Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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Huge turnout for first Business Hall of Fame |
Dressed up in their finest formal wear, almost 500 people celebrated Greater Victoria’s legends of business Wednesday night at the Victoria Conference Centre.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s launch of the Business Hall of Fame presented by RBC came after more than a year of planning and a few pandemic-related delays. The wait was worth it.
The inspirational stories of triumph and accomplishment drew loud applause and even a few tears of joy as the first inductees into the Business Hall of Fame took their place among our region’s pantheon of entrepreneurial excellence.
“We’ve been anticipating this for so long and it truly delivered for everyone who was here,” Chamber Chair John Wilson said. “Our business community was tested by the pandemic. I’m not going to lie — it was tough for a lot of people. So having a celebration of business in Greater Victoria was cathartic. It’s so good to be together with the many people who have played key roles in the development of our region’s economy. These are legends who deserve to be honoured so they can inspire all of us going forward.
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Celebrating 110 years as your local florist |
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Permanent plan for limit on food-delivery fees |
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Businesses thrive on certainty. So, knowing the costs of delivery services is a major win for restaurants that have spent the last few years building up their home delivery business.
Early in the pandemic, the provincial government placed a temporary limit on how much food delivery companies can charge. Last week, the province said it was moving to make the change permanent.
“Transforming the temporary delivery fee cap into a permanent model is a game changer for the recovery of our industry and setting restaurants up to be able to thrive in the future,” said Ian Tostenson, president and CEO, BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association in a news release.
The 15% cap on food and 5% cap on additional fees was set to expire at the end of the year.
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BC Restaurant and Food Services Association: Member since 1996 |
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Cap lifted on hours international students can work |
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Having access to a larger workforce will help us better achieve our economic potential. Allowing students to earn more money without interfering in their studies will also improve the economic situation of new graduates. Canada also relies on immigration to meet employment forecasts, and having people who have studied and worked here will only help with the adjustment to Canadian society.
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TOMORROW
Virtual Mingle
Hire a Post-Secondary Student
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Are you a business owner looking for exceptional talent to add to your work team right now before the busy holiday season?
Over 150 students have already registered to be hired by business leaders like you!
The Prodigy Group is hosting a special networking event for international students and their spouses who are eligible to work in Canada. Creating that bridge to local employers like yourself might make Greater Victoria their forever home.
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Thurs., Oct. 13 | 5 - 6 PM
Virtual via Airmeet
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RapidBus to West Shore a boon soon for commuters |
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"RapidBus is transit service that outperforms the personal automobile in speed, comfort and reliability," states BC Transit's website. "It is connected, frequent, fast and reliable."
The idea is to provide faster and more convenient transit to encourage more people to use the bus to commute. The goal is to go from 80,000 daily transit users today to 200,000 by 2038.
Better transit is one solution for improving transportation planning in Greater Victoria — something The Chamber continues to advocate for.
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BC Transit: Member since 1999 |
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Saturday elections will shape local governments |
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By next week, we'll know who voters have elected to govern the municipalities, school districts and electoral areas in Greater Victoria. The Chamber urges all of our members who are eligible to vote to exercise your democratic right. |
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Step 1: Who is running in your municipality? |
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Step 2: How to find out more information on candidates? |
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We're lucky in Greater Victoria to have a number of sources of great journalism committed to keeping democracy healthy. Here are a few sources this week to help you learn more about the Oct. 15 election.
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams |
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What's Next for the Belleville Terminal? |
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Chamber CEO Bruce Williams discusses the proposed design and construction of the Belleville Terminal and its impact on cross-border travel to and from the United States with The Hon. Rob Fleming, BC's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
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Celebrate Small Business Month |
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Small businesses make up the fabric of Vancouver Island’s economy. Come celebrate the power of small businesses with the Small Business Month events throughout October! Presented by Grant Thornton LLP and media partners 98.5 The Ocean and 103.1 Jack FM.
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Small Business Month Member Networking Breakfast |
After casual networking over breakfast, The Chamber Team will take the floor to begin the intros. At each table, guests will have a chance to introduce themselves and their businesses in a 60 second elevator pitch.
Facilitated by The Chamber, attendees will connect with nearly everyone in the room. Try it out for yourself & grow your business!
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Wed., Oct. 19 | 8 - 9:30 AM
308 Catherine St - Upstairs in the Tap Room, Victoria
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The Chamber Auction is back this November
Last chance to be featured! 2022 Chamber Auction
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As we prepare for bidding to start on Nov. 6, we'll be featuring incredible items that will be up for grabs at our 2022 Chamber Auction!
