The COVID-19 crisis has presented unparalleled challenges to communities across the Pacific Northwest region. As an organization representing states, provinces & territories, PNWER's top priority is to foster safe and mutually-beneficial collaboration across our 10 jurisdictions in the U.S. and Canada.
After careful deliberation with our PNWER Officers, Executive Committee, Montana Host Committee, and legislative members,
the 30th Annual Summit will now be held in Big Sky, Montana, August 15-19, 2021.
PNWER will instead be hosting a series of virtual sessions examining a sector-by-sector approach to safe recovery in each of our working group focus areas. These virtual sessions will be happening over the course of the next six months and will enable us to reach additional legislators who were not able to travel to the Summits in the past. We encourage you to follow PNWER on social media and on
our website for updates and to share information with your colleagues about the virtual sessions.
Given the current public health crisis and corresponding economic challenges, our mission is more important than ever. As we navigate these challenges, PNWER is focused on the safe recovery of our regional economy and sharing the best practices between the essential services and non-essential service sectors as each jurisdiction begins their phased re-opening of the economy. The role of PNWER networks and the strength of our bi-national relationships can play a key role in economic recovery around the region.
While the decision was a difficult one, the most important consideration was the safety and well-being of our government and business leaders, our academic and non-profit partners, and stakeholders throughout the region. We remain committed to our mission of promoting regional collaboration, serving as a conduit to exchange information and sharing best practices. We will work to continue to provide opportunities to collaborate and share important information over the coming months.
PNWER is fully committed to providing services and resources to our legislative and business leadership throughout this pandemic. We have put together a
catalogue of COVID-19 resources for you that we encourage you to check out. We also ask for your input, suggestions, and ideas on how PNWER can serve you and your communities during this time of change and upheaval.
Sincerely,