea Breeze Power Corp.

Hosted by Cenovus Energy and Plum Creek

Session 2 - Tuesday Morning

Introductions

Roadmap to Resilient, Net-Zero Buildings in the Pacific Northwest

Energy efficiency encourages jobs, affordability, competitiveness and resiliency throughout the Pacific Northwest. To address the challenges of energy affordability, sustainability, climate adaptation, and economic development, PNWER is developing a Roadmap to Resilient, NetZero Buildings and Deep Energy Retrofits by 2030.

 

Andrew Pape-Salmon, P.Eng., MRM,  Associate, Senior Specialist – Energy

RDH Building Engineering Ltd.

  • Introduction to energy efficiency, Net-Zero construction & deep retrofits
  • Benefits of energy efficiency
  • What is Net-Zero construction and deep retrofit
  •  Progress report on White Paper for Roadmap
  • Brief overview of 16 case studies
  • Legislative Leads and Netzero Networks of key stakeholders

 

Our stakeholder network and steering committee leverages the deep knowledge, expertise, and innovation of our region to help identify and develop the strategies appropriate for their jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, providing input on education initiatives, tax policy, standards, programs, and other market-driven solutions.

Key influencers come from a variety of backgrounds and include

  • State/provincial/territorial governments
  • Construction industry associations
  • Professional associations
  • Net-Zero developers/builders/contractors
  • Energy efficiency agencies
  • Local governments
  • Public utilities
  • Public interest organizations

 

Who should be included in our network? How do we most effectively leverage their expertise?

Industry Perspective Panel

  • Kevin Davis, Director of Sales, Quad-Lock Building Systems Ltd.

Legislative Perspective Panel

Discussion on Next Steps

Utility of the Future: 

Panel discussion on the tools for policy makers, regulators, and utilities to    cost effectively integrate distributed energy resources (DER), e.g., solar, demand response, EV charging, distributed generation, and storage.

 ·         Ken Nichols, Principal, EQL ENERGY

-        Results of recent paper for Western Interstate Energy Board on some of the regulatory and policy steps needed in the Pacific Northwest to incorporate DER into utility planning and operations.

-        How the existing PNW institutions/utilities and policies that have achieved world-renowned results in energy efficiency can be marshalled to take advantage of emerging DER opportunities.

 

·         Dr. Ron Melton, Director of the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration (PNSGD) project, PNNL

-        Results of the PNSGD project

-        How Transactive Energy works

 

·         Washington State University’s Energy Systems Innovation Center

Q&A Session

Discuss Action Items

Mining - South Mammoth

Co-chairs: Senator John Coghill, Alaska State Legislature & Tammy Johnson, Executive Director, Montana Mining Association

Hosted by the Association of Mineral Exploration BC and Teck

Introductions        

Responsible Mining: Best Practices Panel

Positives steps British Columbia has undertaken for mine safety

  • Honourable Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines, Government of British Columbia

Overview of S.409 revise metal mine laws in Montana

Montana’s mining industry proposed, and assisted in securing the passage of, new statutory requirements governing Montana’s tailing storage facilities.  The new law is progressive in concept, comprehensive in scope and definitive.

  • Tammy Johnson, Executive Director, Montana Mining Association

Areas of regional cooperation for mine safety

  • Ed Fogels, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources, State of Alaska

Industry Experience: Sustainable Mining Program

  • Karina Briño, President & CEO, Mining Association of BC

First Nation perspective on responsible mining best practices

  • Chad Day, President, Tahltan Central Council

Group Discussion on how jurisdictions could move forward on mining regulations

Next Steps and Working Group Action Items

Session 3 - Tuesday Morning

Border Issues - Huntley

Co-chairs: Senator John Brenden, Montana State Legislature & Dr. Laurie Trautman, Associate Director, Border Policy Research Institute

Hosted by Canpotex and CAPP

Where are we in the Beyond the Border Process?

On February 4, 2011, President Obama and Prime Minister Harper announced the United States-Canada joint declaration, Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness.  This announcement established a clear vision and specific agreed upon principles to guide this ground breaking process. Using the original principles from the declaration as a guide, how do we rate the implementation of the Action Plan? Where does it fall short? What still is lacking? Where does this process go over the next 18 months?

