Pandemic Gave the Opportunity to Revitalize and Refresh

The unprecedented journey our Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) members endured in the past couple of years due to the pandemic has seemingly started to show signs of turning the corner this past quarter. The business leadership of Surrey Board of Trade members has been pivotal in re-tooling business strategies, people and culture fulfillment, and doing whatever it takes to retain their clients and customers. Our management and staff also innovated. They worked tirelessly to bring tough economic conversations to the forefront with industry, government, and political leaders. To hold them accountable. To make changes for you. This was a time for survival.

The SBOT Director roles also became critical. To engage with the membership to look and observe, listen and hear, and most importantly, be ready to make changes to the governance policy model where necessary to achieve our Ends goals for the organization. Ensuring that SBOT services continue to meet the expectations of its members, Directors continued to virtually meet our members, held regular Board meetings, and participated in the annual planning session to revitalize and refresh the future focused vision of the organization and the economic investments we wanted to see for Surrey.

The Board of Directors team is a strong complement of 14 individuals collaborating energies from various backgrounds in banking, health and wellness, business, finance, engineering, legal, education, human capital, manufacturing, ports and transportation, and natural resources. The wealth of experience, talent, and creative experiences, with a diversity, equity and inclusion lens, were fast at work this past year formulating task forces where necessary to make our roles more efficient and smoother. Board members participated in governance education, reviewed and discussed reports on good governance, and received in-house policy governance training during the pandemic.

Since assuming the role of Chair, I've had the delightful opportunity to meet Board members individually to discuss Board roles and where enhancements can be made. This also gave me the opportunity to listen and learn about their industry sector and what they are doing to navigate the pandemic. In short, new thought brought new perspective and when everyone is on the same page you know you are part of a great team.

Moving forward, the Board of Directors are committed to strengthening the bond between members as more pandemic restrictions lift. We look forward to seeing you all very soon at the many wonderful events held by the Surrey Board of Trade.