Burnaby Board of Trade concludes record membership drive

The Burnaby Board of Trade (BBOT) set a new personal record, signing up 102 new members in just two and a half days.

The milestone was made possible thanks to an innovative, high energy membership campaign organized by a group called Your Chamber Connection. Over the course of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning this week, six teams chaired by Burnaby’s savviest business leaders worked against the clock in a competitive, loud – and flamboyantly colourful – setting to sign up new Board of Trade members and create greater community awareness about the important role of the BBOT.

Scotiabank’s Cheryl Westgard and Bala Naidoo of Investors Group were honoured at the after-party celebration for chairing the teams who brought in the most new members and highest new member revenue respectively.

“The ability to attract new members and continue to grow our business community is vital to the success and economic well-being of everyone who lives, works or does business in Burnaby,” said BBOT President & CEO Paul Holden. “We are the voice of business in this community and our strength and influence comes directly from our members. Many businesses join us for benefits and services or networking opportunities, but many do so simply because they understand the importance of being represented. They get that an investment in us is a direct investment in this community and a successful business environment.”

The Burnaby Board of Trade actually serves as the economic development agency for the City of Burnaby, a fact that many people are unaware of according to Holden. It is a unique model that sets the Burnaby Board of Trade apart from virtually every other board of trade or chamber of commerce in the country.

And with over a hundred new members this week, the Burnaby Board of Trade just gained a great deal more clout in their ability to advocate to all levels of government on behalf of businesses in Burnaby.