The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce appointed its second youngest president in 100 years.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the chamber held its annual general meeting on March 20, at the Rancho, and 31-year-old Mike Welte, of Farm Credit Canada, was presented the official president's gavel by outgoing president Patrick Giesbrecht
The youngest president in chamber history was Sat Gill who was elected in 2003 at the age of 28.
Welte will serve a two year term.
“2013 is a year of celebration for the chamber.” said Welte.
“Be sure to join us at our Community Family Picnic which will be held July 24th at the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery and in October at The Reach Gallery & Museum which are the special events that mark the Abbotsford Chamber’s 100th year.”
Also introduced during the AGM were newly elected directors Joshua Bach (vice-president), Brandon Kelley (treasurer), Kenda Allen, Hilary Beard, Sara Lawson, John McDonald, Cameron Wilson and Mark Dana.
Continuing directors include Suzanne Greening, Rick Rake, Doris Woodman-McMillan and Parm Sidhu.
Honorary legal council is Doug Lester. In addition, the board has two community liaisons: Councillor John Smith (City of Abbotsford) and Rupinder Chahal (Fraser Valley Indo Canadian Business Association).
The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization comprised of approximately 800 professional, business, community and individual persons. Working in partnership with the business community, our mission is to represent, serve and connect our members to build and sustain a thriving business community in Abbotsford.