The Merger Task Force has been very busy over the last few months, and we’re excited to share this update to the joint membership. Several strategic activities occurred since our November update, which moved the merger process into the early stages of integration. These included:

1. The search for a new CEO continues, which is headed by the CEO Search Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of Board Directors from both SBOT and SSWRC, who have worked with Watson Board Advisors to create a short-list of candidates.

2.Indra Bhan appointed as Acting Executive Director, South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce. Indra is currently serving as the Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer of the Surrey Board of Trade. This appointment will enable her to effectively lead and build operational processes with both staff teams to achieve successful integration. Much work is being done in the background to facilitate a smooth integration.

3.Beginning the process to design the look of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. A firm has been selected to start the work to create a new look and feel for the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade’s brand.

4.Staff teams coming together on more initiatives. Undoubtedly you have noticed that events are now co-hosted by both organizations. As we work towards bringing both members together in one system, members can attend events led by either organization.

5.South Surrey & White Rock Chamber team transitioned to remote work. With the end of the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber's office lease at the end of 2024, the SSWR team was transitioned to remote work, leveraging the SBOT's infrastructure, moving integration to a new level. We thank both staff teams for their cooperation and swift work which made this transition smooth, without interrupting service to our members. Once the merger completes and the permanent CEO is hired, they will be tasked with determining a suitable office location in the South Surrey/White Rock area. In the meantime, the SSWR team can still be reached on their emails and by phone at 604.536.6844.

6.Staff teams gaining feedback from members. The operational teams have hosted an engagement session, with another on the horizon, with current members to listen and understand what they hope the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade will be like. This feedback is critical for operational planning. If you'd like to provide input, please reach out to Indra at indra@businessinsurrey.com.

This has been an incredible year together. The two organizations signed an Intent to Merge one year ago, and early exploratory work built enough confidence to move forward and ask our members for formal endorsement of the idea. Since then, the task force has met every two weeks and successfully negotiated a comprehensive legal merger agreement and is working through gaining formal approval from the Federal Government. 

We are grateful for members’ encouragement and feedback along the way, and for trusting us to ensure this merger results in the two organizations being stronger together as one long into the future.

Ginny Hasselfield
President
South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce

Rory Morgan
Board Chair
Surrey Board of Trade

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

_{Merger Related Articles}

_{March 11, 2024 - Media Release South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce and Surrey Board of Trade Members Approve Merger to Form Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade}

_{March 11, 2024  - Peace Arch News Publication - Author: Holmes, Tracey - Surrey, White Rock business organizations mull merger; ‘Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade’ entity to be explored: officials}

Together, we will be a stronger voice for businesses, driving positive change and opportunities for growth.