  • Ben Lones, Advisor, Border Implementation Team, Privy Council Office, Government of Canada
  • Deborah W. Meyers, Director, Canadian Affairs and Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for North America Office of Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Discussion facilitated by Dr. Don Alper, Former Director, Border Policy Research Institute, Western Washington University

PNWER Pre-Clearance Implementation Task Force

At the PNWER Winter meeting in Seattle, a Pre-Clearance Task Force was established to provide specific feedback and input to CBSA and CBP regarding the implementation process of the pending global pre-clearance agreement. What recommendations have been provided and what is the status of the implementation of the agreement?

  • Rob Eaton, Director of Government Affairs, Amtrak  
  • Alroy Chan, Director of Corporate Development, Rocky Mountaineer

 

 Case Study on a specific Border Issue – In the past, farmers along the border in Montana have been able to place orders for repair parts and send a local rep across the border to pick up multiple orders in Saskatchewan and return to Montana to distribute the local orders to neighbors. This is no longer possible. How can we work with federal border agencies to find a practical solution?

  • Sarah Swanson Partridge, General Manager, Farm Equipment Sales, Inc.

Borders in Globalization (BIG)

BIG is an international partnership of academics and practitioners in border studies, governance and management collaborating on a range of research agendas to formulate policy recommendations related to borders.  Research has begun examining several specific areas including labor migration, environmental management, and security frameworks.    

 

  • Dr. Laurie Trautman, Associate Director, Border Policy Research Institute, Western Washington University

 

Inland Border Issues impacting Alberta and Montana

As part of the broader BIG project, detailed work has been done to assess the nature of flows across the Montana-Alberta border, exploring recent trends in the movement of labor, goods, and capital. What are the specific policy recommendations to address these issues impacting inland northwest borders? What is being overlooked that demands investigation?

 

  • Dr. Geoffrey Hale, Professor, Political Science, University of Lethbridge

 

Action Items Discussion

     

Session 4 - Tuesday Morning

Session 5 - Tuesday Morning

Water Policy - Gibbon/Lamar

Co-chairs: Senator Jim Honeyford, Washington State Senate & David Hill, Centres and Institutes and Research Advocacy (CIRA) University of Lethbridge

Water Supply-Water Storage-Adaptation

Securing Water for Agricultural Production

  • Tim Davis, Administrator, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

Developing new levels of partnership and collaboration of water storage facilities throughout the region

  • Mike Nemeth, Environmental Specialist, Alberta WaterSMART

Identifying new funding sources to support water infrastructure

  • Derek Sandison, Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture

 

Economic Impact (Value) of Water

  • Spencer Cohen, Senior Economist, Community Attributes, Inc
  • Reed Watson, Executive Director, Property and Environment Research Center

Water Compacts: How to Protect Water in States and Provinces

  • Richard Moy, Commissioner, U.S. Section, International Joint Commission

Q&A Session

 

Cross-Border Livestock Health Session I- Dunraven

Co-chairs: Dr. Marty Zaluski, Montana State Veterinarian & Dr. Larry Delver, Alberta Beef Producers

  • Changing Patterns of the Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Virus
  • Dr. Joe Baker, Washington State Veterinarian
  • VS Policy - impacts on livestock movements at the US/Canadian Border
  • Dr. Joe Baker, Washington State Veterinarian

12:30pm - 1:45pm

Keynote Luncheon hosted by Cloud Peak Energy and Blue Cross, Blue Shield

2:00pm - 5:30pm

Policy Tour - All delegates are invited to join a complementary policy tour of local area industry and attractions. In the registration process, select your first choice. All tours will meet at the Evening Reception. If you are not participating on tour, secure your bus to MOR during registration.  

Buses will depart promptly at 2:00pm from the Huntley Loop.

Innovation: Bozeman’s Hi-Tech Industry Cluster & MSU’s Research  Success

Agriculture: Developing Agriculture from Seed to Table

Craft Malting, Distilling, and Brewing

Tourism: Economics of National Park Tourism         

Trade and Economic Development: Recreation Manufacturing

Exploring Water Policy in a Multi-issue Watershed

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Museum of the Rockies Reception - hosted by Montana State University. Welcome from Dr. Waded Cruzado, President, Montana State University. Transportation to Bozeman provided from Big Sky Resort and policy tour locations. You must pre-register for transportation.

Buses will return back to Big Sky Resort at 7:45pm, 8:15pm, 8:30pm and 9:00pm.

9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Hospitality Suite hosted by Spectra Energy - Whiskey Jack’s

Wednesday, July 15


7:00am - 5:00pm

Registration - Big Sky Resort

7:30am - 5:00pm

Northwest Territories Welcome Lounge - Upper Atrium

Enjoy NWT territories hospitality and learn about the adventures awaiting you at the 2015 Legislative Leadership Academy and Economic Leadership Forum in Yellowknife, November 15-18, 2015.

