Upcoming Topics and Call Dates
As PNWER wraps up the Pandemic Resilience Guide, the COVID-19 Recovery Series has come to a close. You can view the Multi-Sector Guide to Pandemic Economic Resilience and download the associated Workbook at RegionalResilience.org/Pandemic-Resilience-Guide!
If you have any questions, please contact Betz Mayer or Brandon Hardenbrook!
If you have any questions, please contact Betz Mayer or Brandon Hardenbrook!
PNWER began the COVID-19 Recovery Series in 2020 as a way for legislators and business leaders from across our Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions to come together and share best practices in the early days of the pandemic. The goal was to identify what other jurisdictions were doing well or were struggling with to ensure decision makers in our region had a working understanding of the puzzle pieces to support a safe and sustainable post-COVID economic recovery.
The COVID Recovery Series is funded through a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant as a critical piece of developing a Pandemic Resilience Roadmap. The Roadmap distills economic resilience best practices from across the region to identify policies that balanced public health and safety with economic continuity. More information on the Roadmap can be found here.
In 2022, we are making a pivot to focus on how different sectors have been impacted by and responded to pandemic challenges. Industry representatives and businesses from across the region will be responding to a similar set of questions investigating the relationship between public policy and businesses as the pandemic unfolded and progressed. The list of industries identified for the first part of the year is below.
If you have speaker suggestions from any of these sectors, or want to suggest a different topic, feel free to reach out to Betz Mayer at Betz.Mayer@pnwer.org. Betz can also put you on the distribution list for these webinars, or you can register here.
The COVID Recovery Series is funded through a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant as a critical piece of developing a Pandemic Resilience Roadmap. The Roadmap distills economic resilience best practices from across the region to identify policies that balanced public health and safety with economic continuity. More information on the Roadmap can be found here.
In 2022, we are making a pivot to focus on how different sectors have been impacted by and responded to pandemic challenges. Industry representatives and businesses from across the region will be responding to a similar set of questions investigating the relationship between public policy and businesses as the pandemic unfolded and progressed. The list of industries identified for the first part of the year is below.
If you have speaker suggestions from any of these sectors, or want to suggest a different topic, feel free to reach out to Betz Mayer at Betz.Mayer@pnwer.org. Betz can also put you on the distribution list for these webinars, or you can register here.
Past PNWER COVID-19 Recovery Calls & Pandemic Resilience Guide Events
Multi-Sector Guide to Pandemic Economic Resilience Launch Event
Wednesday, March 29 | 11 am PST
Virtual launch of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region's EDA funded Multi-Sector Guide to Pandemic Economic Resilience, formerly known as the Pandemic Resilience Roadmap. This is the culmination of three years of work assembling regional best practices in pandemic response and recovery distilled into an accessible, easy-to-use Guide and related Workbook.
CRDR Networking & Pandemic Resilience Guide (Roadmap) Soft Launch Event
Tuesday, March 7 | 3:30 - 6:00 pm | Seattle City Hall
Pandemic Resilience Roadmap Workshop 1: Stress Testing the Roadmap
Thursday, November 10 | Virtually & In-Person at Northeastern University
Wednesday, March 29 | 11 am PST
Virtual launch of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region's EDA funded Multi-Sector Guide to Pandemic Economic Resilience, formerly known as the Pandemic Resilience Roadmap. This is the culmination of three years of work assembling regional best practices in pandemic response and recovery distilled into an accessible, easy-to-use Guide and related Workbook.
CRDR Networking & Pandemic Resilience Guide (Roadmap) Soft Launch Event
Tuesday, March 7 | 3:30 - 6:00 pm | Seattle City Hall
Pandemic Resilience Roadmap Workshop 1: Stress Testing the Roadmap
Thursday, November 10 | Virtually & In-Person at Northeastern University
Spotlighting Utilities During the Pandemic
Wednesday, October 19 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, utility companies worked hard to provide critical services to their customers and maintain continuity of operations in an uncertain time. This call will discuss the response of electric and natural gas utilities, and the role they've played in helping their customers respond to and recover from the pandemic, even as their own sector faces pandemic-related challenges.
Diane Henkels and Guillermo Castillo from Small Business Utility Advocates (SBUA) explored how small business utility users in Oregon were impacted by the pandemic, and how this influences services provided today. David Bennet from FortisBC provided a Canadian utility perspective on the early days of the pandemic in British Columbia, and how that impacts current operations.
Wednesday, October 19 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, utility companies worked hard to provide critical services to their customers and maintain continuity of operations in an uncertain time. This call will discuss the response of electric and natural gas utilities, and the role they've played in helping their customers respond to and recover from the pandemic, even as their own sector faces pandemic-related challenges.
