Description

Shawn Crowley: is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service.  Shawn previously served as the Deputy Chief of Mission to the U.S. Missions to Italy and San Marino.  In Washington, he was in charge of the office dealing with western Europe, served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and worked in the Executive Secretariat and Operations Center.  Abroad, he has been the Deputy Chief of Mission in the Netherlands, political/economic counselor in Kosovo, and also has served in Libya, Austria, Israel, Germany, Trinidad and Tobago, and Kuwait.  During a previous assignment at U.S. Embassy Ottawa, he was responsible for fisheries and border negotiations with Canada, as well as cross-border Indian/First Nations issues.  He received a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Georgetown University and a master’s in national security strategy from the National War College.  He and his spouse, Sabine, have two grown children and three grandchildren.

Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is proud to present this month's Leaders Lunch & AGM with support from BC Dairy.  This premier afternoon networking event is designed to bring together our valued Abbotsford Chamber members to connect with peers and engage in meaningful dialogue on the issues shaping our local economy. 

On Wednesday, March 25th 2026, we are delighted to host U.S. Consul General Shawn Crowley, as our keynote speaker to share his perspectives on the current and potential future economic relationship between our two nations.  Consul General Crowley brings a wealth of experience from previous appointments across the globe as a career member of the U.S. Department of State's Senior Foreign Service. We are delighted to host the Consul General and believe his insights will provide tremendous value to businesses who are trading, or exploring trade opportunities, with our friends in the United States.

Meet Our Director Candidates for the AGM

Dan Teillet is a seasoned commercial banking leader and lifelong Abbotsford resident with a deep personal and professional commitment to the Fraser Valley business community. He grew up in Abbotsford and is a graduate of Yale Secondary School, giving him strong, firsthand appreciation for the region’s people, industries, and entrepreneurial spirit.

As a Regional Manager in Commercial Banking, Dan brings extensive experience in business finance, strategic planning, risk management, and relationship‑based leadership. Throughout his career, he has partnered closely with entrepreneurs and mid‑market companies to support sustainable growth, navigate complex financial environments, and build long‑term value.

Dan’s professional perspective is grounded not only in financial expertise, but also in a genuine understanding of the local economy shaped by decades of living and working in Abbotsford. He is passionate about fostering a resilient business environment that supports job creation, innovation, and community prosperity.

Now raising his family in Abbotsford, Dan remains deeply invested in the city’s future. As a Director with the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, he contributes strategic insight, governance experience, and a strong local lens to advance the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, member engagement, and economic development initiatives.

Dan is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, principled decision‑making, and commitment to strengthening the community that has shaped both his career and his family’s life.

Nolan Baerg is the Chief Financial Officer of Columbia Kitchen Cabinets, a company that has been actively part of the Abbotsford community since the early1970s.

He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, from the University of the Fraser Valley in 2014, and later received his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 2018.

Nolan is proud to join the Chamber of Commerce, and is committed to supporting Abbotsford’s rapidly growing community through the success of local businesses and leadership.

In his spare time, Nolan enjoys both coaching and playing sports. He is also a professional musician, who is involved in local symphonies, big bands, concert bands, and musicals.

Sara Tebbutt Albert has deep family roots in Abbotsford and is committed to supporting the local business community. She's proud to have built a female founded law firm in Historic Downtown Abbotsford that serves families and businesses of the Fraser Valley. Sara has built her practice to provide practical legal advice and exceptional client service. Albert & Co. Law LLP is focused on estates (Wills, Trusts, Probate, Estate Litigation, and everything in between), work that requires both legal expertise and a high degree of empathy and compassion. Sara and her team regularly guide families through some of life's most significant and sensitive moments.  

Sara currently serves as a member of the Women's Leadership Community Council with the Chamber, and looks forward to being further engaged with the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and its important work advocating for local businesses and creating opportunities for business owners and community leaders to connect with one another.  

When she isn't working, Sara can usually be found cheering on her kids at their many activities