Leaders Lunch – Spotlight on Agriculture and Food Security

Focused on food security and community safety, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Leaders Lunch to unveil the Abbotsford Community Foundation's 2024 ‘Vital Signs Report’.

Every 2 years, the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF) commissions a data driven report on the health and well being of Abbotsford. From community belonging, to public safety, to housing and homelessness, and other key indicators, Abbotsford's Vital Signs report helps identify trends, challenges, opportunities, and where we are as a community.

Vital Signs reports are historically used by residents, business, community organizations, universities and colleges, and government leaders to take action and direct resources where they will have the greatest impact. This year's Vital Signs Report and Leaders Lunch will take place at the Clarion Hotel in Abbotsford from 11:30AM -1:30PM featuring a moderated panel of local experts: 

• Dr. Lenore Newman, Director, Food and Agriculture Institute, University of the Fraser Valley, and Canada Research Chair in Food and Agriculture Innovation 
  • Lenore Newman is the Director of the Food and Agriculture Institute at the University of the Fraser Valley where she holds a full professorship and research chair in food and agriculture innovation. Lenore is a past Canada Research Chair in Food Security and the Environment and an emeritus member of the Royal Society of Canada's New College. Lenore consults with industry in the areas of controlled environment agriculture, alternative proteins, and rare fruit and vegetables. She is the author of Speaking in Cod Tongues and the award-winning Lost Feast, and her third book, Dinner on Mars, coauthored with Dr. Evan Fraser, was published in 2022. She holds a BSc in Physics from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in Environmental Studies from York University.
• Rebecca Thuro, Manager of Food Security at Archway Community Services 
  • Rebecca Thuro has worked in Food Security at Archway Food Bank for over 10 years. Over the years she has been in many different roles, from front line of client services to program coordination and development, to marketing and philanthropy, to supervision and now management. Rebecca was one of the key players in the development of the Starfish Pack Program, and Toys for Tots Christmas Brunch, two programs that support the health and wellness of children in Abbotsford.  In the newest role of Food Security Manager, Rebecca continues to champion the community and our commitment to cultivating a food secure, sustainable, and interconnected local food system where everyone has equitable access to food.
• Colin Watson, Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department 
  • Colin Watson was appointed the Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police in November 2023 and brings 27 years of policing experience to the AbbyPD. Chief Watson has an impressive background of policing expertise, including a comprehensive and unique range of leadership, management, and supervisory experiences, both operationally and administratively. He has committed to the community of Abbotsford to work tirelessly, supporting the incredible work being done by our members, civilian staff and volunteers to make Abbotsford a safe place to call home. Prior to joining the AbbyPD, Chief Watson served the Victoria Police Department, starting as a Constable and progressing through the ranks to Deputy Chief Constable having spent time in both Operations and Administration. Chief Watson is honoured to be selected to lead the highly reputable AbbyPD and serve the City of Abbotsford.
• Mike Sikora, Housing, Homelessness and Community Development Specialist at the City of Abbotsford
  • Mike Sikora is a resident of Abbotsford, where he has lived with his wife and two daughters for the past 19 years. Professionally, Mike is a Registered Social Worker with diverse experience addressing homelessness, substance use, and mental health. His background includes work in homeless shelters, addiction treatment centers, health authority mental health clinical supports, and 9 years of service within local government.

    In his current role as the Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development, Senior Manager with the City of Abbotsford, Mike has often been referred to as a civic social worker. He integrates this approach by bridging systems, supporting community collaboration, and responding to social challenges.

You can read more about the significance of the Vital Signs Report release here.

         Dr. Lenore Newman                     Rebecca Thuro             Chief Constable Colin Watson

              Mike Sikora