When Angie Whitfi eld took over the reins of the Burnaby Board of Trade (BBOT) as President and CEO this past August, she arrived with three goals — creating a fresh vision for the organization, speaking on behalf of and advocating for local businesses, and off ering community support.”One of my top priorities is to shape our organization into a powerful resource for our business communities,” says Whitfi eld, who previously served as the Executive Director of the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce.

To that end, the BBOT partners with various business leaders and government agencies to keep current on what’s impacting business and the economy locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. Their members look to them for guidance and resources to help them remain resilient, as they aim to be a space where businesses of all sizes fi nd support, especially as they address sustainability and workforce development issues.“We learn from our partners and vice-versa, listening carefully to understand their concerns,” says Whitfi eld.

“This approach allows us to prioritize our resources in the most impactful way.”She explains the Burnaby Board of Trade maintains a close strategic alliance with the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce by holding memberships with both organizations. Whitfi eld recently attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce national convention and annual general meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“The convention brings together CEOs, Executives, and Board Directors from across the country who are all doing grassroots work in their local communities and listening to businesses. Meeting in person allows us to align on issues and amplify our voices,” says Whitfi eld. “That’s a powerful network from a business perspective, it means independent businesses can have their voices heard at the highest levels. For me, having a network of peers across the country doing similar work is incredibly valuable.”Whitfi eld says the convention was also a unique opportunity to discuss the common issues communities across the country are dealing with and discuss possible solutions. At the top of that list of challenges is the cost of doing business and an ongoing labour shortage.

“The Burnaby Board of Trade is committed to addressing the workforce development challenges facing our community,” says Whitfi eld. “Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and targeted programs, we’re building pathways that meet emerging industry needs. These initiatives support our members by creating a talent pipeline and strengthen Burnaby’s economic future.”She notes that rising housing costs are creating signifi cant challenges for businesses and local economies. She also draws attention to the growing numbers of unhoused individuals, and the lack of accessible mental health and addiction support. Whitfi eld says these are issues being experienced across the country.Whitfi eld is hopeful the recently elected NDP provincial government is going to step up and help solve some of those issues. If not, she says, the Board of Trade is ready to advocate on behalf of Burnaby business owners.