New UFV President, Dr. James Mandigo, will deliver his first official address to the business community on September 16th, outlining his vision for the university’s role in workforce development, innovation, and economic growth in the Fraser Valley.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Abbotsford, B.C.) August 6th, 2025 – The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Dr. James Mandigo, the new President of the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), will deliver his first official address to the business community on September 16, 2025, at the Abbotsford Centre.
This exclusive event, hosted by the Chamber in partnership with UFV, will bring together business leaders, civic partners, and post-secondary stakeholders to hear Dr. Mandigo’s vision for the university and its role in shaping the future of the Fraser Valley economy. His address will highlight UFV’s renewed focus on innovation, workforce development, and deepening connections between education and industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mandigo to our business community in this meaningful way,” said Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “UFV is a cornerstone of our community, and its leadership plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of talent to meet the needs of industry. This event is a unique opportunity for business leaders to engage directly with Dr. Mandigo as he takes the helm and shapes the future of post secondary education in our region.”
“The Fraser Valley is growing quickly, and the business community is at the heart of that growth,” said Dr. James Mandigo. “At UFV, we’re focused on building strong partnerships that connect education with real-world needs, so our students graduate ready to contribute, innovate, and lead. Our students are changemakers, and by working together with local leaders, we can ensure they’re equipped to help shape a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient regional economy.”
Dr. Mandigo’s appointment as President comes at a pivotal moment as both the university and the region navigate rapid population growth, evolving labour demands, and new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
The event will also feature showcases highlighting current UFV projects and partnerships.
To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit https://business.abbotsfordchamber.com/chamber-calendar/Details/leaders-lunch-address-to-the-business-community-with-ufv-president-dr-james-mandigo-1457671?sourceTypeId=Website
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, September 16th
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Abbotsford Centre, 33800 King Rd, Abbotsford, BC
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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 the University of the Fraser Valley:
Located on Stó:lo Temexw in the beautiful Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university that enrolls approximately 15,000 students per year. UFV has campuses and locations in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope, and a growing presence in Chandigarh, India.
UFV offers more than 100 programs, including three master’s degrees, 21 bachelor’s degrees with majors, minors, and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs.
Abbotsford Chamber Media Contact:
Taylor Carlson
PR & Marketing Coordinator
Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
marketing@abbotsfordchamber.com
UFV Media Contact:
Jeboah Godron
Director, Communications