Former Surrey Board of Trade CEO to lead B.C. automotive retailers association

Anita Huberman, former head of the Surrey Board of Trade, will become president and CEO of the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) of British Columbia effective Nov. 16. The ARA is B.C.’s largest automotive trade association. It represents more than 1,000 businesses and was established in 1951. The association announced the appointment on Nov. 6, saying Huberman is joining at a time of significant transformation for B.C.’s automotive industry.

Now living in Vancouver, Huberman described the province’s automotive sector as an interconnected economic ecosystem spanning vehicle sales and service, collision repair, recycling, glass, towing and the skilled workforce that supports those areas. She said she hopes to bring those voices together, strengthen the ARA’s provincial presence and work with industry and government on a competitive, innovative and resilient sector that contributes to economic growth in every region of the province.

Huberman replaces Adrian Scovell at the ARA. She spent 31 years with the Surrey Board of Trade, including 18 as its president and CEO, and left in August 2024. Joslyn Young later took over as head of the organization. The Surrey Board of Trade merged with the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce to form the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.