While the merger of Surrey Board of Trade and South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce "continues to progress," the spring target date is fading.
Formal merger approval from the federal government is pending, according to a joint statement by Ginny Hasselfield (president of South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce) and Rory Morgan (board chair, Surrey Board of Trade).
"We are assured that our documents adhere to the requirements set out in the Board of Trade Act, and that receiving the final approval is simply a matter of timing," they told members in an email Tuesday (April 22).
"Given the early election and the tariffs situation, it’s anticipated that this will delay the process by a few more months. In the meantime, we continue to do the background work to prepare ourselves for the finalization of the merger."
A merger task force is working on the nomination process and selection of an inaugural board of directors of the new Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade, with an AGM schedule in June.
Meantime, new CEO Joslyn Young started on the job March 31, and the two business organizations have co-hosted recent events including a forum for federal election candidates and 2025 Surrey Women in Business Awards.
Work continues on new branding, and the search for a suitable office in White Rock will begin once the merger is formally approved.
"The merger task force remains committed to maintaining open and timely communications with its members and will continue to share regular updates," Hasselfield and Morgan stated. "We are deeply grateful for your feedback, enthusiasm and patience as we work towards this milestone — building a stronger future together for the Surrey and White Rock business communities."
Surrey Board of Trade boasts more than 6,000 "member contacts, while the South Surrey/White Rock business group has around 500.
