Join the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Board

About this Nomination Package

This package details the nomination process, guidelines, and criteria in respect of the election of Directors to the Board of Directors of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.

About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce

The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is Abbotsford’s longest standing business organization with a vision to be known as the most vibrant and relevant business association in BC. Driven by a mission to build and sustain a thriving business community, we live our values of genuine relationships, vibrant culture and growth orientation.

The Chamber has served as the Voice of Business for over 110 years. A membership-driven organization, the Chamber provides business supports and resources, community connections, and ensures that the advocacy needs of Abbotsford's businesses are heard at every level of government and decision-making table in Canada.

About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Excellence in leadership and governance are central to the work of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors sets the vision and direction of the organization through its strategic plan which is informed through member feedback and delivered by the CEO and staff. The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for setting governance policy.

As per the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Bylaws, the Board of Directors comprises:

• The Chair, Vice Chair and Immediate Past Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer
• A minimum of eleven (11) and a maximum thirteen (13) Directors, all of whom shall be elected from amongst the Members by the Members by Ordinary Resolution at the annual general Meeting of the Members in each year.

Directors may be re-elected for three (3) more terms for a maximum of four (4) years. If Directors are elected to Officer positions, they may succeed their term for four (4) more terms to a maximum of eight (8) years on the Board

• Details of the current Board of Directors are set out here.
• Details of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce staff are set out here.

Expectations of the Board of Directors

Participation on the Board of Directors comes with an expectation not only to attend board meetings but to actively engage with members across the region on an ongoing basis. As a guide, each Director is expected to dedicate approximately 5 hours per month to activities that include:

• Active engagement at all meetings of the Board of Directors and annual strategic planning session.
• Participation in Chamber committees.
• Membership engagement activities including member outreach, government and non-government roundtables and events hosted by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce or by members in each region.
• Participation in training provided to the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors and Board committee meeting dates

• Meetings of the Board of Directors are held at least six (6) times per year.
  • The meeting schedule is set by the Chair and distributed to Directors in April of each year.
• Board committee meetings are held throughout the year.
  • Timing of the meetings is a function of the committee’s Terms of Reference and is set and distributed to committee members by the Committee Chair in April of each year.

Recommended background reading

Individuals who plan to submit a Nomination Form, are encouraged to read the following background documents:

• Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Bylaws
• Board Director Code of Conduct
• Strategic Plan 2024-2027

Call for Nominations to the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is seeking four (4) experienced and committed individuals to fill the position of elected Director on the Chamber's Board of Directors.

Eligibility Requirements and Nominations Criteria

To be eligible, individuals must:

• Be a Member in good standing of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
• Have business experience as an entrepreneur, business owner or Senior Executive.
• Have time in their schedule and a strong desire to engage with members across the province to understand their needs and priorities and to report findings to the Board of Directors.

Requirements for eligible candidates:

• Understand the mission, vision, and values of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and have a strong desire to support it.
• Understand the importance of good governance and can help accelerate governance principles of the Board of Directors.
• Bring skills and experience that address key competency areas on the Board Competency Matrix
• Are known for their high ethical standards and integrity in professional and personal dealings.

Ideal candidates bring all or some of the following attributes:

Track record of:

• community involvement.
• participation on other Boards of Directors.
• Training and/or work experience in the areas of culture, equity, diversity and inclusivity.
• Experience in board governance and, in particular, policy governance.
• Understands financial statements and risk management practices.
• Have experience in small business

The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating an inclusive environment within its organization, at its board table and across the province. It therefore encourages those who represent the diversity of the province by way of gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic backgrounds or education levels, to consider responding to this Call for Nominations.

Nomination Process

• The Governance Committee:
  • has assessed the Board of Directors’ skills and competencies to determine gaps that need to be filled and has used its assessment to determine the criteria to be communicated in this Call for Nominations.
  • will conduct interviews with all candidates, who meet the desired criteria and who submit a completed Nomination Form.
  • will advise the Board of Directors on the extent to which candidates meet the desired criteria based on the interviews with candidates.
• Based on the Committee’s assessment, the Board of Directors may recommend candidates who possess the required mix of skills and experience be highlighted on the election ballot with an asterisk.
• In March, all candidates will learn whether they are a successful nominee, at which point they will be given the opportunity to decide to proceed to have their name on the election ballot or to withdraw their candidacy.
• Candidates who permit their name to be added to the ballot will stand as nominees at the March 27^th board election at the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting.

Election Process

• Each member of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce in good standing may vote for up to four (4) nominees to the Board of Directors.
• The elected Directors will be sworn in at the 2024 Annual General Meeting on May 27, 2024.

11. Timeline

APPENDIX

Job Description - Director