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Testimonials

“The programming and events at the Surrey Board of Trade are so timely and relevant. The speakers are engaging and the venues very welcoming. Much thought and planning obviously go into the events/ programming at SBOT and it is a real benefit for members who want to be up to speed on a topic and network with colleagues at the same time.“
Darlene Hyde, MBA, ICD.D, CAE, Governance and Strategy Advisor

“My clients who were inducted today were very impressed with SBOT, your professional presentations, and the level of excitement you build on. They are very pleased that they joined and want to participate in many events and build their connections. Thank you for all that you do for us.”
Ron Newell, TEDxSurrey

“In the first half of 2022, The Consulate General of Vietnam in Vancouver had the opportunity to work with the Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) on a webinar “Doing business in Vietnam” and recently a Vietnam-Canada business forum which attracted a large number of business circle from both sides. The SBOT’s active and efficient people with international experiences like Anita Huberman, and her team are just excellent to work with. Through SBOT we hope to build not only economic relationship but people-to-people contact between the dynamic city of Surrey and Vietnam, ASEAN.”
Nguyen Quang Trung, Consul General of Vietnam in Vancouver, BC

“Thank you to the Surrey Board of Trade, for the opportunity to showcase Costa Rica through the country spotlight webinar. I was impressed with the engagement of the audience and hopefully, new business and collaboration opportunities will come up in the near future between Costa Rican companies and Canadian companies from the region of Surrey.”
Michelle Corriols, Consular Agent in Commercial Affairs-Director Canada, Consulate of Costa Rica-Procomer

“Professional, results oriented, the Surrey Board of Trade is a great organization to partner with. I’m really grateful to Anita Huberman and her team for allowing me the opportunity to raise awareness about business opportunities between the dynamic city of Surrey and a major European economy like France, the perfect gateway to the EU market, the 2nd largest consumer market in the world.”
Nicolas Baudouin, The Consulate General of France, Vancouver

“The Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) has done an excellent job to serve the business owners and communities in Surrey. Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) looks forward to a cross-border collaboration to drive digital economy between Thailand and Canada.”
Khanit Phatong, Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), Thailand

“The Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) plays an important role in connecting Surrey with international markets. Working with Anita and her team has simply been great! The Taiwan Trade Center in Vancouver looks forward to deepening its cooperation with the SBOT to drive more opportunities for two-way trade.”
Frank Chen, Director, Taiwan Trade Center, Vancouver

“We recently joined the Surrey Board of Trade and the experience has been incredible. The team has been nothing short of amazing. Prompt follow up, timely communication and also there to answer questions. I highly recommend joining the Surrey Board of Trade.”
John Glennon, Sandler Training

“Surrey Board of Trade truly brings value to your business whether you are a business owner yourself or just an employee of a business. I’m grateful for the staff and all working at the board to make Surrey a great place to do business. Bravo!”
Richard Earles, Dominion Lending Centres – Valley Financial Specialists

“The biggest benefit from joining the SBOT has been connecting with other businesses in Surrey. The SBOT has supported us by providing networking events where we have direct contact to build connections and relationships with potential customers. Every event that we have attended has been very well organized and lots of fun! I highly recommend becoming an active member of the SBOT.”
Rob Mackay, Big Star Sandwich – Surrey Central

“The Consulate General of Ireland Vancouver is a relatively new member of the Surrey Board of Trade. Since joining earlier this year we have been very been impressed by the very objective and fact based approach the SBOT takes to its advocacy and policy making. The insightful, well research and very professionally run webinars have been very useful and are highly recommended.”
Frank Flood, The Consulate General of Ireland, Vancouver

“Anita was a big help when some of our healthcare staff missed the priority vaccination deadlines. With her assistance, we managed to get them the vaccines in time, making it easier for them to work with children with special needs who couldn’t wear masks or maintain social distancing. A big thanks to Anita and the SBOT team for all their help during this pandemic.”
Shalini Das, Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy Inc.

“I joined the Surrey Board of Trade well over a year ago and I have been very impressed and very pleased with my experiences to date. In the almost 43 years of my professional career, I have participated in and worked with numerous business organizations. SBOT by far exceeds the quality of business organization I have ever experienced. I am continually impressed with its CEO and staff in terms of their willingness and capacity to help Surrey businesses, all SBOT members and others. SBOT, through its CEO and Board, is truly a leader in Surrey and BC – and in Canada for that matter. I know I can count on SBOT to put forth to policy makers strong recommendations and positions that represent Surrey businesses’ and the community’s interests. SBOT is a key leader and influencer of public policies and programs in the BC business community. Believing in and supporting SBOT’s work has led me to commit to investing my time and energy in contributing as a recently elected SBOT Board of Directors member.”
Kerry Jothen, Human Capital Strategies