Diane Henkels and Guillermo Castillo from Small Business Utility Advocates (SBUA) explored how small business utility users in Oregon were impacted by the pandemic, and how this influences services provided today. David Bennet from FortisBC provided a Canadian utility perspective on the early days of the pandemic in British Columbia, and how that impacts current operations.
Wastewater & Disease Monitoring
Wednesday, September 21 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Recording Not Available - Pending Publication of Relevant Papers
Researchers at the University of Washington College of Engineering are investigating a new large-scale testing method to detect COVID-19 in wastewater by pulling sewage samples from Seattle pump stations. The goal is to quantify how many people in a specific community have COVID-19, which is partially shed through feces, in order to better track transmission and reduce the burden on individual testing facilities. During this call, we explore this new method of disease monitoring, it's benefits, drawbacks, and how it can be used to understand community levels of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Featured speaker:
Wednesday, September 21 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Recording Not Available - Pending Publication of Relevant Papers
Researchers at the University of Washington College of Engineering are investigating a new large-scale testing method to detect COVID-19 in wastewater by pulling sewage samples from Seattle pump stations. The goal is to quantify how many people in a specific community have COVID-19, which is partially shed through feces, in order to better track transmission and reduce the burden on individual testing facilities. During this call, we explore this new method of disease monitoring, it's benefits, drawbacks, and how it can be used to understand community levels of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Featured speaker:
- Prakit Saingam, Postdoctoral Scholar | University of Washington
Health & the Economy: Lessons from the Pandemic in Economic Resiliency
Wednesday, August 17 | Recording from PNWER Annual Summit
Watch the Recording
Throughout the pandemic, direct impacts on individuals’ health and public health policy have had direct and indirect impacts on the economy. At an industry level, these impacts and resulting adaptation and mitigation solutions have been varied. Further, impacts on one industry transmit via economic ties across other industries. Fully considering the impact of the pandemic on the economy requires considering connections between and amongst economic sectors, public health policy, economic policy, and health. This special session is a recording from the PNWER Annual Summit's session on Health & the Economy, taking an Alberta-focused look at how the public and private sector responded to pandemic challenges!
Speakers include:
Wednesday, August 17 | Recording from PNWER Annual Summit
Watch the Recording
Throughout the pandemic, direct impacts on individuals’ health and public health policy have had direct and indirect impacts on the economy. At an industry level, these impacts and resulting adaptation and mitigation solutions have been varied. Further, impacts on one industry transmit via economic ties across other industries. Fully considering the impact of the pandemic on the economy requires considering connections between and amongst economic sectors, public health policy, economic policy, and health. This special session is a recording from the PNWER Annual Summit's session on Health & the Economy, taking an Alberta-focused look at how the public and private sector responded to pandemic challenges!
Speakers include:
- Vic Adamowicz, Professor and Vice Dean, Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences | University of Alberta,
- Andrea Brocklebank, Executive Director | Beef Cattle Research Council
- Andrew Gibbons, Vice President, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs | WestJet
- Noelle Becker, Executive Director, Alberta Labour and Immigration | Government of Alberta
Food Services / Drinking Establishments Industries Response to the Pandemic
Wednesday, June 15 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific / 12 pm - 1 pm Mountain
Watch the Recording
Restaurants, bars, and cafes were among the hardest-hit small businesses across the Pacific Northwest. In-person dining was one of the first things to close in the early days of the pandemic, and the pathway to reopening was fraught with challenges. Three years after COVID first shut down daily life, the food and hospitality industry is still struggling to retain workers and fully come back to pre-pandemic levels. From the merits of takeout, to the programs that supported establishments in these tough times, this call explores what went well during the pandemic, and how the industry is coming back after years of uncertainty.
Speakers include:
Wednesday, June 15 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific / 12 pm - 1 pm Mountain
Watch the Recording
Restaurants, bars, and cafes were among the hardest-hit small businesses across the Pacific Northwest. In-person dining was one of the first things to close in the early days of the pandemic, and the pathway to reopening was fraught with challenges. Three years after COVID first shut down daily life, the food and hospitality industry is still struggling to retain workers and fully come back to pre-pandemic levels. From the merits of takeout, to the programs that supported establishments in these tough times, this call explores what went well during the pandemic, and how the industry is coming back after years of uncertainty.
