Surrey Board of Trade Profile

SURREY BOARD of TRADE Annual Report 2013 - 2014

Business Development • International Trade • Skills Social Development • Taxation • Crime • Environment Transportation • Industry Connections • Education • Taxation Immigration • Culture • Advocacy • Business Development

3 Civic Plaza Surrey City Centre Plaza

Guildford Town Centre Southpointe99 Business Park

www.businessinsurrey.com Low res trumpet image

CREATING GOOD THINGS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE

For more than 65 years, we’ve helped make local communities a better place. Last year, we gave away over $1 million in charitable donations and our employees volunteered more than 2,000 hours for local nonprofit and charitable organizations.

Envision Financial is proud to sponsor the Surrey Board of Trade’s Youth Leaders of Today Mentorship Program, helping youth reach their potential through entrepreneurship. Congratulations to our 2014 students!

Bank. Borrow. Borrow. Insure. Insure. Invest. Invest.

envisionfinancial.ca Keeping it Simple™ PHOTO SERIES

A Glimpse of Surrey Board of Trade Activities and Members

Councillor Barbara Steele Canadian Chamber AGM Dinner Brianne Colbert, SBOT

Armin Amrolia, BC Housing Bijoy Samuel, SBOT President Civic Treasures Award Winners

Bob de Wit, GVHBA Association Dan Burritt, CBC Business Networking

Employer and Immigrant Forum Networking Ottawa Advocacy Trip

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 1 PHOTO SERIES

A Glimpse of Surrey Board of Trade Activities and Members

Jag Shergill, Lawson Lundell John Leech, ASTTBC and Henry Reiser, KPU Lizette Parsons Bell, Kinder Morgan

Nav Chima, SFU and Jas Cheema, Networking South Asian Health Centre Mike Ridley, Britco

Fraser River Business Dialogue Fiona Anderson, Business in Vancouver Doug Kelsey, TransLink

Dave Woods, Al Tejpar & Guest Dr. Arun Garg and Premier Clark Delta Mayor Lois Jackson

2 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report PHOTO SERIES

A Glimpse of Surrey Board of Trade Activities and Members

Guildford Town Centre Reception Getting ready for the SBOT Membership Event Gerard Bremault, Murray Dinwoodie, Dave Hayer

John Turner, Fortis and Mark Belling, Jock Finlayson, BC Business Council Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing Keith Alton & Allan Gardner

Fraser River Business Dialogue Education Roundtable Film Industry Reception

Jim Mihaly, Steve Darling, Councillor Barinder Rasode Trevor Van Eerden Surrey RCMP Chief, Bill Fordy

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 3 PHOTO SERIES

A Glimpse of Surrey Board of Trade Activities and Members

Susan Payment, MNP LLP United Way Dinner with YMCA South Asian Health Centre Team

Ronald McDonald House Fundraising SFU President’s Lunch Team at Surrey Memorial Hospital SBOT Environment Award Winner

SBOT Membership Event Renee Filippone, CBC Networking

Perry Solkowski, CTV Kevin Evans Marlyn Graziano, KPU

4 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report The Surrey Board of Trade What do we do for our members and for Surrey’s business community?

The Surrey Board of Trade represents 6,000 member contacts, and over 60,000 employees, representing 2,100 businesses. The purpose of the organization, on behalf of its members, is to advocate at all levels of government, facilitate networking opportunities, workplace development, professional development, international trade services, cost-saving benefits and marketing opportunities. We are a not-for-profit organization and continue to demonstrate through our projects and initiatives a commitment to enhancing the local economy. Our membership is comprised of businesses in various sectors of the economy. The Surrey Board of Trade, also known as the Surrey Chamber of Commerce, owns both names. ______

The Surrey Board of Trade meets the following five mandatory Pillars of which a Board of Trade/Chamber of Commerce must adhere to, to be effective, meaningful and sustainable in Surrey, BC and in Canada:

1. Membership Programs/Services

2. Organization/Administration

3. Policy/Advocacy

4. Governance

5. Strategic Planning

The Surrey Board of Trade, through its operational performance, brings in new ideas for the benefit of our members, to elevate our profile and to engage our members. ______

The Surrey Board of Trade is committed to the best that business can be, and through our 2,100 members we are here to support and attract business to Surrey.

The Surrey Board of Trade is a voluntary not-for-profit organization established in 1918 to promote civic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural progress of Surrey. The Surrey Board of Trade was incorporated in 1964. We are the economic engine of Surrey. We:

1. Work for sound legislation and efficient administration at the community and at all levels of government.

2. Exist to make Surrey a better place to live.

3. Provide avenues for business in Surrey to create a positive business and economic environment through our advocacy teams - Crime, Environment, Finance & Tax, Innovation, International Trade, Social Policy (Skills Shortages, Poverty Reduction, Child Care and Health Care) and Transportation.

4. Provide Surrey with tools to promote your business to the world.

The Surrey Board of Trade provides an opportunity for those people who create local jobs and drive the local economy to work with government and the public to build a better community. The Surrey Board of Trade speaks for the business community at public hearings and to the media. We are the voice of business. If you do business in Surrey, support the Surrey Board of Trade by becoming a member. ______

Surrey Board of Trade 101-14439 104th Avenue, Surrey, BC, Canada V3R 1M1 P: 604-581-7130 F: 604-588-7549 Toll Free: 1-866-848-7130 Email: [email protected] Web: www.businessinsurrey.com Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 5 Surrey Board of Trade Profile

The Surrey Board of Trade has a long history of service to the business community. The Surrey Board of Trade’s presence has been alive in Surrey since 1918, with the organization being incorporated in 1964. The following details our profile:

Who are the Surrey Board of Trade’s primary customers? 1. Members 2. Businesses – self-employed, small, medium and corporate business

