If you are thinking of relocating to the Vancouver region, one of the first things you should do is become a member of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
Membership in the board of trade opens doors to a network of thousands of business contacts. No other organization in Western Canada offers as many business-building and networking activities, combined with exclusive membership services and savings.
By making use of everything the board of trade offers, you and your company can gain access to a unique network of world-class business leaders, professionals from all industry sectors and new potential customers and clients.
You will also be able to access valuable information and resources to strengthen business skills, develop your employees and expand your markets, all of which are vital components to achieving success in today’s business world – particularly when relocating to a new community.
Speaker events ■ The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is one of Canada’s busiest and most sought-after event platforms, with more than 130 events annually. Members can build connections at monthly networking receptions or learn from business and thought leaders at speaker events. The board of trade’s reputation attracts top-notch speakers and leading authorities – from prime ministers and presidents to industry magnates and global influencers.
In recent years, speakers have included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton, B.C. Premier John Horgan, Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson.
Throughout the year the board of trade also hosts several half-day forums aimed at moving the dial on emerging areas of public policy. With content developed by volunteer public policy committees, these annual forums often feature upward of a dozen speakers, including elected officials and industry experts from across North America. Outcomes from these forums often help shape and drive the board of trade’s advocacy efforts with government.
Networking opportunities ■ Each year the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade hosts approximately 50 networking events that are open only to members. Monthly Board 101 events are an opportunity for new and existing members to learn about making the most of their membership benefits and savings.
Thrive Series events help you stay ahead of the latest business trends while providing a valuable opportunity to connect and interact with other motivated business people from across the region. Following each event, attendees participate in a networking roundtable discussion.
And finally, members’ receptions are hosted in unique venues throughout the region, including restaurants and lounges, rooftop patios, golf courses and even the bleachers of Nat Bailey Stadium for a ball game.
Signature programs ■ The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is perhaps best known for its four signature programs and professional development opportunities, which set the organization apart from other chambers of commerce in North America. Whether you’re an emerging leader, young executive, woman in business or small-business owner, the board of trade has a program to help support, connect and inspire you.
The Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) mentorship program connects top post-secondary students with leading industry professionals. Launched in 1999, LOT is recognized as the premier mentorship program in British Columbia. Candidates go through a competitive and rigorous selection process to experience a year of accelerated professional and personal growth.
The Company of Young Professionals (CYP) is a professional development program for people under the age of 35. Launched in 2007, CYP is a vibrant network for emerging leaders to acquire the skills needed to advance their careers. Through the CYP program, young professionals can accelerate their career progression as in no other program in the country.
The Women’s Leadership Circle (WLC) is an inclusive program that recognizes that diversity in leadership strengthens the business community. Launched in 2007, the WLC has grown to become one of the largest women’s business networking groups in Canada. The WLC is open to all board of trade members, both men and women.
And finally, the Small Business Council (SBC) is a development program that connects, educates and equips small-business owners and entrepreneurs to grow their networks and take their enterprises to the next level. The SBC tailors its events and public policy initiatives to meet the unique needs of small businesses from across the region.
For more information or to become a member of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, call 1-844-208-8197 or visit boardoftrade.com/info.
