September 13, 2011 - Business & Homelessness Dialogue

A Leadership Surrey Series Event
Businesses have a stake in the issue of Homelessness.

A 54% survey response rate reflects significant interest in regional homelessness issues
Ending Homelessness is ‘good for business’
Business organizations in the Lower Mainland agree homelessness presents challenges to the daily functions of business
People who are homeless are employable
Over 65% of business organizations felt many people who are homeless are employable
Business has a role in creating solutions to homelessness
73% of responding business organizations supported the notion that the business community should play a role in addressing the issues of housing and homelessness.

Brought to you by the
Surrey Board of Trade’s Social Policy Team

We need your help to create an ACTION PLAN on how business can be a part of the solution to prevent homelessness.

If a strong community creates a strong economy then there’s no time like the present to begin talking about strategic investments and initiatives in Surrey to address homelessness.

AGENDA:

7:30 AM - Registration and Breakfast

8:00 AM - Mary Jane Stenberg, SBOT President How Homelessness in Surrey Impacts Business Profile Surrey Board of Trade’s Action Plans and Government Advocacy

8:10 AM - Surrey Councillor Judy Villeneuve

8:15 AM - Dianna Hurford, Regional Planner Metro Vancouver Homelessness Secretariat
Surrey Results of the 2011 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count

8:30AM - Business Case Studies:
1. Peter Simpson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association
2. Graham Newberry, Realtor, Homelife Benchmark Titus Realty

9:00 AM - Table Ambassador Format Brainstorm – Developing Local Plans – Investing in What Works and how Surrey businesses can be involved

9:30 AM - Compile ideas and Create Action Plan

9:55 AM - Concluding Remarks