SASKATOON TO HOST BI-NATIONAL ECONOMIC CONFERENCE IN 2012

The Government of Saskatchewan announced today that Saskatoon will host the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit from July 15-19, 2012.

The conference is expected to attract some 500 legislators, government officials and business leaders from across the northwestern United States and western Canada. The PNWER Summit will be an opportunity to discuss major issues ranging from natural resources extraction, energy usage and water policy to agriculture, transportation and border issues. The conference provides a unique platform for businesses to connect with one another, as well as with elected leaders.

"Our province values the important role that collaboration between government and business plays in both Saskatchewan and beyond," said Premier Brad Wall who will be addressing the 21st PNWER Summit in Portland, Oregon. "The PNWER conference has a long history of helping to establish strong partnerships throughout the region, and we look forward to demonstrating our commitment to regional cooperation by playing host to the summit."

PNWER is the only partnership of its kind in North America and represents a regional combined GDP of $986 billion ($1 trillion USD). The partnership's mission is to promote greater regional collaboration, enhance competitiveness, achieve continued economic growth, and reduce trade and regulatory barriers. PNWER encompasses Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories in Canada, and Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington in the United States.

The general membership meets annually, with the 2011 conference taking place in Portland, Oregon from July 19-22. Premier Brad Wall will attend the opening day of the 2011 summit, inviting members to Saskatoon and telling the Saskatchewan story at an evening reception.

"Saskatchewan is a proven economic leader and we are honoured to have such a high-profile summit coming to our province in 2012," PNWER Regional Vice-President and 2012 Summit Chairperson Lyle Stewart said. "This is an ideal venue to help connect businesses from around the region and to allow elected and other government officials to discuss regional issues with our counterparts."

The Portland conference will be attended by a Saskatchewan delegation that includes provincial Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, business leaders and government officials from across the province.

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For more information, contact:

Shanna Schulhauser
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: shanna.schulhauser@enterprisesask.ca