What are the Surrey Board of Trade’s key functions/products/services? 1. Government Advocacy 2. Business Connections 3. Business Resources and Support 4. Communications - Promotion - Marketing 5. Cost Saving Benefits 6. International Trade 7. Workplace Development

How do members benefit from utilizing our key functions-products-services? 1. Government advocacy at local, regional, provincial and federal levels 2. Developing business growth 3. Generating leads for their businesses 4. Connecting, learning 5. Accessing contracts

What value proposition does the Surrey Board of Trade bring to our members? 1. Government Advocacy 2. Professional Development 3. Business Support 4. Connections 5. Business Attraction 6. Marketing 7. Leadership 8. Events 9. Financial Competency 10. Growth Opportunities 11. Regional Coverage 12. Part of a Worldwide Network 13. Experienced and respected Board of Directors complemented by a strong, well-established, paid staff 14. Wholly-owned premises with conference facilities

How does the Surrey Board of Trade achieve successful results for our members? 1. Strategic planning - Goals, objectives, timelines, accountability, ongoing monitoring 2. Increased member participation 3. Willing to take risks 4. Strong involvement in electing dynamic Board members 5. Successful leveraging of its assets and resources 6. Presenting coherent planned goals

6 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report The Surrey Board of Trade – Your Business Advantage!

Mission Vision The Surrey Board of Trade is one of the most The Surrey Board of Trade is the champion of a strong, respected organizations in the South Fraser vibrant business community. We are driven by passionate region. We provide advocacy, resources, training, and energetic people. We help make business better education and networking opportunities to our for our members through the delivery of our innovative members. We foster best business practices member services and by acting as a catalyst between to promote growth and prosperity of our members business, government and our community. and stakeholders.

Core Values We Are

The Surrey Board of Trade focuses on these The Surrey Board of Trade exists: core organizational values, which serve as the 1. To SERVE our members (be your information centre) fundamental underlying principles that the 2. To PROTECT our members (issue centre through Surrey Board of Trade stands for: advocacy efforts at all levels of government) • Leadership 3. To PROMOTE our members (facilitate opportunities • Advocacy for members to do business) • Relevance • Integrity

Board of Directors

Chief Executive Officer

Events and Policy and Business Centre and Membership Event Marketing Membership Industry Communications Communications Financial Coordinator Services Coordinator Administrator Manager Coordinator Manager Manager

Volunteers

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 7 Board of Directors 2013-2014

President 1st Vice-President 2nd Vice-President Treasurer Immediate Past-President Bijoy Samuel Gerard Bremault Shelley Besse Jane Hawkins Jim Mihaly RedFM 93.1FM Centre for Child Envision Financial Simon Fraser University The Surrey Leader Development Newspaper

Marlyn Graziano John Kearns Chuck Keeling Jason Maynes Steven Mo (to be inducted) Sheraton Vancouver (to be inducted) Hamilton, Duncan, TD Bank Kwantlen Polytechnic Guildford Hotel Great Canadian Gaming Armstrong & Stewart University Corporation – Fraser Downs

David O’Sullivan Shirley Samujh Tony Sandhu Parm Sidhu Steve Stew PW Trenchless (to be inducted) Community Savings Abbotsford International Matcon Civil Construction Inc. TransLink Credit Union Airport Constructors Inc.

Ann Marie Walsh Bill Wehnert Shayne Williams Canadian Cancer Fraser Surrey Docks LP Lookout Society- Society Solutions to Homelessness Honorary Directors

Arvinder Bubber Kevin Falcon Dianne Watts Mayor’s Representative: Mayor’s Representative: A.S. Bubber Anthem Capital Corp. Her Worship, the Linda Hepner Donna Jones Chartered Accountants Mayor of Surrey City of Surrey City of Surrey Economic Councillor Development Manager 8 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report Board Director Inductions and Staff

NEW DIRECTORS TO BE INDUCTED

Richard Dendy Aubrey Kelly Jay Rao Dr. Greg Thomas BMO Bank of Montreal Surrey City Levelton Consultants Ltd. G3 Consulting Ltd. Development Corp.

NEW PRESIDENT- 1st VICE-PRESIDENT- CHAIR TO BE INDUCTED CHAIR TO BE INDUCTED

Gerard Bremault Shelley Besse Centre for Child Envision Financial Development

BOARD OF TRADE STAFF

Anita Huberman Indra Bhan Heather Booth Brianne Colbert Chief Executive Officer Membership Services Events and Communications Event Marketing Manager Coordinator Coordinator

Jo-Ann Huber Ray Hudson David Miao John Coward Business Centre and Policy & Membership Industry Manager Financial Coordinator Communications Administrator Manager

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 9 Annual General Meeting Agenda

50th Surrey Board of Trade Annual General Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, June 18, 2014 Eaglequest Golf Course

Chair: Bijoy Samuel

1. Call to order 2. Credentials report – Quorum 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of 2013 AGM Minutes ...... 11 5. President’s Report – Bijoy Samuel ...... 13 6. CEO’s Report – Anita Huberman ...... 15 7. Government Advocacy Report – Ray Hudson ...... 17 8. Treasurer’s Report – Jane Hawkins ...... 17

Motion One: To approve the Year 2013 Auditor’s report as distributed in the Surrey Board of Trade Annual Report for the Year 2013.

Motion Two: To approve MNP LLP as the Auditors for the Year 2014

9. Bylaw Changes - Anita Huberman ...... 28 10. Induction of the 51st President/Chair of the Surrey Board of Trade and Directors 11. Adjournment

10 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report Surrey Board of Trade Annual General Meeting Minutes

Thursday June 20th 2013 Eaglequest Golf Course

Quorum in accordance with SBOT Bylaws was present Chair: Jim Mihaly, President 2012/2013 Minutes taken by Indra Bhan

1. Call to order: 6:56 pm.

2. Credentials report: CEO reported that twenty members in good standing represented a quorum. Quorum was present. Over 250 in attendance.

