We accelerate business success
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.
Our purpose is to lead, unite and champion business to ensure Greater Vancouver is thriving and our region is the best place to live and work. Our mission is to provide leadership, information and connections, and public policy support that help ensure the Greater Vancouver region is competitive and the preferred Pacific Gateway for trade, commerce and travel.
We impact those who work, live, or visit here
Our efforts and influence have resulted in major and lasting benefits to businesses, residents, and visitors alike. Some of our notable successes include:
- The Canada Line to YVR
- The Nexus pass that expedites passage between U.S. and Canadian borders
- The Greater Vancouver Economic Scorecard 2018, which measured our region among 20 jurisdictions across the globe
- Bringing many elite speakers to Vancouver, such as Bill Clinton (more than once), Hillary Clinton, Justin Trudeau, Richard Branson, and many more who have addressed the business community with their thought leadership and knowledge.
Our purpose, mission, and vision
OUR PURPOSE: To lead, unite and champion business to ensure Greater Vancouver is thriving and our region is the best place to live and work.
OUR VISION: To be an active, innovative, trusted, credible business organization, known for influencing decision-makers, and educating, connecting with, and engaging our communities.
OUR MISSION: To provide leadership, information and connections, and public policy support that help ensure the Greater Vancouver region is competitive and the preferred Pacific Gateway for trade, commerce, and travel.
WE ARE informed, respectful, principled, collaborative, and professional.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
STRONGER TOGETHER
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that embraces, encourages, supports and celebrates our employees, volunteers and our board of directors' dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, spiritual beliefs, political beliefs, and other ideologies. Diverse perspectives draw on different concepts, ideas and experience and enriches decision making and our effectiveness.
The health and well being of our organization is our number one priority and we have zero tolerance for discrimination.
Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of our Purpose: To lead, unite and champion business to ensure Greater Vancouver is thriving and our region is the best place to live and work. By embracing, including and celebrating our differences, we are stronger.
We are committed to championing diversity and ensuring inclusion in all that we do to better represent the Greater Vancouver business community.
Commitment to Reconciliation
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade recognizes and respects that our programs, events, and services are located on the territory of Indigenous Peoples, specifically the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations. We acknowledge the inherent rights, title, and relationship that Indigenous people have to their unceded territory, and the suffering and systemic inequities faced by Indigenous Peoples.
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is committed to reconciliation and will demonstrate this by supporting Indigenous Peoples in the communities we serve. With a mandate to lead, unite and champion business to ensure Greater Vancouver is thriving, we will work towards a shared vision to make Vancouver stronger and a region that thrives on its true history, partnerships and business landscape.
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is committed to our role in addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, specifically Calls to Action 92ii and 92iii, which outline a reconciliation framework for the corporate sector to adopt the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Our Approach
Education and Awareness
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will actively work to build knowledge and awareness, both internally and externally, to increase understanding of Indigenous Peoples including the history and legacy of residential schools, UNDRIP, including the Calls to Action and Treaties.
Meaningful Inclusion
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will work to include Indigenous Peoples throughout the organization, ensuring they have seat at the table, including the Board of Directors, Advisory Committees, staff and management, and as part of community events and programming.
Economic Partnership
We believe the future prosperity of our region is dependent on a foundation of respect with Indigenous communities. Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will work to foster relationships and build trust with local Indigenous Nations centred on economic and community development. We commit to working in partnership with Indigenous communities on economic development projects and initiatives to provide sustainable local economic benefits for all.