As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly transformational year for the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.
I stepped into the role of CEO at the end of March, joining an organization with a proud legacy, a deeply engaged membership, and a region full of opportunity. From the outset, our focus has been clear: to elevate the voice of business, strengthen advocacy, and ensure Surrey and White Rock are positioned to lead in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
In a short period of time, we have accomplished a great deal – and none of it would have been possible without the support of our members, pillar partners, and sponsors. Thank you for your confidence, engagement, and willingness to move forward together during a year of significant change.
Behind the scenes, the SWRBOT staff team has consistently gone above and beyond delivering with professionalism, adaptability, and commitment. I am deeply grateful for their efforts. I also want to sincerely thank our Board of Directors, led by Chair Rory Morgan, for their leadership and stewardship. Their guidance through the merger and their support of a bold, future-focused vision have been instrumental to our progress. The year-end wrap up below is a high-level look at what we’ve been up to – and how we are serving you. If you want to learn more, please reach out.
Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a warm and restful holiday season. Thank you for your continued trust, engagement, and partnership. I look forward to working alongside you in 2026!
Warm regards,
Joslyn Young
Chief Executive Officer
Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade
Building a Stronger, Unified Voice
One of the most significant milestones of the year was successfully navigating the merger of the Surrey Board of Trade and the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce. Today, we are the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade – one organization, one vision, and one powerful voice representing the full spectrum of businesses across our region.
Our brand launch in October formally marked this next chapter, reflecting our shared values and the collective strength of our business community.
Listening to Our Members
One of the most rewarding parts of this year was connecting directly with you – our members. Through the CEO roundtable series and countless conversations across Surrey and White Rock, you shared what was working, what needed to evolve, and what mattered most as we moved forward as a unified organization.
Your feedback is shaping how we deliver value, prioritize advocacy, and design our programs. Thank you for your candour, your trust, and your continued engagement.
Taking Your Voice to Ottawa
This fall, SWRBOT took Surrey and White Rock’s business voice directly to Ottawa, ensuring our region was front and centre as Canada prepares for the forthcoming CUSMA review. I was honoured to appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade, where I highlighted our strategic proximity to ports, rail, and the U.S. border, and spoke candidly about the real pressures SMEs are facing in an increasingly uncertain trade environment.
While in Ottawa, I met with senior officials from the ministerial teams of Minister Robertson and Minister Joly to share the advocacy work SWRBOT is leading, elevate member concerns, and explore federal supports available to help businesses navigate trade volatility. These engagements underscore SWRBOT’s growing influence and our commitment to delivering meaningful, results-driven advocacy for our members – locally, nationally, and beyond.
Delivering High-Impact Events
Throughout 2025, we delivered a series of high-impact events that brought together government, industry, academia, and community leaders to tackle the issues that matter most to business. From the Environmental Innovation Forum and Development Industry Forum to the Women in Business Awards, Business Excellence Awards, SFU’s Next Chapter event, our keynote conversation with Minister Mélanie Joly, and our year-end Seasonal Sizzle, each event was designed to foster learning, connection, and practical advocacy.
Across all events, the goal remained consistent: to create meaningful platforms that support informed decision-making, collaboration, and long-term economic growth.
Elevating Our International Reach
Global connections matter more than ever. Over the past year, we strengthened SWRBOT’s international reach through meetings and partnerships with economic development and trade representatives from key markets, including the Ensenada (Mexico) Economic Development Council, senior Guatemalan trade and investment officials, and the U.S. Consul General.
These relationships are opening doors for our members, supporting cross-border collaboration, and positioning SWRBOT as a credible convener in international trade. The launch of our Trade Hub this fall – including the upcoming Trade Accelerator Program – will build on this momentum and unlock new opportunities in 2026.
Strengthening Advocacy and Policy Leadership
This year, all policy resolutions submitted by SWRBOT at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM passed with strong national support – a powerful signal of the relevance and impact of our work. We are also restructuring our advocacy committees to expand collaboration across sectors and ensure our policy recommendations reflect the evolving needs of business.
In January, we will be announcing our new Advisory Committees and associated volunteer opportunities, and I encourage members to get involved.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, the business environment remains complex. From workforce challenges and public safety concerns to trade uncertainty, regulatory pressures, and rapid technological change, decision-making is not easy. This is precisely where SWRBOT plays its role – convening leaders, advocating for practical solutions, and ensuring your voice is heard.
We are here to help you navigate uncertainty, connect with peers, and take informed action. South of the Fraser, we have something special: strong collaboration, long-term thinking, and the confidence to lead. Our region’s growth is undeniable – and together, we are shaping what comes next. I hope you’ll join us!