3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION: Dave Hayer and James Stewart move to accept the agenda as presented. CARRIED.

4. Approval of the Year 2012 Annual General Meeting Minutes: No errors or omissions. MOTION: Tony Sandhu and Susan Thomas move to approve the Year 2012 Annual General Meeting Minutes as distributed in the Annual Report for the Year 2012.

5. President’s Report – Jim Mihaly Mihaly spoke to his written report, as distributed in the Annual Report for the Year 2012. It is a tough task to say in a few words on what has transpired during the past year at the Surrey Board of Trade. I want to thank all my Board Directors for their work and support during my term as President. Thank you all for your commitment to the Surrey Board of Trade. I also want to thank both the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and the South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce for their efforts and support in this past year. A big round of applause to Anita Huberman, CEO and her staff at the SBOT. This amazing group of people go above and beyond in carrying out their duties. A special thanks to over 400 volunteers who serve the various committees that comprise the SBOT. It has been an amazing year. I am pleased to turn over the leadership of the Board to a very capable and experienced Board member, Bijoy Samuel who will be formally inducted later on in tonight’s program. In closing, it has been my distinct pleasure to have served as your President for 2012/2013.

6. CEO’s Report – Anita Huberman Huberman spoke to her written report as distributed in the Annual Report for the Year 2012. The Board’s mission is to advance the success of our members and Surrey. This is her 7th Annual General meeting as CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade. She noted: Upon reflection I can’t believe how quickly time has passed and how far we have come as an organization. The Surrey Board of Trade, as a not- for-profit organization, financial support is derived solely from membership fees, sponsorship and service contracts. I run this organization as a business – we can’t go into a loss and we need to watch our expenses and save a bit for future unknown expenses or capital investments. In closing, I thank our vendors and sponsors that support the Surrey Board of Trade. They are role models and without their support we could not operate the Surrey Board of Trade. I also want to sincerely thank my staff for their professionalism, commitment and hard work to ensuring the strength of the Surrey Board of Trade.

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 11 Surrey Board of Trade Annual General Meeting Minutes - continued

7. Advocacy Report - Ray Hudson Hudson spoke to his written report as distributed in the Annual Report for the Year 2012. Studies show that business people join Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce to grow their customer and business base through networking and to access the benefits on offer through their membership. They renew their membership because of advocacy that is done on their behalf on the issues critical to business and to their community. For the Surrey Board of Trade, our advocacy is right out there! We have been in the press, on radio and television on a huge range of issues. We can’t do this alone. We need teams of members to bring their expertise to the table to help us assess the issues and bring them to completion as a position. We have seven advocacy teams and they are: - Crime and Justice - Environment and Natural Resources - Finance and Taxation - Industry/Innovation - International Trade - Social Policy - Transport and Infrastructure

8. Treasurer’s Report – Jane Hawkins Jane Hawkins, the Treasurer presented her report as distributed in the Annual Report for the Year 2012. The year ending December 2012 saw an operational surplus of $16,783 after amortization of capital assets of $34,906. The Surrey Board of Trade staff has done an excellent job over the past year in maintaining revenues and managing expenses. Hawkins presented the following motions: i) to approve the Year 2012 Auditor’s report as distributed in the Annual Report for the Year 2012. MOTION: George Greenwood and Dave Hayer move to accept the Year 2012 Auditor’s Report. CARRIED. ii) to approve Meyers Norris Penny, LLP as the Auditors for the Year 2013. MOTION: James Stewart and Doug Watkins move to accept Meyers Norris Penny, LLP as the auditors for the Year 2013. CARRIED.

9. Induction of Directors Chief Superintendent (Officer in Charge, Surrey RCMP) – Bill Fordy Introductory Comments: It is my pleasure to participate in today’s program. I acknowledge the wonderful support and the job that the Surrey Board of Trade does. The Police Officer of the Year Awards and the Crime Reduction Breakfasts that we host in partnership with the Surrey Board of Trade are unique in the whole country. I would like to thank the SBOT for their leadership role.

Councillor Linda Hepner, City of Surrey Introductory Comments: It is an honour to be here at the SBOT AGM. The City is very pleased to have such a strong partnership with the SBOT and is very proud of this organization. You are the voice of the business and the work you have done on behalf of the business is unique. Thank you very much and the City will continue to work with the SBOT as a strong partner.

Mayor Dianne Watts – Video Presentation.

Induction of the 50th President, new and re-elected directors including the core Executive Committee 2013- 2014 took place.

MOTION: Marlyn Graziano and Manny Grewal moved to adjourn the Annual General Meeting at 7:31pm. CARRIED.

12 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report PRESIDENT’S REPORT – BIJOY SAMUEL

It’s June 2014 already, and last year at this time, as 1st Vice-President, I was getting ready to receive the gavel and the awesome responsibility of leading the organization, as its 50th President, through the year. Now, it seems like no time that we’re back around the circle, and it’s my turn to comment on my year.

It’s been a year of unprecedented growth and achievement. I want to thank and congratulate the directors, staff and volunteers for an excellent job in blasting through the 2,000-member ceiling to over 2,100 members. It’s a testament to the credibility of the Surrey Board of Trade that we are attracting such interest across the business community.

In reporting to you on the goals I set for this year, more training opportunities for new entrepreneurs, better access to local statistics, and two major motivational business events, I can report that we achieved that and much more.

We conducted a very successful business dialogue on Business & Immigration Workforce Solutions, the President’s Roundtable Sessions were launched, and we’ve just seen a most successful Innovation Awards event. We initiated an Emergency Preparedness dialogue for business, and saw a resolution passed unanimously by the Canadian Chamber membership, at their AGM asking the federal government to create and expand systems in advance of disasters, to sustain local economies through businesses support. Those are only a few of the many events we provided to teach, inform, and advocate on your behalf.

