The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the World Trade Centre Vancouver to host a free event for companies looking to export, featuring an expert lineup of business support and resources.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Abbotsford, BC) June 12th, 2025 – The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the World Trade Centre Vancouver, is proud to present “Exploring Trade: A Joint Initiative with the World Trade Centre Vancouver to Open Doors Beyond B.C.”, taking place on Friday, June 20th. This event will offer Fraser Valley businesses the opportunity to deepen their understanding of export markets and compliance with international trade agreements, with a special focus on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
The session will feature local success stories and insights from industry experts, including Longboard Architectural Products, Export Navigator, Global Affairs Canada, and Miller Thomson LLP.
“The strength of Abbotsford’s economy shapes the economic health of our entire region,” said Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “With volatility becoming the new certainty as we look at Canada-U.S. trade, it’s vital that our exporters are equipped with the right knowledge and resources to adapt. This event is about empowering our local businesses to compete and thrive in an evolving global marketplace.”
Recent investments from the Province have reinforced the strategic importance of Abbotsford’s industrial sector. Earlier this year, Columbia Kitchen Cabinets received $1.1 million to expand operations, add four new product lines, and create 48 new jobs. These kinds of investments help position Abbotsford as a resilient manufacturing and export hub, but more support and education are needed to protect against global trade instability.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, June 20th
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Breakfast Included)
Location: The Clarion, Abbotsford
Highlights:
- Breakfast Buffet & Networking
- Expert panel on export opportunities
- Training on CUSMA: Rules of Origin, Tariff Treatment, and Export Documentation
- Networking and Q&A with trade and customs professionals
Speaker Highlights:
- PJ McKnight, CFO Longboard Architectural Products (Keynote)
- Chelsea Sang, Head of Advisory Services Export Navigator
- Nicole Van Hove, Deputy Director Global Affairs Canada
- Satinder Bains, Customs Expert Miller Thomson
- Daniel Kiselbach, Managing Partner Miller Thomson
- + More
Quick facts on Abbotsford’s manufacturing sector:
- Over 200 manufacturers are based in Abbotsford, employing more than 8,000 people
- Manufacturing accounts for approximately 13.6% of local employment
- In B.C. overall, the manufacturing sector supports 400,000 jobs, and every 100 direct jobs sustain an additional 80 in related sectors
- In 2018, manufacturing contributed to 61% of B.C.’s total international goods exports
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About the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce:
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce represents the needs of Abbotsford’s businesses and empowers economic development across the Fraser Valley region. For over 110 years, the Abbotsford Chamber has been the voice of business, working on behalf of nearly 800 members, investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and young professionals, breaking down barriers to business development and trade, advocating for investments and policies to help businesses succeed, and building community and connections.
The Abbotsford Chamber is nationally accredited to meet standards of business excellence and provide benefits to its member organizations.
About World Trade Centre Vancouver:
The World Trade Centre Vancouver (WTC-V), a subsidiary of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, is dedicated to enhancing the export capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in British Columbia. At its core, WTC-V believes that fostering global connections is key to driving local economic prosperity. Through a variety of tailored programs and initiatives, WTC-V helps B.C.-based businesses scale internationally, supporting their growth and creating new opportunities both at home and abroad.
Media Contact:
Taylor Carlson
PR & Marketing Coordinator
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce