April 17, 2020 – Abbotsford, BC – Leaders in the Abbotsford business community are coming together to support local business and lay the groundwork for economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new Abbotsford Business Community Coalition (ABCC) has recently been launched in order to align and coordinate efforts both during and after the pandemic and associated social distancing measures. Augmenting government efforts, ABCC members are meeting regularly to develop and deploy fast-moving strategies to build economic confidence, help struggling businesses, and mobilize and bring together the Abbotsford community.
“We all need to do our part to stop the spread,” said Jennifer McEwan, Executive Director of the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association. “Social distancing is a critical aspect of the COVID-19 response, but one of the side effects is a major blow to our local small business community.”
“Local businesses add up to a major share of the jobs in our community, but their impact goes beyond dollars and cents,” said Dave Sidhu, President of the Fraser Valley Indo Canadian Business Association. “Businesses and their people are what gives our neighbourhoods their character – we are all invested in their survival and success in one way or another.”
The members of the Abbotsford Business Community Coalition include:
- Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
- A&Co
- Abbotsford Downtown Business Association
- Abbotsford Tech District
- Abbotsford News
- City of Abbotsford Economic Development Department
- Community Futures
- Fraser Valley Indo Canadian Business Association
- Patrika Newspaper
- STAR 98.3 FM + Country 107.1 FM
- Tourism Abbotsford
- University of the Fraser Valley
- YXX – Abbotsford Airport
“More than anything, we want to remind people that this too shall pass,” said Melinda Friesen, President of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “It’s important that we support each other during this difficult time, but one of the most important things we can do is to look forward and believe that a brighter day will come.”
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Contact:
Katerina Anastasiadis
Executive Director
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
T: 604-859-9651
E: communications@abbotsfordchamber.com
Jennifer McEwan
Executive Director
Downtown Abbotsford Business Association
T: 604-850-6547
E: office@downtownabbotsford.com