And speaking of the Canadian Chamber AGM, it was with tremendous pride that I witnessed your CEO receive the Canadian Chamber’s highest recognition, the National Competition “Gold” Award for our “Connecting With Educators on the Skills Gap” program, which we undertook in partnership with Douglas College. What a national accomplishment in front of 450 Chambers and Boards of Trade!

I wanted to see advancement of our education policies around unbalanced funding in Surrey, which occurred when our work culminated in a round table and public dialogue with Education Minister Fassbender and Job Minister Shirley Bond. We are still working on this.

We had a very large number of professional development workshops this year ranging across HR issues to fundraising business development, government procurement and more.

Advocacy is the key to our credibility as the voice of business when dealing with the various governments on your behalf. Here’s a sampling from this past year: 1. Published a paper on protecting you and your business against internet crime,

2. Continued to lobby for a community court for Surrey

3. Supported local RCMP detachment’s need for resources

4. Completed our regular Crime Reduction Breakfasts across the city

5. Worked with Surrey’s Finance Manager providing feedback and comments to the city’s budgets

6. Commented on both the Provincial and Federal budgets, and our International Team reviewed tax issues around import and export

7. Held briefings on the Kinder Morgan, Enbridge and Fortis energy projects

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 13 PRESIDENT’S REPORT – BIJOY SAMUEL - continued

8. Created policy on mitigating economic impact of disaster

9. Explored the issues around bylaw 280, waste disposal

10. Lobbied for an effective referendum question on TransLink funding

11. Lobbied for light rail solutions in Surrey and the South Fraser

12. Lobbied in Ottawa for improvements to the management of the Fraser River

13. Staged International Trade Awards and Trade Show last month

14. Advocated for a free trade agreement with India

15. Staged first annual Surrey InnovationAwards evening with expert panel presentations

16. Conducted Arts in Business dialogue, Affordable Housing dialogue, Business and Families dialogue

17. Working on a position paper on skilled labour requirements

I welcome Gerard Bremault as your 51st President-Chair. I know this coming year will see even more growth and good work from your dedicated team of directors, staff and volunteers (thanks Ray for your 12 years of service). Thank you for the opportunity and honour of being your President. ______

BUSINESS PLAN GOALS 2013-2014

Objective 1: Business Attraction (Creative Economy)

Objective 2: Business Research & Economic Scorecard

Objective 3: Business Training and Business & International Centre

Objective 4: Policy Development and Advocacy

Objective 5: Workplace Development & Youth Entrepreneurship

Objective 6: Membership

14 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT - ANITA PATIL HUBERMAN

Founded in 1918, incorporated in 1964, the Surrey Board of Trade connects with over 6,000 business contacts, 2,100 business members. The Board strives to be a bold and innovative catalyst for strengthening the economic, social and cultural vitality of Surrey. The Board is an authoritative advocate for a strong economic climate, exceptional quality of life, and global competitiveness in Surrey. Surrey enjoys the economic and social advantages that come with being a great city, not only locally but also globally: a skilled population; a vibrant business community; hospitals and educational institutions; access to transportation; and we are working on building a solid international reputation. The Year 2013 and now 2014 continue to bring fresh ideas from a strong base of volunteers. With a focused approach to a strategic plan, we were able to engage and re-engage members to get involved in their business organization, define new paths for the organization and participate actively in economic development activities, from the perspective of business to government. That is the role of a Board of Trade. These will be highlighted verbally at the Annual General Meeting. As it is in your business or organization, it is never enough to say that you have done all that you can do. You need to continue to imagine, that is to innovate, to continue to be more relevant to your customers. And for the Surrey Board of Trade it is to continue to be relevant to the business community, to government, to our stakeholders - to further enhance how businesses use the Surrey Board of Trade in their day-to-day business operations. We have a very diverse industry base of businesses in our membership. We continue to grow and in this growth we will continue to inspire you to do better for your business, your city, and for future generations. As we look into the future of the Surrey Board of Trade and our region and ask the question, “what it could be”, there are important issues, questions and opportunities to be considered. And certainly our comprehensive strategic plan reflects this perspective. By being leaders in the business community, in everything that we do we ask:

1. Can Surrey and the South Fraser Region achieve new standards of economic vitality and livability that are equal to or beyond that enjoyed by other successful areas?

2. Can we develop the range of quality economic, cultural and educational opportunities needed to move our region forward and become one of the nation’s most livable?

3. Can we engage the business community in maintaining a laser-like focus on strategies that will indeed create a higher standard of livability for Surrey and the South Fraser Region?

4. Can the Surrey Board of Trade achieve new levels of productivity, commitment, leadership and impact?

5. Are we structured and positioned to effectively carry out our mission and adopted strategies on a regional basis?

6. Can we provide the necessary human, volunteer and financial resources required to carry out our mission, objectives and adopted strategies and reflect our basic values and vision?

Our marketplace is constantly changing – paradigms are shifting – and economic conditions are dynamic with new demands - which create new expectations for proactive and responsive leadership by the Surrey Board of Trade. There is an increasing demand on the Surrey Board of Trade for value-added services, programming and leadership, which accelerates the demand for new and expanding resources. With current and evolving dynamics in Surrey, we will and will continue to have an understanding of how changing trends and expectations impact the mission, leadership role and capacity of the Surrey Board of Trade to carry out our responsibilities.

Therefore, our strategic plan, reviewed each year, is a sounding call to action. It is designed to enhance and provide bold, creative, engaged leadership to meet a new horizon of possibilities.

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 15 CEO’s Report - continued

Highlights: 1. Volunteers: Providing more focus and direct support for our 400 and growing volunteers serving in our now 18 standing teams.

2. Events: We hosted over 100 events in 2013-2014 to serve our diverse membership base, from networking events, keynote speaker events, educational workshops, international events and award events.