Speakers include:
- Maxwell Mooney, Founder, Narrative Coffee
- Anthony Anton, President & CEO, Washington Hospitality Association
Manufacturing Sector's Pandemic Response & Resilience
Wednesday, May 18 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific / 12 pm - 1 pm Mountain
Watch the Recording
Manufacturing companies across the Pacific Northwest faced numerous and often unique challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This call will explore how manufacturers in Alberta safely continued operations during the pandemic, and the innovative changes they've made to adjust to a new production climate that includes labor shortages and supply chain issues.
Featuring:
Wednesday, May 18 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific / 12 pm - 1 pm Mountain
Watch the Recording
Manufacturing companies across the Pacific Northwest faced numerous and often unique challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. This call will explore how manufacturers in Alberta safely continued operations during the pandemic, and the innovative changes they've made to adjust to a new production climate that includes labor shortages and supply chain issues.
Featuring:
- Darryl "Shorty" Short, CT, CET, LBC, RSE | Karma Machining & Manufacturing Ltd.
Construction & COVID: A 2022 Update on BC's Model for Collaboration and Continuity
Wednesday, April 20 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording
In July 2020, PNWER hosted the "Construction & COVID: BC's Model for Collaboration and Continuity" webinar discussing how British Columbia's construction industry was able to continue operating in the early days of the pandemic with few COVID cases and no related hospitalizations. Two years later, we checked back in with our BC experts to see what lessons they've learned since then! Speakers discussed how ongoing cooperation between construction industry associations helps keep the sector going, and results in safer outcomes for workers and their families. They explore how they worked with WorkSafeBC to create a safe workplan in the early days of the pandemic, the ongoing workforce challenges the sector faces, and best practices they've continued using as pandemic restrictions begin winding down across North America.
Speakers include:
Wednesday, April 20 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording
In July 2020, PNWER hosted the "Construction & COVID: BC's Model for Collaboration and Continuity" webinar discussing how British Columbia's construction industry was able to continue operating in the early days of the pandemic with few COVID cases and no related hospitalizations. Two years later, we checked back in with our BC experts to see what lessons they've learned since then! Speakers discussed how ongoing cooperation between construction industry associations helps keep the sector going, and results in safer outcomes for workers and their families. They explore how they worked with WorkSafeBC to create a safe workplan in the early days of the pandemic, the ongoing workforce challenges the sector faces, and best practices they've continued using as pandemic restrictions begin winding down across North America.
Speakers include:
- Mike McKenna, Executive Director, British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance (BCCSA)
- Chris Atchison, President, British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA)
- Dr. Dave Baspaly, President & CEO, Council of Construction Associations (COCA)
Transitioning to Digital Services in the Pandemic
Wednesday, March 16 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording
Digital services were the glue that held together our society and economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the transition from paper-based to digital services was complicated, especially given the short timeframe. This call explores the considerations of this transition, including questions around accessibility and equal access, along with how it's changed the way organizations operate today and into the future.
Speakers include:
Wednesday, March 16 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording
Digital services were the glue that held together our society and economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the transition from paper-based to digital services was complicated, especially given the short timeframe. This call explores the considerations of this transition, including questions around accessibility and equal access, along with how it's changed the way organizations operate today and into the future.
Speakers include:
- Joy Emory, President & Chief Executive Officer, Workforce Snohomish
- Ginger Armbruster, Chief Privacy Officer, City of Seattle
Transportation & Warehousing Response to the Pandemic
Wednesday, February 16 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording
Featuring Jim Maltby, Director of Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) at Lynden Freight and Shipping Logistics!
From the start of the pandemic, COVID-19 wreaked havoc on logistics and supply chain companies across the world. Varying COVID restrictions and regulations between and within countries grounded planes, stopped shipping vessels, quarantined crews, and disrupted the global just-in-time delivery system. Simultaneously, the shift to working from home and popularization of internet shopping and home delivery resulted in a massive increase in demand for delivery services to consumers. Join us for a fascinating conversation about how pandemic policies impacted the operations of a freight shipping and logistics company that serves Alaska and other parts of the world!
Wednesday, February 16 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording
Featuring Jim Maltby, Director of Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) at Lynden Freight and Shipping Logistics!
From the start of the pandemic, COVID-19 wreaked havoc on logistics and supply chain companies across the world. Varying COVID restrictions and regulations between and within countries grounded planes, stopped shipping vessels, quarantined crews, and disrupted the global just-in-time delivery system. Simultaneously, the shift to working from home and popularization of internet shopping and home delivery resulted in a massive increase in demand for delivery services to consumers. Join us for a fascinating conversation about how pandemic policies impacted the operations of a freight shipping and logistics company that serves Alaska and other parts of the world!
