Committees
Solving problems & taking initiativeMembers are encouraged to bring forward issues of concern or interest through our Committees, which meet either monthly or quarterly over lunch or before work to deal with issues and initiatives.
If you are interested in becoming a Voting Member on one of our standing committees, you are invited to put forward your name to the Chair of the committee for consideration and appointment by the Board of Directors. Committee members are appointed in the late Fall to serve for a calendar year on a committee.
All members of the Chamber are welcome to attend committee meetings to remain informed or to provide input; however, in order to vote, a Board appointment is required.
Agriculture Committee
The Agriculture Committee Chair is Elena Middlemass of Vitalus Nutrition. The Committee meets on the second Tuesday of each month @ 11 am in the Sevenoaks Shopping Centre Boardroom.
The purpose of the Agriculture Committee is to identify, analyze, and discuss issues of importance to build, promote, and protect our local agriculture sector. They make recommendations to the Board on issues that require a policy position or other action by the Chamber. They conduct one annual event to promote the Agriculture sector in Abbotsford.
If you are interested in learning more about what the Agriculture Committee is working on or you would like to participate in this group, please call La Vonne Bandsma at (604) 859-9651.
Government Affairs Committee
The Government Affairs Committee, Chaired by Chris Gauthier of Momento Mori Studios, meets at 7:45 am on the first Friday of each month in the board room at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre.
The purpose of this Committee is to identify, analyze, and discuss current issues affecting the Abbotsford Business Community. They make recommendations to the Board on issues that require a policy position or other action by the Chamber. They receive presentations on issues affecting the business community.
They also conduct All Candidates Meetings for Municipal Council and Mayoralty elections, Provincial MLA elections, and Federal MP elections
La Vonne Bandsma is the committee coordinator for this group. If you would like to participate in some animated and interesting discussions surrounding pertinent issues of the day, please call La Vonne Bandsma at (604) 859-9651 and she will be happy to add you to the list of committee contacts.
Please join us as we explore the issues which affect your business on a daily basis and lobby to effectively make Abbotsford a better place to live, work and play.
Not For Profit Committee
The Not For Profit Committee, Chaired by Coletta Holmes of Life Recovery, meets on the first Thursday of each month in Sevenoaks Boardroom. The Chamber, through this group, is actively engaged in the promotion of connection opportunities within this sector, to assist with instruction/learning opportunities on governance, HR, reading Financial statements and how to use the advantages of social media. They have also initiated a study on the Economic Impact of Not For Profits which will be released in the Fall of 2021. The staff liaison for this group is La Vonne Bandsma. Please contact La Vonne Bandsma at (604) 859-9651 or if you would like to participate.
Become a Voting Member
Members are welcome to visit more than one committee and to participate on as many committees as they wish.