Abbotsford Executives Association

What is the Abbotsford Executives Association?

A 5 person Steering Committee initiated the Abbotsford Executives Association (AEA) in early 2002. This committee was comprised of; Randy Blair (Abbotsford News), Ron Downe (Robertson, Downe and Mullally), Gord Holloway (KPMG), Jeff Sterzuk (Investors Group) and Perry Flaman (MSA Moving). Following 3 months of weekly meetings and planning 40 Abbotsford businesses were invited to attend an information meeting. From that meeting, 29 “Charter invitees” became members. Since then, many new businesses have joined to bring us to our membership of 53 member firms at the end of 2005.

The objectives of the AEA are to institute and maintain a method for the exchanging and interchanging of business information among Members of the Association; to create an agency to bring its Members in touch with business opportunities; to create and encourage local, national and foreign trade expansion of its members; to promote acquaintances and closer association among the Members.

In a former survey of our membership we determined the main reasons for joining the AEA were as follows:

Building Long-Term Business Relationships
Networking for Future Business
Learning New ideas from Peers (the Leaders in the Abbotsford Business Community)

It was interesting to note in the survey that the social benefit of joining the AEA was not very important to most members as it was ranked as the 5th. However, the membership indicated in the survey they were “very satisfied” with the social atmosphere. While the AEA is attempting to help our membership achieve their 3 major objectives as indicated above we endeavour to do so in a reasonably light atmosphere that is enjoyable and comfortable.


	AEA Objectives.

The purpose of the Abbotsford Executives Association shall be to institute and maintain a method for the exchanging and interchanging of business information among Members of the Association;

To create an agency to bring its members in touch with business opportunities;
To create and encourage cooperation, business efficiency and service of its Members;
To encourage local, national and foreign trade expansion of its Members.
To promote better acquaintances and closer association among its Members.


	Member firms receive many benefits from the AEA.

Foremost is the opportunity to meet and establish business relationships with executive decision makers from Abbotsford area firms in a wide variety of professions and industries. Members enjoy an ongoing exchange of business information with other top executives.

This business information is often directly relevant to members businesses and also provides a broader perspective on the economy. Participation means establishing business relationships and friendships and doing business with member firms based on mutual respect and trust.