Downtown Association's Response to the Pandemic
Wednesday, January 19 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording!
Featuring Jeff Bray, Executive Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association!
Downtown areas and businesses were some of the first areas impacted by pandemic-related shut downs, and as the rest of the North American economy has recovered, these areas and businesses are experiencing a much slower recovery. This call explores how the pandemic impacted the Downtown Victoria Business Association and how they were involved in the city's disaster response and ongoing economic recovery. Jeff Bray, Executive Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association discusses the policies put into place to support small businesses in British Columbia and in Victoria, how Business Associations across North America came together to respond to the pandemic, and what lessons were learned during this time that could be carried into the future!
Wednesday, January 19 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording!
Featuring Jeff Bray, Executive Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association!
Downtown areas and businesses were some of the first areas impacted by pandemic-related shut downs, and as the rest of the North American economy has recovered, these areas and businesses are experiencing a much slower recovery. This call explores how the pandemic impacted the Downtown Victoria Business Association and how they were involved in the city's disaster response and ongoing economic recovery. Jeff Bray, Executive Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association discusses the policies put into place to support small businesses in British Columbia and in Victoria, how Business Associations across North America came together to respond to the pandemic, and what lessons were learned during this time that could be carried into the future!
Supply Chain Disruptions in the PNW - Dec. 15, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - Broken Links: Supply Chain Disruptions in the PNW
Wednesday, December 15 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording!
Supply chain issues have dominated headlines and caused headaches for everyday shoppers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move through the major North American holiday season, everything from toys, electronics, tires, meat, dairy products (and dairy substitutes), all seem to be in short supply. This Call explores the impacts of COVID-19 on the Pacific Northwest's supply chains, and what disruptions in global shipping and manufacturing mean for the region.
Agenda
Wednesday, December 15 | 11 am - 12 pm Pacific
Watch the Recording!
Supply chain issues have dominated headlines and caused headaches for everyday shoppers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move through the major North American holiday season, everything from toys, electronics, tires, meat, dairy products (and dairy substitutes), all seem to be in short supply. This Call explores the impacts of COVID-19 on the Pacific Northwest's supply chains, and what disruptions in global shipping and manufacturing mean for the region.
Agenda
- Introductions
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Causes and Impacts to the Pacific Northwest
- Dr. Spencer Cohen, Economics & Trade Policy Consultant, and Principal & Founder of High Peak Strategy LLC
- PNWER Project Updates
- Congregate Solutions Accelerator
- Pandemic Roadmap
- Regional Round Robin
- What industries in your jurisdiction have felt the impact of these supply chain issues?
- What strategies are you seeing from these industries as they respond to delays and shortages?
Workplace Mental Health Resilience - Oct. 20, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - Workplace Mental Health Resilience
Wednesday, October 20 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
Approaching the two year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prolonged stress and isolation of pandemic life has taken a toll on mental health and wellness across the world. Dr. Mauseth co-leads the Washington State Department of Health's Behavioral Health Strike Team, with deep expertise in disaster mental health and resilience. This discussion will explore the physical and mental impacts of long-term stress, Washington State's efforts to provide behavioral health resources, and what employers and leaders can do to help their teams cope and move forward.
Agenda:
Wednesday, October 20 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
Approaching the two year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prolonged stress and isolation of pandemic life has taken a toll on mental health and wellness across the world. Dr. Mauseth co-leads the Washington State Department of Health's Behavioral Health Strike Team, with deep expertise in disaster mental health and resilience. This discussion will explore the physical and mental impacts of long-term stress, Washington State's efforts to provide behavioral health resources, and what employers and leaders can do to help their teams cope and move forward.
Agenda:
- Introductions
- Disaster Mental Health and Resilience
- Dr. Kira Mauseth | Partner, Snohomish Psychology Associates PLLC | Co-Lead Behavioral Health Strike Team, Washington State Department of Health
- Speaker Q&A
- PNWER Project Updates
- Congregate Solutions Accelerator
- Pandemic Roadmap
- Regional Round Robin
- What resources has your jurisdiction made available to address some of the mental health challenges associated with the pandemic?
The One Society Network - Sept. 15, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - The One Society Network
Wednesday, September 15 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
We are resuming PNWER's COVID-19 Recovery Call series with an exciting presentation from Dr. Christopher McCabe about the One Society Network (OSN), one of 5 new interconnected research networks designed to build Canada's capacity to understand and manage pandemic threats. With a distinguished career as a health economist, Dr. McCabe is leading the OSN team in creating predictive models to better understand how public health and pandemic policies, like lockdowns or furlough subsidies impact, the economy.
