Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Mission statement and basic principles

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade describes as its mission, "to work in the enlightened interest of our members to promote, enhance and facilitate the development of the region as a Pacific centre for trade, commerce and travel." In addition, the Board strives to enable and empower its members to succeed, grow and prosper in the global economy. It focuses on delivering its value proposition — a promise to its members to provide access, create networking opportunities, host educational opportunities, and create an environment where business can thrive.

According to its website, the Board believes that it is only the market system that is effective in allocating scarce economic resources to allow for stable economic growth and job creation. The Board does, however, recognize the need for publicly funded social services such as health and public education. The Board ascribes to the philosophy of less government involvement in the business sector.

Role in Local Governance

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been vested by federal and provincial governments with the power to select board members for a number of local governance bodies and institutions. The Board of Trade selects one of the five members of the Screening Panel that shortlists candidates for TransLink's Board of Directors and is also involved in selecting directors for Port Metro Vancouver and the Vancouver Airport Authority.

History

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade was established on 22 September 1887, to help rebuild after the Great Vancouver Fire destroyed the city. 31 men - composed of merchants, lumbermen, bankers and manufacturers - founded the Board of Trade to "protect the interests of merchants, traders and manufacturers, to advance the trade of the area and to promote the advancement and general prosperity of Vancouver." In addition to lower taxes, early lobbying efforts pushed for the construction of schools, a land registry office, a court house, a submarine communications cable to Australia (completed in 1902) and the establishment of mail delivery.

By 1952, the Board had grown to ten bureaus and ten standing committees which worked on campaigns, exhibitions, luncheons, educational products, endorsements and representations to all levels of government on behalf of the business community.

In 1983, the Board became a member of the World Trade Centers Association and in 1986 moved into the Vancouver World Trade Centre office complex at Canada Place. It hosted the General Assembly of the World Trade Centers Association the same year.

In 1990 the Board launched its Federal Debt Clock, a 1,500 lb (680 kg), 15 ft (4.6 m) by 10 ft (3.0 m) computerized calculator that tracked the rise in government debt. At the time, Canada's $363 billion debt was climbing at a rate of $53,300 per minute. In 1998, Finance Minister Paul Martin hit the gong and stopped the clock at a special Board of Trade luncheon. The board's debt clock stopped just shy of $600 billion.

In more recent years, The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade was one of the leading voices to support Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Olympic Games – hosting workshops and forums to promote the bid, and even flying in a pre-bid countdown clock to Canada Place by helicopter. The Board also successfully lobbied for a revote of the Translink mayors' council to save the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver rapid transit line – known today as the SkyTrain's Canada Line, and was a founding member of the Fair Tax Coalition, which helped the city to approve a one-per-cent reduction in business property taxes.

Events

As the premier speakers' platform in Western Canada, The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade hosts more than 150 events each year with more than 75 of those featuring inspiring business leaders, renowned dignitaries and other influential people from around the world. The Board hosts 50 members-only exclusive events every year, including 30 complimentary events, most of which are specifically designed as networking opportunities:

Networking Roundtables and Members' Orientations - gives new members a chance to learn the benefits of networking, and an overview of The Board of Trade's services. Roundtables are exclusive events where members can present their products and services to at least 30 different contacts – a great opportunity to build their network.

Members' Receptions - allow Greater Vancouver Board of Trade members to network in a casual and fun environment.

Business After Business™ - Held semi-annually, this popular trade show provides members with an opportunity to network, showcase products and services, and sample the culinary delights of the host venue.

Programs

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade runs a variety of programs, including many symposiums, exclusive networking events and community fundraisers, in addition to programs like The Spirit of Vancouver, Leaders of Tomorrow and the Company of Young Professionals.

Spirit of Vancouver

Spirit of Vancouver seeks to promote Metro Vancouver as a great place to "live, work, play, invest, and visit". Founded during an economic down-turn in 2001, Spirit of Vancouver uses public relations efforts and public events to "celebrate quality events", "local success" and generally raise community morale.

Leaders of Tomorrow

Leaders of Tomorrow is a mentorship program, created by The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. The program selects 100 students in their final year from accredited Lower Mainland post-secondary educational institutions and nurtures their talents and abilities to inspire them to become successful leaders. LOT introduces students to the business world and facilitates their development through the four pillars of mentorship, networking, leadership and volunteerism. Students attend skill-building events and receive personal mentoring to prepare them for a smooth transition into the workforce. In addition, LOT participants volunteer with policy and program-related committees to develop an awareness of current issues that impact local businesses and the community.

Company of Young Professionals

The Company of Young Professionals (CYP) is a leadership development program designed for young professionals under the age of 32. Members can attend Board of Trade events at discounted rates and can be involved in the program for up to three years. Members get the opportunity for both professional and personal development through attending hot-topic events, opening doors to meeting with prominent business leaders, and fostering leadership through engagement. Members experience extensive community involvement with key issues within The Board's many committees and task forces. CYP runs an optional Engaged Leadership Certificate Program and awards credits for completing specific requirements in the areas of leadership, connectorship and volunteerism. For more information, visit www.tcyp.ca.

Women's Leadership Circle

The Women's Leadership Circle (WLC) is a professional network established to provide support for women in the business community. By deliving programs, speakers, topics and other events, the WLC empowers women to engage the community and the Board of Trade. Members enjoy special speaker and workshop events, are invited to join exclusive roundtable discussions with major visiting speakers, and can join a WLC table hosted by a WLC advisory council member at major Board of Trade events.

Pacific Economic Forum

The Pacific Economic Forum brings world leaders together for speakers, seminars and conferences discussing globalization, interdependence and service to humanity.

Miscellaneous facts

Current chair

Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.