7:30am - 9:00am

Keynote Breakfast featuring Sam Schulhofer-Wohl, Senior Vice President and Director of Research, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis hosted by the Washington Corporations - Missouri Ballroom

9:15am - 12:15pm

Concurrent Morning Sessions

Cross-border Livestock Health II, Trade & Economic Development, Tourism, Arctic Caucus, Higher Education & Innovation, Public and Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development

Coffee break hosted by The Butchart Gardens

11:00am - 12:00pm

Executive Committee

Session I - Wednesday Morning

Session 2 - Wednesday Morning

Session 3 - Wednesday Morning

Session 4 - Wednesday Morning

Trade & Economic Development - Talus

Co-chairs: Dan Ashton, MLA, British Columbia & Webb Brown, President/CEO, Montana Chamber of Commerce

Hosted by PPL Montana

Private sector led state business planning initiatives; what can we learn from each other?

- How has private sector participated in your statewide planning effort?

- How do you engage state/federal/local elected officials?          

- What are your top 3 goals, and how will you measure success?

- What are common elements that go beyond your state?

Panelists:

  • David Giuliani, Board Chair and Co-Founder of the Washington Business Alliance
  • Greg Gianforte, founder of the Bozeman Technology Incubator
  • Senator Arnie Roblan, Oregon State Legislature

 

Presentation on Potential tool for regional collaboration: The Washington Business Alliance Metrics Explorer

  • Hans Stroo, Manager of Research & Communication, Washington Business Alliance, via teleconference

Plan Washington Metrics Explorer - Tool for discussion

Discussion

 

New Innovations and Opportunities in Attracting Capital to Regional Economic Development Strategies

- Briefly describe your initiative

- How has your program been successful and how do you measure success?

- What opportunities do you see in this region to collaborate?

  • Christian Haeuselmann, Chair, Global Cleantech Cluster Association, San Diego
  • Mark Grobmeyer, Director, P80 Foundation
  • Tim Faley, Co-Founder, KeyStone Compact Group

Discussion

Side Event: Two-hour follow-up meeting on innovative financing and a discussion on developing a regional strategy will be held in the afternoon following the luncheon plenary in room TBD

           


Tourism
- North Mammoth

Co-chairs: Dave Cowen, General Manager of Butchart Gardens & Meg O’Leary, Director, Montana Department of Commerce

Hosted by Alaska Airlines

Introduction

Opportunities to market winter tourism in the region.

  • Taylor Middleton, General Manager, Big Sky Resort

Update on Past PNWER Tourism Progress

Norpass, First Nations Tourism, Sichuan Visa.

  • Dave Cowen,  General Manager of Butchart Garden

Tourism’s Economic Impact in the PNWER Region

  • Paul Nursey, President & CEO, Tourism Victoria

Discussion: Leveraging Tourism Marketing in the PNWER region

 How can PNWER can leverage other tourism promotions and initiatives in the region?

  • Moderator: Paul Nursey, President & CEO, Tourism Victoria
  • Trina Mousseau, Chief Marketing Officer, Tourism Victoria
  • Glenniss Indreland, Brand Manager, Big Sky

Panel Discussion: Passenger Rail Tourism in the PNWER Region

Explore opportunities to expand rail tourism across the PNWER region and improve connections with other means of transportation.

Examples of flourishing rail tourism programs and how they were built. Challenges to growing and maintaining rail tourism.

  • Alroy Chan, Director, Corporate Development, Rocky Mountaineer
  • Rob Eaton, Senior Manager, Government Affairs, Amtrak  
  • Christopher Dorrington, Bureau Chief, Multimodal Planning Bureau, Montana Department of Transportation

Unlocking Marine Tourism Potential in the Region

Showcasing different methods of marine tourism, their economic impact and examples of successful advocacy work with elected officials.

  • Greg Wirtz, President, Cruise Lines International Association
  • Ryan Malane, Vice President of Marketing, Black Ball Ferry Line
  • Peter Schrappen, Director of Governmental Affairs, Northwest Marine Trade Association

Preclearance and its Potential Effect on Tourism

Update on the US-Canada preclearance agreement requirements for facilities and progress of the agreement as it moves through Canadian and US legislatures prior to implementation.

  • Dave Cowen, General Manager, The Butchart Gardens
  • Bruce Agnew, Director, Cascadia Center


Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development

Co-chairs: Sen. Chuck Winder, Idaho and Bruce Agnew, Cascadia Center

Hosted by the Consulate General of Canada

This session will provide an informative introduction to Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), share case studies of successful partnerships, and explore how P3s can benefit infrastructure development throughout the PNWER region.