Agenda:
Wednesday, September 15 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
We are resuming PNWER's COVID-19 Recovery Call series with an exciting presentation from Dr. Christopher McCabe about the One Society Network (OSN), one of 5 new interconnected research networks designed to build Canada's capacity to understand and manage pandemic threats. With a distinguished career as a health economist, Dr. McCabe is leading the OSN team in creating predictive models to better understand how public health and pandemic policies, like lockdowns or furlough subsidies impact, the economy.
Agenda:
- Introductions
- Richard Gotfried, MLA | Alberta Legislative Assembly
- One Society Network
- Dr. Christopher McCabe | CEO, Institute of Health Economics, Alberta | CEO & Executive Director, One Society Network
- Speaker Q&A
- PNWER Project Updates
- Congregate Solutions Accelerator
- Pandemic Roadmap
- Regional Round Robin
- When making decisions about pandemic / public health related shutdowns, what data would have been helpful in your decision making process?
- How have the lessons learned over the past 20 months of the COVID pandemic influenced the economic modeling of your jurisdiction?
- How can policymakers in your jurisdiction incorporate the work of organizations like the One Society Network in the future?
Safely Reopening Large Venues - July 21, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - Safely Reopening Large Venues
Wednesday, July 21 | 11 am Pacific
View the Slides
Watch the Recording
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in widespread closures of large venues and other congregate settings as public health officials raced to stop the spread of the virus. Now, with vaccinations on the rise, large venues are reopening and increasing capacity to bring fans back. Pod seating, vaccination verification stations, and reduced capacity are some of the key tools large venues are using as they work with provincial, state, and local governments to ensure a safe restart to operations. From the Saskatchewan Roughriders to the Seattle Mariners, this call explored how large venues are developing and implementing safe reopening strategies, and the key roles these venues play in their communities.
Agenda:
Wednesday, July 21 | 11 am Pacific
View the Slides
Watch the Recording
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in widespread closures of large venues and other congregate settings as public health officials raced to stop the spread of the virus. Now, with vaccinations on the rise, large venues are reopening and increasing capacity to bring fans back. Pod seating, vaccination verification stations, and reduced capacity are some of the key tools large venues are using as they work with provincial, state, and local governments to ensure a safe restart to operations. From the Saskatchewan Roughriders to the Seattle Mariners, this call explored how large venues are developing and implementing safe reopening strategies, and the key roles these venues play in their communities.
Agenda:
- Introductions
- Safely Reopening Large Venues
- Tim Reid, President & CEO, Regina Exhibition Association Ltd | Evraz Place
- Trevor Gooby, Senior Vice President, Ballpark Operations | Seattle Mariners
- Speaker Q&A
- Regional Round Robin
- What kinds of specific marketing or programing are you seeing or providing in your jurisdiction to encourage public trust and consumer confidence in large venues?
Restarting the Cruise Industry - June 16, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - Restarting the Cruise Industry
Wednesday, June 16 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording Here
Over the past year, the cruise and tourism industries were especially hard hit by pandemic-related closures and unprecedented travel restrictions. With vaccination rates on the rise, and approval from the US CDC, cruise operators are planning to resume sailings between Seattle and Alaska in July. This call explores how the cruise industry plans to re-scale their workforce, how they're addressing issues of consumer confidence, and ways that their experiences can be translated into best practices for other industries hard-hit by the pandemic.
Agenda:
Wednesday, June 16 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording Here
Over the past year, the cruise and tourism industries were especially hard hit by pandemic-related closures and unprecedented travel restrictions. With vaccination rates on the rise, and approval from the US CDC, cruise operators are planning to resume sailings between Seattle and Alaska in July. This call explores how the cruise industry plans to re-scale their workforce, how they're addressing issues of consumer confidence, and ways that their experiences can be translated into best practices for other industries hard-hit by the pandemic.
Agenda:
- Introductions
- Restarting the Cruise Industry
- Charlie Ball, Executive Vice President | Land Operations, Holland America | Serving Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, and P&O Australia
- Bryan J Fisher, Director, Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, State of Alaska COVID / Cruise Restart Facilitator
- Speaker Q&A
- Regional Round Robin
- How are the public and private sectors in your jurisdiction working together to attract both domestic and international tourists?
- What kinds of specific marketing or programing are you seeing or providing in your jurisdiction to encourage public trust and traveler confidence?
- With the anticipated reopening of the US-Canada border, what impact will that have on the tourism industry in your jurisdiction? Are preparations being made for international tourists?
