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 2011 WESTERN SUMMIT TOPICS
“The New West: Independence, Innovation, and Ingenuity”

The Changing Demographic Landscape of the New West – The latest census numbers demonstrate that the population in the West continues to grow, particularly among Latinos. This panel will take an in-depth look at the growth in the region, utilizing the immense library of data collected by PNW, to examine how these demographic changes will affect the 2012 elections. Panelists and audience members will seek answers to questions concerning shifts in perspective among constituency groups, geographic regions and intersections between policy areas.

The 2012 Western Political Landscape – The West will play a critical role in the 2012 election, as it did in 2008 and 2010. Top Western political strategists and pollsters will discuss with Summit participants the key races, demographics and issues to watch state-by-state in the West. PNW will release fresh polling data to provide a narrative critical to understanding the New West as we go into 2012.

Creating Jobs and Fostering Economic Stability in the West – In the West, business and government recognize they are indispensible to one another's success. Public/private partnerships have a history of success in the region, where elected officials and business leaders have been willing to work together to find common ground. In this panel, political and business leaders will talk about the vital role strategic partnerships play in solving a variety of civic challenges including constrained budgets, small business growth and job creation.

Economic Opportunity Through Tourism and Conservation – Western landscapes are more than iconic monuments. They are the economic lifeblood of countless businesses, communities and industries. Preserving the quality of land and water is a key part of Western political and policy discussion. In this conversation, sportsmen, conservationists, businessmen and elected leaders will discuss ways in which Western states achieve a balance between development and preservation.

Finding Common Ground on Education – The American education system is at an historic crossroads. While we all support the goal of offering our children the best education in the world, differing views on how to best reach that goal often lead to counterproductive friction among policymakers. This panel will be a conversation amongst some of the nation's foremost education leaders on how we can overcome those differences together.

Innovative Local Healthcare Strategies – Our national healthcare policy has undergone a great transformation. It is now up to the states to implement the new healthcare laws. This exchange will focus on the unique approaches Western states are taking to put these policies into practice, while also contemplating the impacts national challenges, like the federal deficit, have on healthcare coverage in the public and private arenas.

Uncommon Bedfellows: Natural Gas, Renewables, and the Western Economy – The West is leading the way in finding innovative solutions to the energy issues our country faces. Learn from the expertise of panelists who have been in the trenches working with oil, gas, and other energy producers to find answers that work for all communities, while also demonstrating how these local solutions present national leaders with a roadmap to solve domestic and foreign energy challenges.

With PNW's extensive knowledge of Western demographic trends, policy issues and economics, the Summit promises to provide an important forum for Western leaders to lay the foundation for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the next decade.