From The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Website. On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and myself, welcome to the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce website as we celebrate our 100 year anniversary. I encourage you to bookmark our site and check back often to stay apprised of Chamber events and other news.
The mission of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is to represent, serve and connect our approximately 800 members to build and sustain a thriving business community. I am very pleased to report that we provide many great benefits for our members. Networking, member benefits, and advocacy are a few of our main focus areas.
Our networking events allow you to connect with other local business and community leaders. Come out to one of our monthly Chamber Connections where you can tour a local business, sample great food and beverages and network with approximately 100 chamber members and guests. Our monthly luncheons allow you to make a deeper connection with chamber members and learn from first-rate speakers. In addition to our monthly networking events, we hold an annual golf tournament, tradeshow, bus tour, and business excellence awards. Your membership gives you many different ways to promote yourself and make critical connections to further grow and develop your business.
Talk to our knowledgeable and helpful staff who can show you the growing list of member benefits that will provide a competitive advantage for your organization. Don’t forget about our member-to-member (M2M) savings where you can earn considerable discounts while supporting local business.
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, is the advocacy role the chamber plays. We work hard to understand the issues effecting your business and then lobby on your behalf to all levels of government. Our committees are made up of engaged members who further explore issues and develop policy and position papers that make recommendations for change. Most recently, the Chamber was a driving force behind the creation of the mobile business license, which eliminates the need for business licenses in each municipality. Instead, a business can purchase one license in their home municipality and then do business in participating jurisdictions. Furthermore, we have just concluded participation in the Mayor’s Taskf Force on Economic Prospertity. The task force, which included 4 chamber representatives, examined areas where we can further our economy by attracting new investment to Abbotsford all the while supporting the growth of our existing business base. As you can see, your membership has a great impact on improving the business climate in Abbotsford.
If you are new to the Chamber, please remember, the greater your involvement, the bigger the return on your investment. It takes time to understand all the chamber can do for your operation and to make connections with local business and community leaders. I encourage you to remain engaged and seriously consider participation on a committee.
I am pleased and honored to be your President during our 100 year celebration. We welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you during the year. You, the members, are the foundation of the Abbotsford Chamber and together we will continue to be “The Voice of Business” in Abbotsford.
Warmest regards,
Mike Welte
2013/15 President
For more on the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce please use the link in our Business Organizations Directory or simply click here.