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Board of Directors

President's Message

Welcome to the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.

If you’re checking us out for the first time—maybe you’re new in town, just launched a business, or you’re simply curious about what the Chamber does—here’s the short version: we’re in your corner.

The Chamber is made up of nearly 800 members, representing a wide range of industries across Abbotsford, such as entrepreneurs, farmers, restaurateurs, tradespeople, creatives, professionals, and employers of every size. Our members care deeply about this community and want to see Abbotsford thrive, with every unique member bringing something different to the table. We may come from different sectors, but we’re united by one thing: a belief that we’re stronger when we work together.

Our Board of Directors reflects that same diversity. It’s a team of local leaders from sectors like real estate, aerospace, banking, agriculture, marketing, hospitality, accounting, and more, all volunteering their time to advocate for our business community and help shape a stronger local economy.

 

So, what does the Chamber do? We focus on three core priorities:

 

Advocacy – We speak up for businesses, pushing to cut red tape and champion policies that help businesses grow. Whether it's municipal regulations, provincial trade barriers, or federal policies, we work with all levels of government to ensure local business voices are heard.

Benefit – We offer benefits and practical value through member-exclusive savings, promotional opportunities, and professional development resources, ranging from savings on insurance or ways to promote your business and learn new skills. https://abbotsfordchamber.com/for-members/ 

Connection – We connect and create spaces to build relationships. Through events, networking, mentorship, and programs that make it easier to build the relationships that power good business.

 

These are challenging times. But in moments like this, connection and community matter more than ever. That’s where the Chamber comes in. We’re a place to collaborate, to find solutions, and to remind each other that we’re not facing these challenges alone. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone looking to get more involved in the local economy, you’ve come to the right place. Explore our website, reach out to our team, and come to an event. We’d love to meet you.

 

- Paul Penner, President

 

MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Paul Penner (1)

Paul Penner

President
RE/MAX Truepeak Realty

Paul has a long history of customer service and leadership in the community. As a former owner of a successful retail business and as a Realtor for 30+ years he understands the importance of remaining competitive. Investment dollars are fluid and Abbotsford must be an attractive jurisdiction for investment and an attractive place to live.

Loyal clients and a reputation of getting things done have earned him recognition as the #1 commercial Realtor for 2019 and again in 2021 (FVREB based on dollar volume). His passion for the community has also led him to serve on various boards and he is a frequent real estate instructor throughout the province.

Having represented numerous families and business owners Paul knows the importance of balancing the needs of residents with the needs of commerce within our community.

Sam Varing1

Sam Varing

Vice President
First West Credit Union

Sam Varing is Legal Counsel for First West Credit Union. She is deeply rooted in the Abbotsford community and aspires to help grow and develop a robust legal team for First West. Prior to joining First West, Sam was an associate lawyer with Baker Newby LLP, and managed a wide ranged business solicitor practice.

She is actively involved with the Abbotsford Chamber as the founding Chair of the Company of Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs and an appointed member of the Government Affairs Committee. While earning her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the Fraser Valley, Sam held a student membership with the Abbotsford Chamber. It was during this time that Sam realized the enormous potential and impact the Chamber has in the Abbotsford community.

On a more personal note, Sam was raised in a family of entrepreneurs. As such, she developed a strong belief that foundational business and entrepreneurial principles are essential for today’s youth. This led her to volunteer with Junior Achievement of British Columbia (JABC) to bring more volunteer-oriented and business-focused educational programs to Abbotsford schools.

Josh Reynolds

Josh Reynolds

Secretary
Illustrate Collective

 

Josh is the owner of Illustrate Collective, an agency specializing in digital design, strategic marketing, and political consulting. He also serves as the Assistant Nonprofit Leadership Director at Summit Pacific College, where he instructs courses on business administration, charity leadership, and strategic planning. He is passionate about the convergence of for-profit and non-profit work, and about helping raise emerging leaders in the charity sector.

Josh moved to Abbotsford in 2011 and lives here with his wife Laranda. He is actively involved in the community and serves on the boards for the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, and the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Leadership from Summit Pacific College, and an MBA from Trinity Western University.

Lorne Taves

Loren Taves

Director
Taves Family Farms

Loren Taves in a 3rd generation farmer operating a 60+ acre farm operation in Abbotsford since 1991. Co-owner of DBA Taves Family Farms which consists of:

• Applebarn Pumpkin Farm (Destination orchard, pumpkin and berry farm tourist attraction)

• Taves Estate Cidery (Producer of fermented apple cide and juice.)

• Peppertree Farms Ltd. (Hydroponic Vegetable Greenhouse)

• South Gladwin Heights Farm Ltd. (Poultry Farm)

Loren is an active member of the community, supporting destination marketing efforts on the following boards:

• Board member of Tourism Abbotford

• Board member of The Fraser Valley Farm Direct Marketing Association

11

Dr. Khyati Shetty

Director
School of Business, UFV

 

With over 15 years of experience bridging academia and industry, Dr. Khyati Shetty is currently the Director of UFV's School of Business and former Dean at Curtin University, Perth & Dubai. As a Leadership Consultant, she has conducted 200+ workshops globally and worked with government bodies in Nigeria, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Maldives, India and Dubai. Having served on several boards globally and locally, she was recognized for gender equity efforts by G-100 Global Women Leaders(Advisory Body to UN Women), and was appointed as Country Chair for Canada in the Higher Education sector in 2023.
Kamna Suri

Kamna Suri

Director
Sandman Hotel Group

 

With an education in Hotel Management, Kamna worked at various levels In Hospitality in India, New Delhi for esteemed hotel chains such as the Shangri-La, Sheraton, and Hilton group of hotels. Originally from New Delhi, India, she immigrated to Canada in 2006 and settled in Abbotsford. Kamna started working with the Sandman Hotel Group in 2010. Currently working as a Regional Sales Manager, Kamna brings her 20 years of Sales experience to the organization. In her spare time, Kamna loves spending time with her 3-year-old daughter and her fur baby.
Jennifer Menge Ewart

Jennifer Menge Ewart

Director
Abbotsford Cauncks

 

Coming soon!
Vineet Verghese

Vineet Verghese

Director
RBC

 

Coming soon!
Jove Loewen

Jove Loewen

Director
The Bridge Ventures Inc.

 

 

Coming soon!
Jimmy Severn

Jimmy Severn

Director
Doane Grant Thornton

 

 

Coming soon!
Steve Czeck

Steve Czeck

Director
Empyrion Technologies Inc.

 

 

Steve is a seasoned business leader with 18 years of experience as the owner & operator at Empyrion Technologies Inc. With 35 years IT experience, Steve found himself as an accidental entrepreneur in 2005 when taking over a 2-man IT company. Empyrion Technologies has since grown to 28 employees and provides services to significant commercial entities throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond. Having served on the board of of his church for 10+ years and as Director for Mutual Fire Insurance of BC for 4 years, Steve is looking forward to bringing his excitement and extensive experience to the board of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.
Steve Couper

Steve Couper

Director
Cascade Aerospace

 

 

Coming soon!
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