Invite your friends and family to this two-night stay for up to 20 guests at The West Coast River Lodge, located north of Port Alberni! Discover an atmosphere of restful comfort and charm.
Get massive exposure for you and your business by getting your story on timescolonist.com and in print. Your content will be featured on The Times Colonist home page for three days, guaranteeing at least 1,200 reads. This package also includes a 3x4 ad in the TC print edition.
Have you ever wanted to enjoy a nice meal or drink outdoors but it’s too cold? Thanks to FortisBC, you can now enjoy your meal outside without getting the shivers thanks to this powerful natural gas patio heater!
Relax at the top of the world with DoubleTree Victoria! Enjoy a one-night stay in a Penthouse Suite and indulge with dinner and drinks for two at the new Stone Ground Pizza Company. Make your stay complete with breakfast for two and parking for one vehicle.
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Get your prescriptions delivered right to your door |
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PocketPills is a proudly Canadian online pharmacy and technology company that provides free home delivery for prescription medications — often by the next business day. They also offer direct access to their team of pharmacists by text, live chat, phone or email. And their app allows individuals to manage not only their own prescription needs, but also those of family members.
Plan members are also eligible for an extra 10% drug co-insurance coverage on prescription drugs filled through PocketPills. Get more coverage for the same cost to you and your employees.
Looking for more information on how to use this new benefit? For more than 25 years, RDF Group Ltd has helped Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce members design a Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance plan reflecting the size and requirements of their businesses. For more information, contact Ryan at RDF Group. |
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Work for a Chamber Champion! |
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When you’re searching for your next employer, look no further than a Chamber Champion!
Featured on The Chamber’s job board, Chamber Champions are offering great career opportunities for talented individuals across Greater Victoria.
Visit The Chamber’s job board and find new opportunities today.
If you have any questions about The Chamber’s job board, please contact [email protected]
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Welcome to The Chamber team! |
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The Chamber is pleased to welcome Hanna Bohm to the team as our new Events Coordinator.
Hanna attended the University of Victoria and completed a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Environmental Studies. While studying at UVic she spent her summers working in adventure tourism. Through her summer work, Hanna discovered her passion for planning, managing, and facilitating activities and events. This led her to further her education in Ottawa at Algonquin College in their Event Management Program.
Hanna is excited to be joining the team and looks forward to the opportunity to build her skills and experiences.
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Greater Victoria recognized globally for charm
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City of Victoria: Member since 1863 |
Fairmont Empress: Member since 1913 |
New office tower proposed for downtown
Victoria City Council has unanimously approved plans for a 10-storey office tower on the corner of Yates and Blanshard. Proposed by Jawl Properties, the development would feature 144 parking stalls, 120 bike parking spaces, and ground-floor commercial space. The development is now moving forward to a public hearing.
Jawl Residential Ltd: Member since 2019
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KPMG implements Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan
KPMG LLP has implemented a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan to further grow an equitable and inclusive culture. The multi-year strategy includes the dedication of significant resources and investments to create long-term, sustainable economic and social benefits for Indigenous Peoples. Annual reports will be published on the firms progress.
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KPMG LLP: Member since 1962 |
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you |
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Lean construction creating sustainable success
Kinetic Construction has been featured in Douglas Magazine for their lean approach to construction. After implementing increased communication practices, reducing inventory, and focusing on efficiency, the company has seen less time and resources being wasted and more projects being completed on time.
Kinetic Construction: Member since 2018
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Little libraries, big impact
The Little Free Library project has opened its 650 th library in the Capital Regional District (CRD). Since 2017, more than 75,000 books have been provided to residents of Greater Victoria. |
Capital Regional District (CRD): Member since 1993 |
CARE Awards highlights building excellence
The Gold winners of the 2022 CARE Awards have been announced, presenting more than 40 awards to builders, designers, and suppliers across the West Coast of Canada. Gold winners at the event included:
BC Housing: Excellence in Creating Housing Affordability and Environmental Achievement Award winners
Concert Properties: Best Condominium Project or Mixed-Use Development, Best Customer Service, and Project of the Year – Multi-Family winner
BC Housing: Member since 2021
Habitat for Humanity Victoria: Member since 2021
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Concert Properties / Capital Park Residences: 2012 |
Brown’s the Florist grand reopening
Brown’s The Florist is hosting a grand reopening celebration this Saturday. Marking 110 years as a local business, Brown’s newly renovated location at 757 Fort St. will invite guests to learn more about their history and to pick out a beautiful bouquet.
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Brown’s The Florist: Member since 1981 |
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Member to Member Discounts |
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BC Ferries Connector operated by the Wilson's Group |
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Welcome to our Newest Members! |
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Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags? |
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250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
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