COVID Test and Vaccine Verification - May 19, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - COVID Test and Vaccine Verification
Wednesday, May 19 | 11 am Pacific
Join PNWER for a discussion on COVID Vaccine and Test Verification strategies, and ways various approaches could help safely re-open the regional economy.
Watch the Recording
Agenda:
Wednesday, May 19 | 11 am Pacific
Join PNWER for a discussion on COVID Vaccine and Test Verification strategies, and ways various approaches could help safely re-open the regional economy.
Watch the Recording
Agenda:
- Introductions
- COVID-19 Test and Vaccine Verification Strategies
- Solomon Wong, CEO, InterVISTAS
- Speaker Q&A
- Regional Round Robin
- What concerns are your constituents and/or employees expressing about COVID test and vaccine verification strategies?
- What policies would encourage a public perception of safety as more people become vaccinated?
- How can governments and organizations balance public safety, protection of personal data, and continued opening of the economy?
Lessons from Business: The Pandemic and the Future of Work - April 21, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - Lessons from Business: The Pandemic and the Future of Work
Wednesday, April 21 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
This call explored the 'new world of work' and how a global company responded to the novel challenges of a world-wide pandemic. The onset of COVID revolutionized how many workers and employers understood the 'work from home' concept, as millions began working from their home offices. As employers begin discussing if, when, and how to bring employees back into the office, the lessons learned during a year of remote work are shaping this conversation and the future of the global workforce.
Agenda:
Wednesday, April 21 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
This call explored the 'new world of work' and how a global company responded to the novel challenges of a world-wide pandemic. The onset of COVID revolutionized how many workers and employers understood the 'work from home' concept, as millions began working from their home offices. As employers begin discussing if, when, and how to bring employees back into the office, the lessons learned during a year of remote work are shaping this conversation and the future of the global workforce.
Agenda:
- Introductions
- Lessons from Business - What the pandemic taught us about the future of work
- Ken White, Expedia Group
- Speaker Q&A
- PNWER Update on EDA Work
- Pandemic Planning Grant
- SPRINT Congregate Grant
- Regional Round Robin
A Year with COVID: Public Sector Reflections on the Pandemic - March 17, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - A Year with COVID: Public Sector Reflections on the Pandemic
Wednesday, March 17 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
One year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, lives across the world have been forever changed by the virus. Many local and regional economies have experienced recessions due to health-mandated shutdowns, social distancing measures, and consumer safety concerns. However, with vaccination rates on the rise across North America, the reality of a post-pandemic world and economy is becoming a clearer. This call will explore what the public sector has learned from their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they plan to incorporate those lessons as economies begin to fully reopen.
Agenda:
Wednesday, March 17 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
One year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, lives across the world have been forever changed by the virus. Many local and regional economies have experienced recessions due to health-mandated shutdowns, social distancing measures, and consumer safety concerns. However, with vaccination rates on the rise across North America, the reality of a post-pandemic world and economy is becoming a clearer. This call will explore what the public sector has learned from their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they plan to incorporate those lessons as economies begin to fully reopen.
Agenda:
- Introductions
- Moment of Silence and Reflection for Victims of COVID-19
- Major Lessons Learned and Best Practices Uncovered through the Pandemic
- Deputy Minister Jodi Banks, Ministry of Trade and Export Development, Government of Saskatchewan
- Tom Kaiserski, Program Manager, Montana Department of Commerce
- Speaker Q&A
- Regional Round Robin
- What has the pandemic taught your organization about economic development?
- How will your organization incorporate those lessons as we move towards widespread economic recovery?
Vaccine Distribution Plans: Best Practices and Lessons Learned - Feb. 17, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call - Vaccine Distribution Plans: Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Wednesday, February 17 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
Each state, province, and territory in the U.S. and Canada has their own unique COVID-19 vaccine roll out plan. This call will explore two different approaches, examining questions of accessibility, community partnerships, and best practices discovered in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of vaccines.
Speakers:
Wednesday, February 17 | 11 am Pacific
Watch the Recording
Each state, province, and territory in the U.S. and Canada has their own unique COVID-19 vaccine roll out plan. This call will explore two different approaches, examining questions of accessibility, community partnerships, and best practices discovered in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of vaccines.
Speakers:
- Commissioner Adam Crum, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
- Rex Larsen, Deputy Operations Chief, Oregon Health Authority's Vaccine Planning Unity
Increasing Trust in the COVID-19 Vaccine - Jan 20, 2021
COVID-19 Recovery Call: Increasing Trust in the COVID-19 Vaccine
Wednesday, January 20 | 11 am PST
Watch the Recording
While the rapid roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine is a medical and technological victory, trust in the safety and efficacy of this vaccine and others is at an all-time high in the U.S. and Canada. What are public health experts across the Pacific Northwest doing to address community concerns about the vaccine? How can local and provincial governments encourage their constituents to get vaccinated when the shot becomes available? This call features two experts, one from the U.S., and one from Canada, who discuss different strategies that are being used to increase trust in the COVID-19 vaccine.
