1. Why are the two organizations merging? What are the benefits to members?
This merger represents a significant milestone in the business community, bringing together two like-minded organizations to better serve the needs and interests of businesses in Surrey and White Rock. Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade members will benefit from expanded networking opportunities, stronger advocacy, access to a broader range of programs and events, and a unified business voice for the entire region.
2. Has the merger already happened?
No, the merger is still in progress. As both organizations are governed under the federal Board of Trade Act, approval for the components of the merger must be granted through an Order in Council. While we await Federal Government approval, you’ll see the two organizations coming together on more initiatives as we prepare to become the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. It is anticipated that the merger will complete in the spring of 2025. While both organizations are moving toward a unified entity, the process is ongoing, and separate memberships are still required. Once complete, all members will receive clear communication about the changes and new benefits.
3. Do I need to maintain separate memberships with both organizations during the transition?
Yes. Although the merger is going through the approval process, each organization is operating independently until the full transition is finalized. Until then, members must enroll in both organizations to access their distinct benefits and services.
4. What are the benefits of joining both organizations during the transition?
Your business or organization will be able to access the benefits and programs that each organization provides and will already be familiar with both sets of members, staff and Board Directors.
5. How will the unique needs of our community be addressed?
The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade remains committed to supporting the unique business communities within each region. We strive to host events in all areas of Surrey throughout the year. The collectively stronger voice of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade will create a more powerful impact when raising your advocacy issues, combined with a dedicated and experienced staff team to advance issues on your behalf.
6. Will White Rock have a voice?
White Rock businesses will have a stronger voice with the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. Business leaders from White Rock are encouraged to be actively engaged on policy teams, at events, and as issues arise, ensuring that the needs of White Rock are represented. The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade will have an experienced Policy Manager, ensuring that business issues are brought forward to the relevant level(s) of government.
7. Can I transfer my membership from one organization to the other?
Shortly after the merger’s approval by the Federal Government, the members of both organizations will be automatically combined. Transfers cannot be performed before the merger’s completion. South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce members will receive new login credentials.
8. What happens to events planned by each organization?
As we lead up to the completion of the merger, you will see the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Surrey Board of Trade co-hosting more events together. The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade will strive to host events throughout Surrey and White Rock throughout the year.
9. Will I have access to the new organization’s services immediately?
Once the merger is approved by the Federal Government, the staff teams will work as quickly as possible to combine memberships. We anticipate this will be a swift process to ensure members can access the full suite of benefits quickly.
10. Will membership fees change after the merger?
All memberships fees have been frozen during the transition. When South Surrey & White Rock Chamber members are transferred to the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade, their first renewal will be at their current membership rates. After the first year, membership rates will follow the Surrey Board of Trade’s current tiered system, based on full time equivalent employees, adjusted for inflation. Currently, rates for a business with 1-2 employees are just $375 and unlock access to thousands of dollars or potential savings and value.
11. I have memberships with both organizations. What will happen to the fees I’ve paid?
Your Surrey Board of Trade membership will become a Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade membership and you will continue paying the same rate as you had been previously. Your South Surrey & White Rock Chamber membership will be converted into a pro-rated credit that you can use during the first year of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade, towards your next membership renewal, events or marketing.
12. What will happen to my Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan?
Your Chamber of Commerce Group Health Insurance Program will continue seamlessly with no interruption in service. All your current contact and reference numbers will remain the same.
14. How will the merger affect advocacy efforts?
The merger is expected to strengthen advocacy by consolidating resources and providing a stronger, unified voice to represent business interests across Surrey and White Rock. Staff will be briefed on ongoing advocacy efforts, and members will be invited to join the policy teams to share their insights as Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade staff take leadership of advancing issues on behalf of members.
15. Will there be new programs or benefits introduced after the merger?
Staff are always looking at adding new programs and benefits for members. The immediate focus is on the existing benefits and onboarding all members as seamlessly as possible.
16. Can non-members participate in events hosted during the transition?
Absolutely! Non-member or general admission rates will continue to apply.
17. How will communications and updates about the merger be shared?
Members will receive regular communications by email and they will be shared on each organization’s social media and merger website platforms.
18. How can I ensure my business’s voice is heard during the merger process?
The teams at the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Surrey Board of Trade will be jointly hosting engagement sessions to listen to feedback to help shape the future direction of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.
19.Who will be the CEO?
The Board of Directors of both the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Surrey Board of Trade have formed a taskforce to hire a new CEO, who will ultimately lead the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. An executive search is currently underway.
Until that position is filled, Surrey Board of Trade COO Indra Bhan will fill the role of Interim CEO.
20. Will there be any changes to office locations or contact details?
Current office spaces for both the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber and the Surrey Board of Trade will remain the same. The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade is committed to maintaining office presence in both Surrey and White Rock.
We anticipate there being changes to email addresses and website addresses as systems are merged, but we are committed to maintaining current contact details to create a seamless transition.
21. Who do I contact for further questions or support?
For South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce members: Temma Chow, Operations Manager:
marketing@sswrchamber.ca or 604.536.6844
