2019 Economic Summit

Bridging the Gaps in Our Resort Community:

Building a Working Economy For Those Who Live It.

Lowell Aplebaum – Keynote Address & Professional Facilitation

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Lowell Aplebaum, CAE, CPF is the CEO and Strategy Catalyst of Vista Cova – a company that partners with organizations on strategic visioning and planning, creating stronger stakeholder connections, and reimagining value and engagement. As a Certified Professional Facilitator™, Lowell frequently provides dynamic sessions to organizations – getting volunteers, members, and staff involved through experiential learning approaches.

After starting his career in the informal education realm, over the course of more than a decade, Lowell has worked inside associations on membership and value, volunteer leadership establishment and growth, professional development and learning, global alliance building, communications and marketing, online and in-person communities, operations, finance, HR, and staff oversight. After serving as the Chief Operating Officer for a medical association, Lowell founded Vista Cova – returning to his passion of facilitating for and partnering with volunteer leaders, members, and staff.

Lowell currently serves as the Chair for the overseeing commission for the Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification. He chaired ASAE’s Task Force on CEO Pathways, and previously served as Chair for ASAE’s Component Relations Council. He is the creator of a master-level learning series, Through the CEO Lens, and Association Charrette – a co-creation retreat experience. He is the co-Executive Editor and Contributing Author for ASAE’s Component Relations Handbook, 2nd edition, and contributed chapters to the latest versions of Professional Practices of Association Management as well as Membership Essentials. He is also a mentor for ASAE’s Diversity Executive Leadership Program. His work on global efforts for associations includes experience across five continents, hundreds of volunteer groups, and all 50 states in the U.S.

Lowell also volunteers as a platelet donor and social media solicitor for the American Red Cross and is a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Brewers Ball organizing committee. Lowell has a B.A. in Sociology from Columbia University and utilizes the knowledge he gained from his M.A. in Education to volunteer and tutor students with learning disabilities. Lowell resides in Maryland where his 8-year old son and twin 6-year old girls keep the house full of laughter.

Lowell's Presentation

Robert Spendlove – Senior Vice President – Economic & Public Policy Officer, Zion’s Bank

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“National Trends: Regional & Local Impacts”

Robert is a Senior Vice President and the Economic and Public Policy Officer for Zions Bank. In this capacity he monitors and reports on economic indicators and public policy developments for the bank. Founded in 1873, Zions Bank is Utah’s oldest financial institution and it operates locations in communities throughout the Intermountain West.

Robert’s research interests are primarily in the areas of macroeconomics, demographics, financial markets and public policy. He frequently advises and briefs policymakers, as well as business and civic groups throughout the United States. He is also regularly called on to give expert analysis in the media, through print, radio, and television. He is known for his insightful and understandable approach to explaining economic trends.

Robert also serves in the Utah House of Representatives, where he was elected in 2014. He represents District 49 in the Legislature, covering parts of Sandy and Cottonwood Heights cities. He is the Vice Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and serves on the Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee, and the Social Services Appropriations Committee.

Robert serves on a number of boards and commissions, including the Utah Economic Council, the Utah International Relations and Trade Commission, Envision Utah, and the US Senate Advisory Committee on Hispanic Affairs for Financial Literacy.

His previous experience includes time as the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Federal Relations, the Governor’s Chief Economist and the State Demographer, where he served as the Chair of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers, Chair of the Utah Population Estimates Committee, and President of the Wasatch Front Economic Forum.

Robert received a Master’s of Public Administration with an emphasis in economic public policy at the University of Utah, where he is currently an adjunct instructor of public policy.

Robert's Presentation

Andrew Mentzer – Executive Director, West Central Mountains Economic Development Council

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“NIMBY’s In Our Backyard” Andrew is an Idaho native with a diverse personal and professional background. As the Executive Director for the West Central Mountains Economic Development Council, Andrew works closely with stakeholders across the region to build systems for economic success. Previously, Andrew founded Boise’s first international traveler’s hostel, and managed the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission (IGEM) for the Idaho Department of Commerce. He has also worked as an Account Manager for Stoltz Marketing Group and was most recently the Statewide Operations Manager for the Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program. Andrew is well-versed in economic development, strategic planning, marketing, operations, journalism and public policy. He holds a BS in Political Science, Masters Certification in Community & Regional Planning, and Master of Public Administration—all from Boise State University. In his spare time, Andrew mentors K-12 students through Junior Achievement, moonlights for the Boise Weekly, and, explores Idaho’s wild places with his better half, Genny.

Andrew's Presentation

Jenni L. Riley – Hazlett Wealth Management

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“The Nonprofit Impact – More Than Just Charitable” Jenni L. Riley With more than twenty years of corporate and nonprofit experience, Jenni Riley’s position as Director of Business Development with HAZLETT WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC allows her the flexibility to work in the financial industry, while continuing her engagement with charitable organizations, their leadership, and supporters. She is a founding Board Member and the Associate Editor for GIVING GUIDE of the WOOD RIVER VALLEY, INC. (GGWRV). GGWRV is a nonprofit organization created to elevate and amplify the voices of charities benefiting the greater Sun Valley, Idaho community. The publication, GIVING GUIDE of the WOOD RIVER VALLEY, is a unique resource for volunteers, potential donors, and community leaders seeking opportunities to make a charitable difference in our valley. As a member of the Board of Directors for SUN VALLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (SVED), Jenni’s interest in recognizing the economic contributions of nonprofits is what first drew her attention in joining the team. SVED’s mission to attract, retain, grow, advocate, and analyze economic development, is one she is enthusiastic about supporting. Jenni is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for THE CHAMBER OF HAILEY and the WOOD RIVER VALLEY. She welcomes the opportunity to support The Chamber’s goal of enhancing the connection between commercial and charitable interests in the Wood River Valley region. As an actively engaged member of the WOOD RIVER WOMEN’S FOUNDATION, Jenni dedicates her time in support of the Education Committee’s mission. The focus of which is to increase philanthropy by women and to provide the community at large with information that will lead to wiser and more effective charitable giving. Jenni is a graduate of the University of Idaho and holds a BACHELOR of APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE in ORGANIZATIONAL SCIENCE.

Jenni's Presentation

Panels

Panel 1: Will the Next Generation Live the Dream?

Jacob Frehling – Owner, Maude’s Coffee & Clothes
Courtney Hamilton – Ketchum City Council
Colleen Quindlen – Membership Director, Wood River YMCA

Panel 2: Building Regional Partnerships

Ned Burns – Mayor of Bellevue, Ned Burns Real Estate Shawn Barigar – Mayor of Twin Falls, CEO Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce Michelle Stennett – State Senator, District 26