Abbotsford has a unique identity in the Fraser Valley region, the province, and within Canada. Its agricultural base, which yields more revenue per acre than any other agricultural area in the nation, serves as an economic anchor.

The Abbotsford economy is becoming increasingly diversified with growing aerospace and manufacturing sectors. The city has also recently set aside significant land for industrial expansion.

Our proximity to Metro Vancouver and the United States, a recently completed regional hospital and cancer centre along with a top-tier university and international airport positions our community as one with the social capital and physical infrastructure to take advantage of opportunities presented by this global economy.

It must also be acknowledged, however, that we are part of a larger region.

Fraser Valley communities are increasingly recognized collectively as a region with a character and collection of assets quite distinct and separate from Vancouver.

On Nov. 20, 2012 the City of Abbotsford will host the first Abbotsford Economic Summit at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre to highlight opportunities and challenges ahead.

The Abbotsford Economic Symposium will effectively showcase and celebrate the distinct economic advantages the region enjoys while discussing and learning from a renowned group of experts about what it will take to propel our city and our region into the next wave of opportunities presented by the world emerging economies.

Symposium attendees and sponsor partners will be invited to learn from panelists and presenters, including highly regarded experts in economics, finance, demographics and global politics.

Importantly, the symposium is not about just the work of the city bureaucrats alone - it is about the community stakeholders that will participate in the building of our region with their expertise and resources.

Lastly, the symposium will serve as a reminder that all municipalities in the Fraser Valley, with their mix of unique economic attributes are open to both the risks and opportunities presented by the dynamic competitive forces at work within our city, our region and around the world.

The symposium will be a call to action and hopefully become a catalyst to capitalize on the synergies that result from working together.

? For more information, including an agenda, ticket prices or to order tickets, visit abbotsford.ca or call 604-864-5586 for corporate tables.