3. Advocacy: The more formal structure to our public policy advocacy work played a key role advancing several issues of importance to our business community and garnered media attention from local media, the Leader Newspaper and the Now Newspaper as well as CBC, Global TV, CTV, Globe and Mail, News 1130, the Province Newspaper, CKNW and Vancouver Sun. Advocacy takes a long time, but is the tool that the Board of Trade brings to its membership, as a hidden employee working for our members to make doing business easier and to help ensure that our City is a better place to do business. We’ve started the wheels in motion to ensure that the Abbotsford International Airport is the regional airport of choice for South of the Fraser businesses and residents. We are proud to serve on their board of directors.

4. Membership Value: Increased marketing/membership services support with particular focus on delivering demonstrable direct value of membership through a comprehensive Member Value Program. At the end of this report, you will see a menu which highlights different services that our diverse membership can see value from. We are continually adding to this.

5. Membership and national network: Our members are part of a national network, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as well as the World Chamber of Commerce.

6. Community events: The Surrey Board of Trade, within its resources, continues to be involved in community events and committees.

7. Media partnerships and Marketing: Media partnerships, both mainstream and otherwise, have been a valuable marketing tool for the Surrey Board of Trade. Our flagship communication vehicle, Business in Surrey, distributed to all businesses highlights the issues, the member benefits, the networking that businesses, small or large, can use as a resource.

8. International: Building one-on-one formal relationships with key countries of focus, as identified by our InternationalTeam; adding different services and working towards the creation of an International Business Centre.

9. Business Resource Centre: Serving a target market of potential business owners, the Business Resource Centre provides business services which include name registration and declaration of partnership and proprietorship.

10. Staff: I want to thank my staff for their professionalism, commitment and hard work to ensuring the strength of the Surrey Board of Trade.

To close, the advocacy programs continue to lead us to greater influence amongst members, local decision makers and politicians. This has resulted in the Surrey Board of Trade being more meaningfully involved in many of the major issues impacting business in the city, in the province and in our country.

16 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report POLICY MANAGER’S REPORT – RAY HUDSON

The intensity level of our advocacy continues to increase with the expansion of our advocacy teams under the new Strategic Plan. As you will see as you proceed through the pages of the Advocacy Report (separate piece), each Team has pinpointed specific goals that are measurable and achievable. The Board of Directors represent the overall government relation’s structure. The teams are:

1. Crime and Justice 2. Environment and Natural Resources 3. Finance and Taxation 4. Industry/Innovation 5. International Affairs 6. Social Policy 7. Transport and Infrastructure

This doesn’t avoid daily issues that come forward that the SurreyBoard of Trade is asked to take a position on - this is done in concert with the relevant teams and Board Directors.

TREASURER’S REPORT – JANE HAWKINS

The year ending December 2013 saw an operational surplus of $37,662.00 after amortization of capital assets of $33,645.00.

In the interest of laying down a foundation to strengthen the organization, many events continue to be streamlined, with new events, services and advocacy initiatives undertaken to provide more services to existing members to make the organization more attractive to members.

The Surrey Board of Trade staff has done an excellent job over the past year in maintaining revenues and managing expenses.

In summary, the SBOT is in a stronger position for the Year 2013 into 2014 and has built a foundation of strength in case of any unknown future financial expenses or other significant natural events.

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 17 Surrey Board of Trade Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2013

18 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report Surrey Board of Trade Contents For the year ended December 31, 2013

Page Independent Auditors' Report

...... Statement of Financial Position ...... 1 ...... Statement of Operations ...... 2 ...... Statement of Changes in Net Assets ...... 3 ...... Statement of Cash Flows ...... 4 ...... Notes to the Financial Statements ...... 5 ......

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 19 Independent Auditors’ Report

To the Directors of Surrey Board of Trade:

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Surrey Board of Trade, which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 2013, and the statement of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditors' Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors’ judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Surrey Board of Trade as at December 31, 2013 and the results of its operations, changes in net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.

Surrey, British Columbia

April 23, 2014 Chartered Accountants

316 - 5455 152 St, Surrey, British Columbia, V3S 5A5, Phone: (604) 574-7211, 1 (888) 574-7211

20 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report Surrey Board of Trade Statement of Financial Position As at December 31, 2013

2013 2012

Assets Current Cash 392,173 339,431 Accounts receivable 24,263 29,058 Prepaid expenses and deposits 6,333 1,173

422,769 369,662

Capital assets (Note 3) 520,521 541,296

943,290 910,958

Liabilities Current Accounts payable and accruals (Note 4) 80,015 88,840 Deferred revenue 15,635 12,140

95,650 100,980

Commitments (Note 5)

Net Assets Unrestricted net assets 327,119 268,682 Investment in capital assets 520,521 541,296

847,640 809,978

943,290 910,958

Approved on behalf of the Board

Director Director

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

1 21 Surrey Board of Trade Statement of Operations For the year ended December 31, 2013

2013 2012

Revenue Memberships 410,006 417,676 Events (Note 6) 555,388 362,708 Member benefit programs 113,537 110,881 Business Resource Center 84,311 81,263 Advertising 19,925 18,353

1,183,167 990,881

Direct Expenses Events 346,721 206,804 Membership 24,577 45,153 Business Resource Centre 15,014 15,669 Advertising 8,895 11,326

395,207 278,952

Contribution Margin 787,960 711,929

Administrative Expenses Payroll and benefits 538,773 467,688 Office 50,648 46,334 Occupancy 37,653 26,661 Amortization 33,645 34,906 Auto expense 23,833 20,228 Professional fees 16,085 9,188 Membership dues and conferences 12,042 10,202 Credit card and bank charges 10,689 14,291 Business promotion 9,730 11,631 Sponsorships 7,500 10,000 Equipment lease and maintenance 5,946 10,373 Insurance 3,754 3,099 International trade development - 30,545

750,298 695,146

Excess of revenue over expenses 37,662 16,783

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

2 22 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report Surrey Board of Trade Statement of Changes in Net Assets For the year ended December 31, 2013

