2012 Conference

Join us May 21-23, 2012 in Grand Teton National Park for YBP’s signature annual event!The implementation of the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) through the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1993 set off a global economic boom lifting the wealth of many nations. With oil at bargain prices, freight was a negligible cost which made a plethora of products available to almost anyone from anywhere. One of the unintended consequences was that without cost barriers to trade many jobs were moved from high to low wage countries like China, which forced American workers to compete directly with overseas labor, thus lowering wages or putting them out of work. Lifestyles were maintained through borrowing money until the financial house of cards collapsed in 2008.The purpose of this conference is to explore various ways we can take advantage of our regional resources to create or enhance businesses and jobs to make our economy more resilient and to dampen the effects of economic cycles.

The tri-state area of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, with a population of over 3 million has a total Gross Regional Product of $130 billion. Most important sectors are Resource Extraction ($14.8b), Manufacturing ($9.6b), Health Care ($9.6b), Tourism and Recreation (~5.0b), and agriculture/ranching ($4.5b).

We are fortunate to have inspirational landscapes, productive soils, reliable water and energy resources, and abundant fish and wildlife at our doorsteps. These resources are the basis of our prosperity, and it behooves us to manage them in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs. Please join us at Jackson Lake Lodge in May to help YBP set a sound course for our region’s future.

Arthur Kull, YBP Board Chair

Janice Brown, YBP Executive Director RegistrationRegister online with your credit card to quickly register or call the YBP Office at 1-406-522-7809 weekdays between 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to register for the conference and arrange for payment by check or credit card. Conference RatesTHE COMPLETE PACKAGE – $259 YBP Member; $325 Non-MemberThe conference package includes conference materials, six full meals and all refreshment breaks.

Register additional employees from your business for only $209.00 each. Extra banquet tickets may be purchased for guests/spouses for $75.

TUESDAY-ONLY RATES – $179 Member / $225 Non-Member
Includes three meals, refreshment breaks and materials for Tuesday.

See registration form for Wednesday only options. Lodging Arrangements – Act by April 21 to guarantee your roomCall Grand Teton Lodge Company at 1-800-628-9988 by April 21st, when the conference room block will be released . The discounted rate of $109 per night (single or double occupancy) is good for three days before and after the conference.  Linx Transportation
Visit www.linx.coop after May 1st to view your options for Linx transportation to the conference from points around the Greater Yellowstone region. Exhibitors and SponsorsSign up today to be a conference sponsor or exhibitor and promote your business and its values. Find out more by contacting Heather Higinbotham: heatherh@yellowstonebusiness.org