TL;DR: At the 2025 PNWER Summit, RH Strategic shared three practical tactics to help Pacific Northwest leaders in the U.S. and Canada amplify their message on national stages. From personalizing the story to aligning with federal priorities, here’s how Pacific Northwest leaders can make sure bold ideas get the attention they deserve.

This summer, RH Strategic had the privilege of serving as the U.S. Media Partner for the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit. The event convened business leaders, policymakers and community advocates from across the Pacific Northwest and Canada to explore cross-border collaboration and solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges.

As conversations unfolded on everything from energy security to innovation in trade and infrastructure, we shared practical strategies to ensure these powerful ideas resonate beyond the summit. Here are three key communications recommendations for telling impactful stories that break through the national noise:

1. Make It Personal

Big-picture trends are important, but human stories are what stick. We encouraged attendees to highlight real-world examples of how regional challenges are impacting individuals and communities, as well as how innovative solutions are making a difference.

Whether engaging with policymakers, investors or the media, having one or two compelling human stories at the ready adds credibility, relatability and urgency to your message. Personal stories make memorable stories, and those stories get shared.

2. Double Down on Digital

Social media isn’t just where people scroll—it’s where they stay informed. New industry data shows that social platforms have surpassed traditional outlets as Americans’ top news source, and when we asked summit attendees about their news consumption, their answers confirmed it firsthand.

This shift demands a change in content strategy. Longform whitepapers and documentaries still have a place, but to reach people where they are, shortform videos, compelling graphics and punchy soundbites are essential. Today’s attention economy favors digestible, dynamic content that travels well online.

3. Find Common Ground

While PNWER’s mission centers on regional priorities, national politics loomed large in many discussions—on both sides of the border. Our advice? When engaging federal policymakers, anchor your messaging in shared goals.

By aligning your local or regional story with national priorities, you increase your chances of capturing the attention and support of decision-makers. Whether it’s U.S. energy dominance, economic development or innovation, find that overlap and make it a focal point of your narrative.

Bonus: Enjoy the Adventure

For a little fun, we asked attendees to weigh in on a few iconic Pacific Northwest debates. Here’s how they voted:

This or That:

  • Teriyaki or Pho? Winner: Teriyaki
  • Flannel or Fleece? Winner: Flannel
  • Umbrella or No Umbrella? Winner: No Umbrella
  • Coffee or Tea? Winner: Coffee (it was an unquestionable victory)
  • Seattle Dog or Poutine? Winner: Seattle Dog (by only one vote!)

We look forward to continuing the conversation on how smart communications can elevate ideas, build partnerships and drive impact across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Interested in connecting? Let’s chat.

And for more insights from the PNWER Summit—including how attendees define a good story and where they turn for trusted information—follow RH Strategic on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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RH Strategic is a Seattle and D.C.-based PR agency with a nationwide presence and additional global reach via membership in the Worldcom Public Relations Group. We provide strategic public relations for innovators in the technology, government, healthcare, and social and environmental impact markets.