Unrestricted Investment in 2013 2012 net assets capital assets

Net assets, beginning of year 268,682 541,296 809,978 793,195

Excess of revenue over expenses 71,307 (33,645) 37,662 16,783

Purchase of capital assets (12,870) 12,870 - -

Net assets, end of year 327,119 520,521 847,640 809,978

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

3 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 23 Surrey Board of Trade Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended December 31, 2013

2013 2012

Cash provided by (used for) the following activities Operating Excess of revenue over expenses 37,662 16,783 Amortization 33,645 34,906

71,307 51,689 Changes in working capital accounts Accounts receivable 4,795 (16,062) Prepaid expenses and deposits (5,160) 2,309 Accounts payable and accruals (8,825) 16,931 Deferred revenue 3,495 5,020

65,612 59,887

Investing Proceeds on disposal of term deposit - 100,000 Purchase of capital assets (12,870) (26,681)

(12,870) 73,319

Increase in cash resources 52,742 133,206

Cash resources, beginning of year 339,431 206,225

Cash resources, end of year 392,173 339,431

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements

4 24 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report Surrey Board of Trade Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2013

1. Incorporation and nature of the organization

Surrey Board of Trade (the “Board of Trade”) was chartered in October 1964 under the Board of Trade Act of Canada and is exempt from income tax under Section 149(1) of the Income Tax Act ("the "Act"). In order to maintain its exempt status under the Act, the Board of Trade must meet certain requirements within the Act. In the opinion of management, these requirements have been met.

The Board of Trade promotes trade and commerce in the business community by creating various programs to provide an economic awareness at all community, educational and political levels.

2. Significant accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations and include the following significant accounting policies:

Capital assets

Capital assets are initially recorded at cost. Amortization is provided using the following methods at rates and terms intended to amortize the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives.

Method Rate/Term Buildings straight-line 35 years Computer equipment declining balance 30 % Office equipment declining balance 20 %

Revenue recognition

Membership dues are recognized as revenue when received.

Revenue from other sources are recorded when services are provided and collection is reasonably assured.

Revenue received that relates to events occurring in future periods is deferred and recognized when the related expenses are incurred.

Controlled entity

The Board of Trade has elected to not consolidate the accounts of Canada Global Trade Association (the "Association") which is controlled by the Board of Trade by virtue of common directors. The required disclosures have been provided in Note 7 to the financial statements.

Measurement uncertainty

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Accounts receivable are stated after evaluation as to their collectability and an appropriate allowance for doubtful accounts is provided where considered necessary. Amortization is based on the estimated useful lives of capital assets.

These estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary they are reported in excess of revenues over expenses in the periods in which they become known.

5 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 25 Surrey Board of Trade Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2013

2. Significant accounting policies (Continued from previous page)

Financial instruments

The Board of Trade recognizes its financial instruments when the Board of Trade becomes party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. All financial instruments are initially recorded at their fair value.

At initial recognition, the Board of Trade may irrevocably elect to subsequently measure any financial instrument at fair value. The Board of Trade has not made such an election during the year. Cash is subsequently measured at its fair value. All other financial assets and liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost.

Transaction costs and financing fees directly attributable to the origination, acquisition, issuance or assumption of financial instruments subsequently measured at fair value are immediately recognized in the excess of revenues over expenses for the current period. Conversely, transaction costs and financing fees are added to the carrying amount for those financial instruments subsequently measured at cost or amortized cost.

Financial asset impairment

The Board of Trade assesses impairment of all of its financial assets measured at cost or amortized cost. When there is an indication of impairment, the Board of Trade determines whether it has resulted in a significant adverse change in the expected timing or amount of future cash flows during the year.Ifso,theBoard of Trade reduces the carrying amount of any impaired financial assets to the highest of: the present value of cash flows expected to be generated by holding the assets; the amount that could be realized by selling the assets; and the amount expected to be realized by exercising any rights to collateral held against those assets. Any impairment, which is not considered temporary, is included in current year excess of revenues over expenses.

The Board of Trade reverses impairment losses on financial assets when there is a decrease in impairment and the decrease can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized. The amount of the reversal is recognized in the excess in the year the reversal occurs.

Volunteer services

The Board of Trade and its members benefit from services in the form of volunteer hours for various committees and executive positions. Due to the difficulty of determining their fair value, volunteer services are not recognized in the financial statements.

3. Capital assets 2013 2012 Accumulated Net book Net book Cost amortization value value

Land 120,060 - 120,060 120,060 Buildings 597,432 256,199 341,233 358,320 Computer equipment 114,135 104,217 9,918 14,102 Office equipment 159,053 109,743 49,310 48,814

990,680 470,159 520,521 541,296

6 26 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report Surrey Board of Trade Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended December 31, 2013

4. Accounts payable and accruals

Included in accounts payable and accruals as at December 31, 2013 is $5,211 (2012 - $27,797) of remittances payable to various government agencies.

5. Commitments

The Board of Trade is committed to an operating lease for office equipment with estimated minimum annual payments as follows:

2014 3,372 2015 3,091

6,463

6. Employer Innovation Fund

During the current fiscal year the Board of Trade entered into an agreement with the Vancouver Foundation to administer the Employer Innovation Fund (EIF). The revenue received was $140,800 and the expense incurred (not including administrative cost) was $121,530. Therefore, the total inclusion of net income for the year is $19,270.

7. Controlled entity

The Board of Trade exercises control over Canada Global Trade Association by virtue of the two entities having the common board of directors.

The Association was established to assist the Board of Trade in carrying out global trade initiatives. The Association was incorporated under the Society Act of British Columbia on July 3, 2012 and is exempt from income tax under Section 149(1) of the Income Tax Act. The Association has been inactive since incorporation, and as such, has no revenues, expenses, assets or liabilities as at and for the year ended December 31, 2013.

