Inside the Western Governors’ Association with Executive Director James Ogsbury
The BARN – Briggsdale, CO – May 20, 2019 – Joining the Colorado Ag News Network and FarmCast Radio to discuss the upcoming WGA Annual Meeting in Vail June 10-12 is James Ogsbury, Executive Director with the Western Governors Association
CLICK HERE to view the complete agenda and to get registered for the 2019 WGA Annual Meeting in Vail, CO June 10-11-12
About James Ogsbury, WGA Executive Director
Jim Ogsbury, born and raised in Arizona, has extensive experience with the issues that are important to the region. Prior to joining WGA in 2012, Jim served as legislative director for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. A graduate of Harvard College and Arizona State University College of Law, Jim also has served as the clerk and staff director for the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development.
Western Governors’ Association
2019 Annual Meeting
June 9-12, 2019 | Hotel Talisa
Vail, Colorado
(subject to change)
NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Dress for meeting is business casual; western casual attire suggested for evening events.
| Monday, June 10, 2019 | ||||||||||
| 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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Registration Open
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| 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. | Governors’ Group Photo and Press Conference | |||||||||
| 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
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Welcome and Opening Remarks
Jim Ogsbury, WGA Executive Director Governor David Ige, WGA Chair Presentation of the colors and national anthem
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| 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.
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Keynote: U.S. Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt
The Secretary will kick off the first day of the meeting with an update on the department’s work and a dialogue with the Governors.
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| 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. | Roundtable I: Western Governors’ Biosecurity and Invasive Species Report
WGA Chair Governor David Ige will moderate a session that highlights the past year’s work on his central policy initiative and considers next steps, including: new and innovative policies on cross-boundary collaboration, biocontrol research, and invasive species data management.
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| 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. | Keynote: Robert Katz
Vail Resorts operates 13 ski resorts worldwide, the RockResorts hotel chain, and extensive real estate operations. CEO Robert Katz will discuss the issues facing that evolving business, as well as his foundation, which supports nonprofit social service organizations working in the mountain communities where Vail Resorts operates.
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| 3:00 – 3:10 p.m. | Break
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| 3:10 – 3:40 p.m.
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Keynote: Craig Johnson
The best-selling author’s fictional Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire was the focus of a long-running series on A&E. Johnson will discuss writing and the western landscape his characters inhabit that has proved such a compelling destination for readers and viewers.
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| 3:40 – 4:30 p.m.
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Roundtable II: Connecting the Rural West
Broadband enables businesses to compete globally and citizens to access the likes of telehealth and distance learning. However, many western rural communities lack broadband access due to the high cost of infrastructure and low number of customers. Panelists will discuss strategies to overcome deployment challenges and how high-speed internet can invigorate rural communities.
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| Tuesday, June 11, 2019 | ||||||||||
| 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Registration Open | |||||||||
| 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
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Keynote: Frank Luntz
The influential pollster will share his latest findings on the issues that matter most to citizens in the West and have an onstage conversation with the Governors.
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| 9:45 – 10:30 a.m.
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Roundtable III: Utilizing Data and Forecasting in Western Water Management
Panelists will discuss practical applications of data collection and analysis in western water management, such as: streamflow and soil moisture monitoring; snowpack assessment; seasonal and sub-seasonal forecasting; drought preparedness; and extreme weather response. |
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| 10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
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Break
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| 10:45 – 11:15 a.m.
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Keynote: U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta
The Secretary will provide an update on department initiatives followed by an onstage conversation with the Western Governors.
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| 11:15 – 11:45 a.m.
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Keynote: Eric Boechler
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant will share the story of the staggering growth of illicit fentanyl exports from China to Canada, and the harrowing human cost it has exacted.
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| Wednesday, June 12, 2019 | ||||||||||
| 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
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Keynote & Case Study: Western Governors University
WGU President Scott Pulsipher will speak, then moderate a conversation with former Western Governors about the creation and ongoing work of the groundbreaking online educational advance that debuted in 1997. |
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| 10:15 – 10:45 a.m. | Keynote: U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson
The Secretary will address the department’s work and have an onstage conversation with the Governors.
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| 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. | Meet the New Western Governors
The new Western Governors will talk about their paths to office and what work they have embarked on in their states, including policy, economic development and beyond. |
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| 11:45 a.m.-Noon
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Update: Governors’ Policy and Business Session
WGA Vice Chair, North Dakota Doug Burgum, will offer an update on policy resolutions and other business.
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| Noon
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Incoming Chair’s Remarks
· Election of incoming WGA Chair and Vice Chair · Governor Burgum will discuss his priorities and goals as Chair of WGA in 2019-2020. |
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