Welcome and Introductions

  • Consul General James K Hill, Consulate General of Canada, Seattle

A Primer on Public Private Partnerships

  • Mark Romeoff, President and CEO, The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships

The P3 Experience: Perspectives on the Benefits and Implementation of Public Private Partnerships

  • Mark Liedemann,Vice President, Partnerships BC
  • Bob Rowe, President and CEO, Northwestern Energy

Case Study: Transportation

  • Jussi Jaakkola, Vice-president, Infrastructure Investment, SNC Lavalin

Case Study: Water

  • Rick Adcock,Managing Director, MWH Infrastructure Development, Inc.

Public-Private Partnership Discussion

Are states considering P3s? How does this fit with the current financing models? What lessons can be taken from Canada’s success with P3s?

Discussion and Action Items

Cross-Border Livestock Health II - Dunraven/Obsidian

Co-chairs: Dr. Marty Zaluski, Montana State Veterinarian &

Dr. Larry Delver,  Alberta Beef Producer

Avian Influenza Wildlife Reservoirs and Minimizing Trade Restrictions

Avian Influenza – USDA-APHIS response activities

  • Dr. Tom Linfield, United States Department of Agriculture

 Avian Influenza – Minimizing Trade Restrictions

  • USDA-APHIS Representative TBA

Session 5 - Wednesday Morning

Higher Education & Innovation - Lamar

Co-chair:  Dr. Waded Cruzado, President, Montana State University

“Using Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Make a Difference” Technology Transfer: Key way universities impact the economies of our regions

  • Jane Muir, Past President of the Associate of University Technology Managers, University of Florida

“Montana’s Investment in University Research for Economic Development.”

 

A panel discussion on the Montana Legislature’s funding of university research. Panelists will include representatives from Montana State University, the University of Montana, and the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.  

  • Dr. Renee Reijo Pera, Vice President of Research and Economic Development, Montana State University
  • Dr. Scott Whittenburg, Vice President for Research and Creative Scholarship, University of Montana
  • Dr. Waded Cruzado, President, Montana State University
  • Dr. Royce Engstrom, President, University of Montana
  • Clayton Christian, Montana Commissioner of Higher Education
  • Janelle Booth, Montana University System Research Director, Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education

Executive Committee Meeting - starts at 10:30 am

12:30pm - 2:15 pm

Keynote Luncheon featuring Sue Saarnio, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Canada, Mexico and Regional Economic Policy and Denis Stevens, Deputy Head of Mission, Canadian Embassy hosted by MDU Resources and Lighthouse Resources - Missouri Ballroom

2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Working Group Afternoon Sessions

Cross-border Livestock Health III

2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Executive Committee Meeting - Gibbon

2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Policy Tours:

Beehive Basin Hike - resort clusters and expanded economies

Whitewater Rafting

Open Space Fishing

Session I- Wednesday Afternoon

Cross-Border Livestock Health III - Dunraven/Obsidian

Co-chairs: Dr. Marty Zaluski, Montana State Veterinarian & Dr. Larry Delver, Alberta Beef Producers

Import and Export Policies 

CFIA Import Permit Delays – effect on US and Canada livestock producers

  • Michael Latimer, Canadian Beef Breeders Council

Update on Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS)

  • Dr. Antonio Ramirez, USDA/APHIS

Update on Electronic Exchange of Export Certificates (EEEC) Pilot

  • Dr. Aman Bath, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

 

2015 Action Items Discussion/Closing Comments

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Engineering and Geoscience Regulators Reception hosted by APEGS and APEGBC - Huntley

9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Hospitality Suite  hosted by Shell - Whiskey Jack’s

Thursday, July 16


8:00am

Optional Continental Breakfast  - Hosted by TransCanada

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Montana Energy  Policy Tour

  • The group will leave Big Sky on Thursday afternoon
  • Participants will overnight in Billings before departing Friday morning to Spring Creek Mine for an all-day tour of Cloud Peak Energy’s coal operation
  • The Group will return late on Friday night and participants should plan to depart from the Billings Logan International Airport on Saturday, July 18th.
  • Register online, space is limited

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Day Trip to Yellowstone National Park

  • Visit the breathtaking Old Faithful, cross the Continental Divide, and enjoy amazing wildlife. Register early; more information online.  
  • Plan on departing from Big Sky on Friday.

Ta2:30 p