8. Financial instruments

The Board of Trade, as part of its operations, carries a number of financial instruments. It is management's opinion that the Board of Trade is not exposed to significant interest, currency, credit, liquidity or other price risks arising from these financial instruments except as otherwise disclosed.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Board of Trade will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities. The Board of Trade’s exposure to liquidity risk is dependent on collection of accounts receivable and raising funds to meet commitments and sustain operations. The Board of Trade's liquidity risk has decreased in comparison to prior year due to an increase in net working capital.

7 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 27 PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE SURREY BOARD OF TRADE BYLAWS FOR 2014 Mailed on March 28, 2014 to Membership

Dear Surrey Board of Trade Member:

In this document are the proposed changes to the Surrey Board of Trade Bylaws. The changes to the Surrey Board of Trade Bylaws are approved by the Surrey Board of Trade Directors.

DRAFT BYLAW CHANGE #1 Change of Title from President to Chair

The Surrey Board of Trade is proposing the title change of its high-ranking volunteer role of its Board of Directors from President to Chair – and for this change to be reflected throughout the bylaws of the Surrey Board of Trade.

DRAFT BYLAW CHANGE #2 Article 7 – Dues and Assessments

CURRENT BYLAW 1.1 Amount of Fees (1) The Board may from time to time propose amendments to the structure of Membership fees. (2) By a simple majority vote the Members will determine the membership fee structure at a General Meeting. The Membership fees will remain in force until subsequently amended. (3) The Surrey Board of Trade membership fees may be increased by the Board of Directors on an annual basis up to an amount equal to any increase in the Greater Vancouver cost of living index without requiring further approval of the membership. PROPOSED REVISED BYLAW 7.1 Amount of Fees 1. The Board may from time to time propose amendments to the structure of Membership fees. 2. By a simple majority vote the Members Board will determine the membership fee structure at a General Meeting. The Membership fees will remain in force until subsequently amended. 3. The Surrey Board of Trade membership fees may be increased by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. up to an amount equal to any increase in the Greater Vancouver cost of living index without requiring further approval of the membership.

DRAFT BYLAW CHANGE #3 Article 9 – Elections

CURRENT BYLAWS: 9.1 There will be annual elections to fill any vacancies on the Board of Directors (with voting to take place only if the number of eligible nominees exceeds the number of vacancies on the Board of Directors.) Directors so elected (or acclaimed) will take office at the next annual general meeting, which will be held prior to June 30th of each year, or at the next closest appropriate meeting, and will hold office for a term of two years from the day of their installation or until such time as their successors are appointed. In the event of vacancies created during the year by resignation or other reasons, the Board of Directors may appoint qualified individuals to fill those vacancies until the next annual general election. The expiring term of a director who is the first Vice President and who has been designated as president elect for the succeeding year shall be extended for one year to allow for succession to president. 28 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE SURREY BOARD OF TRADE - continued BYLAWS FOR 2014 Mailed on March 28, 2014 to Membership

9.2 At its January meeting, the Board of Directors will appoint a Nominating Team consisting of the Immediate Past President as chairperson, the President and not more than (3) three other Board of Trade members in good standing, of which at least (1) one will not be a member of the Board and determine the eligibility criteria that each nominee must meet in order to qualify for election or when an election is not required under 9.1, to be acclaimed. The Nominating Team will review all valid nominations received and will produce a report listing all nominees that meet the eligibility criteria established by the Board of Directors. If the number of eligible nominees exceeds the number of vacancies on the Board of Directors, the Nominating Team will recommend at least one eligible nominee for each vacancy on the Board of Directors and voting will take place in accordance with these bylaws. If the number of eligible nominees does not exceed the number of vacancies, no voting will take place and all of the eligible nominees will be acclaimed as directors prior to the June AGM. If vacancies still remain after such appointments, the Board of Directors may appoint other qualified individuals to meet the full allotment of required directors.

9.3 A call for nominations to the Board of Directors will be made to the voting delegates in the February issue of the newsletter or by special mail to the membership no later than the end of January, and shall include eligibility criteria as approved by the Board of Directors.

PROPOSED REVISED BYLAWS: 9.1 There will be annual elections to fill any vacancies on the Board of Directors (with voting to take place only if the number of eligible nominees exceeds the number of vacancies on the Board of Directors.) Directors so elected (or acclaimed) will take office at the next annual general meeting, which will be held prior to June 30th of each year, or at the next closest appropriate meeting, and will hold office for a term of two years from the day of their installation or until such time as their successors are appointed. In the event of vacancies created during the year by resignation or other reasons, the Board of Directors may appoint qualified individuals to fill those vacancies until the next annual general election. The expiring term of a director who is the first Vice President, or 2nd Vice-President and who has been designated as president elect for the succeeding year shall be extended for one year to allow for succession to president.

9.2 At its January meeting, the Board of Directors will appoint a Nominating Team consisting of the Immediate Past President as chairperson, the President, 1st Vice-President and 2nd Vice-President and not more than (2) two other Board of Trade members in good standing, of which at least (1) one neither will not be members of the Board. They will and determine the eligibility criteria that each nominee must meet in order to qualify for election or when an election is not required under 9.1, to be acclaimed. The Nominating Team will review all valid nominations received and will produce a report listing all nominees that meet the eligibility criteria established by the Board of Directors. If the number of eligible nominees exceeds the number of vacancies on the Board of Directors, the Nominating Team will recommend at least one eligible nominee for each vacancy on the Board of Directors and voting will take place in accordance with these bylaws. If the number of eligible nominees does not exceed the number of vacancies, no voting will take place and all of the eligible nominees will be acclaimed as directors prior to the June AGM. If vacancies still remain after such appointments, the Board of Directors may appoint other qualified individuals to meet the full allotment of required directors.