“We feel fortunate to be able to serve the Surrey business community – since 1973.
Being a Surrey Board of Trade member comes with invaluable business resources and connections. Thank you!”
Kane Shannon Weiler LLP

“The Surrey Board of Trade is extremely effective in bringing the voice of Surrey businesses into the spotlight. Whether advocating for small or large change, their concerns are heard and positive change is often the result. During my time as a board member, I have learned a lot about our community and the diverse people and economic drivers that make it unique. I always knew this was a great city, but the perspective I’ve gained through my experience as a board member has made me appreciate it even more. I’m really excited about our future!”
Joslyn Young

“I spent 21 years in Parliament and ran seven different departments. I didn’t always like what I heard from Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade but I knew that the advice they gave was invaluable. When elected officials listen to the businesses that invest in communities, employ people and provide a major portion of the tax base, they make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Everyone benefits.

Of the 450 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade in our network, none works harder or contributes more constructively to public policy nationally, provincially and locally than the Surrey Board of Trade. They are truly first-rate.”
Perrin Beatty, Former President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

“As a developer and builder in Surrey for the past decade and a half, the first membership I joined back then was with the Surrey Board of Trade; an organization that is definitely a must to belong to and well worth its weight in gold.

Without question, Anita Huberman’s leadership of sound fact-based decision making to boldly voice legitimate concerns that members have expressed have certainly been the driving force in attracting businesses to join regardless of its employee and financial size.

Anita, along with each member of the SBOT team, is responsive to issues raised, welcoming and encouraging to different ideas and most importantly supportive of our individual needs always taking the time to chat with us whether in person, via phone or email.

SBOT is a great organization and an integral contributor to Surrey’s growth.”
Charan Sethi, Tien Sher Group of Companies

“A smart and well-connected team. Partnering with the Surrey Board of Trade has been great for our business. They have such a deep network and fantastic relationships, I’m thankful to be a part of that.”
Ricky Bandelin, Blue Meta Media Ltd.

“Chambers are still the most reputable, influential and impactful business associations in Canada – and in BC our network is the biggest and broadest by a longshot. Job number one for a chamber is to listen to its members and the Surrey Board of Trade is very good at its job. Once a chamber knows what’s keeping businesses “up at night” they take those insights to government to drive change. Chambers and boards of trade are in the obstacle-removal business, for business.”
Former President and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce

“I have been involved with the SBOT for 8 years as a member, as a Director, and now as a Development & Land Use team committee member. I have also had the privilege of chairing the SBOT Golf Tournament for the past 3 years.

The SBOT has opened up so many doors for me, both business and personal, that I never would have had, had I not been involved. Once becoming a small business owner for the first time, I was able to connect with fellow members and get all my health care covered at an extremely great price.

I would recommend the SBOT no matter how big or small the networking possibilities are endless!”
Steve Stew, SCS Consulting

“The Surrey Board of Trade understands that the business world and social services need to work together to build a healthy community where businesses have more opportunities to be successful. UNITI appreciates this approach and we have found like-minded businesses to partner with through events and networking that we have sponsored and participated in, put on by the SBOT.”
Doug Tennant, UNITI

“Despite the Public Health orders that prevent us from gathering, SBoT continues to ensure there are endless virtual opportunities to engage with business owners, community leaders and all levels of government. This has proved invaluable in keeping apprised of issues facing our city, province and country.”
Hanne Madsen, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland

“Becoming a member of the Surrey Board of Trade was the best decision ever made for XBa School of Dance. In a regular year, they are present and active, supporting us members in every way. In this extraordinary year of hardships and business devastation, the SBoT has stepped up more than any other organization. Anita Huberman‘s tireless championing for Surrey’s business community has made all the difference in my personal journey. Through these difficult weeks knowing that I could turn to SBoT staff and Anita for help and guidance has been what has kept me together. Grateful does not seem an adequate adjective; I am honoured and proud to be a member. Anita, you are a gift to all small business owners in Surrey.”
Nela Hallwas, XBa DanceCo

“I have been a member of the Surrey Board of Trade since my business opened in early 2018. My membership has been invaluable to me as I have participated in multiple events including business networking receptions, training sessions, and the Summer Sizzle series. The SBOT provides opportunities a small business would not have access to. A membership makes it possible for an owner to be encouraged and inspired long after their business’s doors first open. I encourage anyone starting a business in Surrey to make SBOT membership a priority.”
Sue Hodson, LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic Guildford

“My experience with SBOT has been wonderful and exciting! As part of Coit Cleaning and Restoration Services, I enjoy the great networking functions, informational updates, and workshops.”
James Chung, Coit Cleaning and Restoration Services

“SBOT – A stronger “Voice for Business” in our Community. Surrey Board Of Trade consists of dedicated team members – prompt service. Proud to be a member of the Surrey Board of Trade!”
Shabnam Khan, S.K Counselling Services