SANDPOINT — Next week’s “What’s Happening Up North” economic summit will cover everything from the current uncertain economic environment to possible solutions for North Idaho.

Organized by the Pend Oreille Economic Partnership, the summit will be held Thursday, Sept. 25. Due to the chaotic times that the economy is facing, the event set two focuses this year. Executive Director of PEP, Brent Baker said that the audience will drive the conversation and encourage local business owners and community leaders to attend. 

"If you own a business, you’re just trying to keep it afloat,” Baker said. “That takes up your energy all the time, so on the economics piece you don’t have time to do the real research ... this is an opportunity to convene, get useful information about what’s coming, what’s changing and also know what needs to be done around here.”  

The summit kicks off with a presentation by Grant Forsythe, Avista’s chief economist. Baker said he will focus on what he’s seeing in the economy at the federal and regional level, to break down and make sense of the uncertainty.  

"We are going to be addressing how can we best make sense of what’s going on and what is really chaotic and traditionally nonsensical,” Baker said. “Our economists are going to be looking at nationally, federally, regionally, how can we best make sense of what we are seeing and what are opportunities for us.”  

Following Forsythe will be a presentation on an in-progress economic study about water levels in Lake Pend Oreille by professors Steven Patterson and Timothy Nadreau from the University of Idaho. Ordered by the Lakes Commission, Baker said the study is expected to be completed this fall. 

The study aims to examine how the Lake Pend Oreille water level can best benefit local businesses and the region’s recreation and tourism industries. Baker said that the levels have long been controlled by federal agencies and that this study will give locals an idea if they need more influence or say on the matter. 

The professors from UI will also be able speak to the local effects of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and potential impacts of the tariffs on North Idaho. Baker said he has seen Boundary County most affected due to a distinct lack of visitors from Canda this summer. 

"Tourism is really hurting and retail in [Canadian] border areas is hurting,” Baker said. “Those are the some of the impacts of the craziness that we’re seeing.” 

After lunch the conversation will flip, moving away from examining the chaotic economic times, into explaining local entities that can boost North Idaho’s economic development. 

Baker said he believes many North Idahoans view economic development as a negative and focus on uncontrolled growth. He said that he is trying to use this summit to explain that’s not the case and how the key players can collaborate to make a stronger region. 

“We are going to talk about how we work as a team and build a network that serves the entire region,” Baker said. “So that you’re never working all alone trying to solve this little problem in Bonner County, really we are all working together.” 

Kicking off this portion of the summit will be Molly Sanchez, chief community investment officer at Innovia and Joshua Kaiel, director of community development at Innovia Foundation. They will discuss the power of philanthropy and the company’s community heart and soul program. 

"The program helps communities determine who they are and what matters most to them, to give leaders a real focus and understanding of what they should be working on,” Baker said. “This is a process where communities can get everyone on the same page first, then give their marching orders to politicians.” 

Closing out the event is a presentation from Paul J. Kimmell, the Palouse region public affairs manager for Avista. Kimmell will break down the Regional Economic Development team, a collective that focuses on increasing economic development in North Idaho. 

There are still seats available for the PEP’s “What’s Happening Up North” summit, registration comes with a $89 fee which includes a catered lunch. The event will last from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25 and take place in the Sandpoint Center. 

    Pend Oreille Economic Partnership Executive Director Brent Baker opens the 2024 “What’s Happening Up North” economic summit.