9.3 A call for nominations to the Board of Directors will be made to the voting delegates in the February issue of the newsletter or by special mail to the membership. no later than the end of January, and shall include eligibility criteria as approved by the Board of Directors.

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 29 PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE SURREY BOARD OF TRADE - continued BYLAWS FOR 2014 Mailed on March 28, 2014 to Membership

DRAFT BYLAW CHANGE #4 Article 10 – Board of Directors CURRENT BYLAW: 1.2 No Board members, other than the Immediate Past President, will serve more than eight consecutive years on the Board after July 2003. PROPOSED REVISED BYLAW: 10.2 No Board members, other than the Immediate Past President, will serve more than eight consecutive years on the Board. after July 2003.

DRAFT BYLAW CHANGE #5 Article 14 – Teams

CURRENT BYLAW: 1.1 The Board will authorize the appointment of the Executive, Finance, Governance and Membership Teams and any other Teams that follow the Strategic Plans of the Board of Directors. PROPOSED REVISED BYLAW: 14.1 The Board will authorize the appointment of the Executive and Finance Teams Governance and Membership Teams and any other Teams that follow the Strategic Plan of the Board of Directors. Annual bylaw reviews will be the responsibility of the Executive Team, which consists of the President, 1st Vice-President, 2nd Vice- President and Treasurer.

DRAFT BYLAW CHANGE #6 Article 20 – Council of Governors CURRENT BYLAW:

20.1 All past Presidents shall form a Council of Governors who shall act as advisors to the directors and officers. The Council of Governors shall have the right to receive notice of and to attend and receive minutes of all meetings of the Directors and to speak to motions, but save for the immediate past president, they shall not have the right to vote on motions at such meetings. The Council of Governors shall have a meeting in June of each year. The Chair shall be the Immediate Past President. If the Immediate Past President is unable to serve as chair, then the chair will be elected from the membership of the Governors. The Board shall constitute a Council of Governors consisting of all Past Presidents who wish to participate and who agree to subscribe to and support the mandate of the Council of Governors.

PROPOSED REVISED BYLAW:

20.1 All past Presidents shall form a Council of Governors who shall act as advisors to the directors and officers. The Council of Governors shall have the right to receive notice of and to attend and receive minutes of all meetings of the Directors and to speak to motions, but save for the immediate past president, they shall not have the right to vote on motions at such meetings. The Council of Governors shall have a meeting in June of annually each year. The Chair shall be the Immediate Past President. If the Immediate Past President is unable to serve as chair, then the chair will be elected from the membership of the Governors. The Board shall constitute a Council of Governors consisting of all Past Presidents who wish to participate and who agree to subscribe to and support the mandate of the Council of Governors.

30 Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report Teams

If you want to volunteer, call Anita at (604) 634-0342.

CRIME AND JUSTICE TEAM Considers and reports matters of concern in the field of justice and crime.

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TEAM Monitors and reviews environmental issues that affect Surrey. They also organize an annual environment awards program and promote environmental initiatives for business. FINANCE & TAXATION TEAM Considers and reports on matters of concern in the field of finance and taxation.They initiate the preparation of policy reviews, analyses, and reports on financial (city budget, provincial budget and federal budget) and tax issues.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE TEAM Leads the efforts in international policy issues. They review trade and investment developments. They collaborate and work with Consulate offices and organize an international awards program.

SOCIAL POLICY TEAM Considers and reports on matters of concern in the field of labour, families, immigration, homelessness, skills shortage, and other social issues as they relate to business.

TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM Considers and reports on matters of concern on transportation policy issues, focusing on air, border crossing, water, road, and rail transportation.

FINANCE TEAM Develops operations budget for the following year, establishes a capital budget as part of the operating budget, to review new initiatives with a view to their impact on operations from a financial perspective, and to develop financial policy around the use of the operating line of credit and recommended handling of surpluses.

INNOVATION TEAM Showcases innovation as an engine for economic development that: (a) attracts new capital and investment; (b) promotes research and development; (c) results in new or existing companies clustering around such research and development thereby generating new, higher paying jobs for the community. This team also organizes the Surrey Innovation Awards Dinner. EDUCATION TEAM Facilitates and promotes professional development opportunities and mentoring programs. This team also manages the annual Surrey Women in Business Awards and oversees the Youth Leadership Program and other mentorship programs.

NETWORKING GOLF TOURNAMENT TEAM Organizes the Surrey Board of Trade’s annual golf tournament.

POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS TEAM This Team organizes the nominations from the community and the nominations from within Surrey Detachment to celebrate the accomplishments of the members, municipal employees, volunteers and of course our businesses that support the Surrey RCMP.

SURREY BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS TEAM This Team focuses on nominations and interviews – as well as the event program.

Surrey Board of Trade - 2013 - 2014 Annual Report 31 SURREY BOARD OF TRADE and JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF BC YOUTH LEADERS OF TODAY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

For the 7th year, the Surrey Board of Trade has partnered with Junior Achievement of BC to develop the Youth Leaders of Today Mentorship Program. We have chosen to work with high school students; grades ten to twelve, to help youth develop practical career skills while they are in their earlier years. Students at this age particularly are searching for their identity in this world and the opportunity of mentorship will guide them in this decision making process.

Being asked to serve as a mentor is an honour. It indicates that the company has faith in the person’s abilities and trusts him or her to have a positive impact on the situation. The Surrey Board of Trade, along with Junior Achievement, has carefully pre-selected a group of six working professionals to direct this program. They met with the students on a weekly basis to guide them through the development of their own company. These advisors are well versed in the areas of finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, and communications and will coach students to experience the excitement and future career potential in developing their own business.

The students learned about business ethics, sales strategies, raising capital and managing money.

The group of 18 students that were selected through the Surrey School District chose their executive roles and each student also acted as a shareholder within the business. Real cash was exchanged, with the hope of making a profit to donate to a selected charity as well as divide amongst the shareholders.