Your Chamber just got a new boss, you know him
Good morning from the Valley — the fields are talking, the rivers are moving, and we've got stories from five communities that matter.
Okay, so out here in the Valley, when we talk about who’s steering the ship, especially when it comes to business and getting things done, the Chamber of Commerce is a big deal. And the Abbotsford Chamber just announced its new board for 2026-27, with Sam Varing stepping in as president, taking over from Paul Penner. This isn’t just some bureaucratic shuffle; this is about who will be advocating for our local businesses, from the big berry packers on Sumas Prairie to the storefronts along South Fraser Way. It’s about ensuring our economic future is rooted here, not just dictated by decisions made in downtown Vancouver.
### Why This Matters for Us
Sam Varing is a name many of you will recognize. He’s been deeply involved in our community for a while, and his leadership comes at a crucial time. We’re still rebuilding after the floods, dealing with rising costs, and navigating tricky agricultural land issues. Having someone at the helm who understands the unique challenges and opportunities we face out here in the Fraser Valley – that’s vital. Paul Penner did a solid job, especially during some really tough years, and passing the torch to someone with Sam's background feels like a natural progression.
* **Local Representation:** This board represents the heartbeat of Abbotsford’s economy, from manufacturing to farming, retail to tech. * **Advocacy Power:** They’re the voice that goes to city hall and even Victoria, pushing for policies that help our businesses thrive. * **Community Connection:** These are local people making local decisions, which is something we value deeply out here.
This isn't just a name change; it’s about the direction of Abbotsford’s economic narrative. It’s about ensuring our specific needs – whether it’s infrastructure for agricultural transport or support for small businesses in historic Clayburn Village – are heard loud and clear. For folks living and working here, from Matsqui to Bradner, the Chamber’s leadership directly impacts the opportunities available to us, the services we get, and the general prosperity of our neighbours.
Harpreet Gill-Thiessen, Morning Wire, Abbotsford.
My colleagues on the morning show dive into this stuff every day — catch them live at mornings.live.