Featured Speakers:
Wednesday, January 20 | 11 am PST
Watch the Recording
While the rapid roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine is a medical and technological victory, trust in the safety and efficacy of this vaccine and others is at an all-time high in the U.S. and Canada. What are public health experts across the Pacific Northwest doing to address community concerns about the vaccine? How can local and provincial governments encourage their constituents to get vaccinated when the shot becomes available? This call features two experts, one from the U.S., and one from Canada, who discuss different strategies that are being used to increase trust in the COVID-19 vaccine.
Featured Speakers:
- Francesca Holme, MPH COVID Vaccine Coordination Specialist, King County Public Health
- Dr. AnneMarie Pegg, Territorial Medical Director, Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority
- Additional Resources
Broadband Access as a Tool for Economic Recovery - Oct. 28, 2020
PNWER COVID-19 Recovery Call: Broadband Access as a Tool for Economic Recovery
Wednesday, October 28 | 11 am PDT
Watch the Recording Here
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance and necessity of internet access for work, school, healthcare, and many other daily life activities. However, many communities across the United States and Canada do not have access to reliable broadband at speeds that meet the needs of our digital economy. Both countries have federal programs focused on bridging this gap to provide rural and remote communities with affordable broadband connections. This call explored what broadband expansion means from the private and public sector perspective, and what these programs will mean for communities across North America.
Featured Speakers:
Wednesday, October 28 | 11 am PDT
Watch the Recording Here
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance and necessity of internet access for work, school, healthcare, and many other daily life activities. However, many communities across the United States and Canada do not have access to reliable broadband at speeds that meet the needs of our digital economy. Both countries have federal programs focused on bridging this gap to provide rural and remote communities with affordable broadband connections. This call explored what broadband expansion means from the private and public sector perspective, and what these programs will mean for communities across North America.
Featured Speakers:
- Broadband Expansion in Alaska
- Francis LaChapelle | Vice President, MTA Wholesale
- Rural Broadband Challenges in Northern Idaho
- Eric Forsch | Broadband Development Manager, Idaho Commerce
- Canada's Federal Broadband Initiatives
- Andre Arbour | Senior Director, Broadband Policy and Regulatory Frameworks | Telecommunications and Internet Policy Branch | Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Rapid COVID Testing in the U.S. and Canada - Sept 24, 2020
PNWER COVID-19 Recovery Call: Rapid COVID Testing in the U.S. and Canada
Wednesday, September 24 | 11 am PDT
View the Presentations Here
Watch the Recording Here
Rapid COVID-19 testing is touted as the key to safe and sustainable economic recovery. While it has the potential to ease restrictions and restore consumer confidence in facilities like airports, rapid COVID-19 testing is complicated and presents both technology and supply chain problems. This call featured a presentation discussing the different kinds of COVID-19 tests, both currently in use and those in development in the U.S., to better understand what technology is available and what limitations the different testing regimes have. The Canadian perspective was also shared, discussing the ways that rapid COVID-19 testing might work in an airport environment, while also highlighting the shortcomings of this approach. Please review the presentation, notes, or recording for more information.
Featured Speakers:
Wednesday, September 24 | 11 am PDT
View the Presentations Here
Watch the Recording Here
Rapid COVID-19 testing is touted as the key to safe and sustainable economic recovery. While it has the potential to ease restrictions and restore consumer confidence in facilities like airports, rapid COVID-19 testing is complicated and presents both technology and supply chain problems. This call featured a presentation discussing the different kinds of COVID-19 tests, both currently in use and those in development in the U.S., to better understand what technology is available and what limitations the different testing regimes have. The Canadian perspective was also shared, discussing the ways that rapid COVID-19 testing might work in an airport environment, while also highlighting the shortcomings of this approach. Please review the presentation, notes, or recording for more information.
Featured Speakers:
- Dr. Paul Yager, Professor, Dept. of Bioengineering at University of Washington; Co-Founder at UbiDx
- Kate Sharadin, CEO at UbiDx
- Beth Henschel, Manager of Airport Operations at Vancouver Airport Authority
Contact Tracing and Exposure Notification Apps - Aug 26, 2020
PNWER COVID-19 Recovery Call: Contact Tracing and Exposure Notification Apps
Wednesday, August 26 | 11 am PDT
Read the Notes Here
View the Presentations Here
Watch the Recording Here
Contact tracing and exposure notification for those who have come into contact with COVID-19 positive patients is a crucial tool in containing the ongoing epidemic. This call examined ABTraceTogether, Alberta's contact tracing app, and COVID Alert, the Canadian federal exposure notification app, to understand how Canada is developing and deploying these technologies. Virginia's COVIDWISE exposure notification app was discussed to get a U.S. perspective on this emerging innovation. Both countries are grappling with questions around privacy, uptake, outreach, and accessibility. Please view the presentation for additional details.
Featured Speakers:
Wednesday, August 26 | 11 am PDT
Read the Notes Here
View the Presentations Here
Watch the Recording Here
Contact tracing and exposure notification for those who have come into contact with COVID-19 positive patients is a crucial tool in containing the ongoing epidemic. This call examined ABTraceTogether, Alberta's contact tracing app, and COVID Alert, the Canadian federal exposure notification app, to understand how Canada is developing and deploying these technologies. Virginia's COVIDWISE exposure notification app was discussed to get a U.S. perspective on this emerging innovation. Both countries are grappling with questions around privacy, uptake, outreach, and accessibility. Please view the presentation for additional details.
Featured Speakers:
- Dr. Jia Hu, Medical Officer of Health, Alberta Health Services
- Quinn Mah, Executive Director, Information Management, Alberta Health
- Assistant Deputy Minister Marc Fortin, COVID-19 Task Force, Health Canada
- Suresh Soundararajan, Chief Information Officer, Virginia Department of Health
Economic Recovery Dashboards - July 23, 2020
PNWER COVID-19 Recovery Call: Economic Recovery Dashboards
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Read the Notes Here
View the Presentations Here
Watch the Presentation Here
Post-pandemic economic recovery requires cooperation across the public and private sector. This call examined the collaboration between Washington State Department of Commerce and Boston Consulting Group on their development of a Washington State Economic Recovery Dashboard. This initiative will create an interactive dashboard that tracks various economic indicators to help public sector decision makers evaluate the effectiveness and equity of various programs deployed to aid in economic recovery. View the notes and presentations for more details. The Dashboard can be found at www.commerce.wa.gov/datadashboard.
Featured Speakers:
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Read the Notes Here
View the Presentations Here
Watch the Presentation Here
Post-pandemic economic recovery requires cooperation across the public and private sector. This call examined the collaboration between Washington State Department of Commerce and Boston Consulting Group on their development of a Washington State Economic Recovery Dashboard. This initiative will create an interactive dashboard that tracks various economic indicators to help public sector decision makers evaluate the effectiveness and equity of various programs deployed to aid in economic recovery. View the notes and presentations for more details. The Dashboard can be found at www.commerce.wa.gov/datadashboard.
Featured Speakers:
- Chris Green, Assistant Director, Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, Washington State Department of Commerce
- Steve Michelmore, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group
- Charlie Davis, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group
Here in the Pacific Northwest we are stronger by working closely together, and our relationships are intact because of the ongoing partnerships in every major sector of the economy, and in state, provincial, territorial, and tribal governments.
- Senator Arnie Roblan, OR
PNWER Past President 2017 - 2018
Sponsorship information available here
Code of Conduct
It is the policy of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) that all participants, including attendees, staff, volunteers, and all other stakeholders at PNWER meetings will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. To make it possible for true collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea exchange to thrive we are committed to facilitating a welcoming, respectful, and professional community for all.
Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, and unwanted touching or attention.
Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. PNWER reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from the event at any time. Sanctions may range from verbal warning, to ejection from the meeting without refund, to notifying appropriate authorities. If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate behavior or have any other concerns, notify a PNWER staff member as soon as possible.
It is the policy of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) that all participants, including attendees, staff, volunteers, and all other stakeholders at PNWER meetings will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all participants and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. To make it possible for true collaboration, creativity, innovation, and idea exchange to thrive we are committed to facilitating a welcoming, respectful, and professional community for all.
Participants will avoid any inappropriate actions or statements based on individual characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, nationality, political affiliation, ability status, educational background, or any other characteristic protected by law. Disruptive or harassing behavior of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes but is not limited to inappropriate or intimidating behavior and language, unwelcome jokes or comments, and unwanted touching or attention.
Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. PNWER reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove any party from the event at any time. Sanctions may range from verbal warning, to ejection from the meeting without refund, to notifying appropriate authorities. If you witness or are subjected to inappropriate behavior or have any other concerns, notify a PNWER staff member as soon as possible.