Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Chamber election adds strong voices to 2022 Board
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Thank you to all of our members who voted for The Chamber's 2022 Board of Directors. It was a very competitive election this year, with 11 excellent candidates vying for four seats.
Jessica Stigant, Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships for Ocean Networks Canada, and James Gatsi, founder and CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., have been elected to two-year terms on The Chamber Board. Incumbent candidates Rose Arsenault, Agilus Work Solutions and Tom Plumb, Kinetic Construction were also re-elected.
The Chamber holds staggered elections every fall, so we can maintain continuity while ensuring fresh voices are able to join the table.
Jessica, James, Rose and Tom will join John Wilson, Kris Wirk, Christina Clarke, Moira Hauk, Judith Ethier, Pedro Marquez, Richard Michaels, Ann Squires Ferguson as well as past chair Dan Dagg as members of the 2022 board when its term begins on Jan. 1.
"The Chamber is also pleased to announce we will have two other new faces on the board," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We maintain a seat at the table for whoever is the current Base Commander of CFB Esquimalt. So, when Capt. (N) Sam Sader was re-assigned to a new post in Ottawa, we welcomed new Base Commander, Capt. (N) J. Jeffery Hutchinson to the table. As well, the incoming chair of The Chamber’s Prodigy committee, Paul van Koll, will join the board starting Jan. 1, 2022."
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US re-opening land border to Canadian travellers
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News that the US will open its land borders to fully vaccinated Canadians within a few weeks is being welcomed by businesses who depend on the flow of goods and people between countries.
"We know COVID will remain a concern for some time but we also know how to safely reduce our risks," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "Businesses in Greater Victoria have had more than their share of challenges during the pandemic. They're
poised and ready to help our region's economy take flight. As the world begins to re-open and opportunities for economic growth return, we will continue to call on government to take measured steps based on science that allow us to welcome more of the world back to Greater Victoria."
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Black Ball Ferry Line: Member since 1961
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Clipper Navigation Ltd.: Member since 1995
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COVID-19 benefits set to expire Oct. 23
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The Chamber continues to call for the federal government to confirm it will extend the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Both are scheduled to end on Oct. 23, but many businesses continue to face ongoing operating and capacity issues. The tourism and hospitality industry, specifically, needs help making it through the fall and winter.
The federal government had, as of Sept. 26, reportedly paid out $94 billion through the wage subsidy program to 4.4 million employers, as well as about $6.6 billion in rent subsidies to more than 1.6 million organizations.
The Chamber, through our national network, is asking the federal government to replace CEWS and CERS with a program for businesses still hurt by pandemic restrictions, as well as to commit to not introducing new taxes and forgiving interest payments on government-backed loans to businesses that were hardest hit by COVID-19.
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The Chamber Annual General Meeting
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Minister to speak on economic recovery at AGM
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We invite you to join us for our Annual General Meeting. In addition to our usual agenda including recent advocacy wins, and a vote to update the current Chamber bylaws, we have a guest speaker joining us who is as passionate about business as our members.
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Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, will share with members the government's work to support and rebuild our economy. Born and raised in Victoria, Kahlon understands what is needed locally for a StrongerBC.
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Tues., Oct. 19
11:30 AM - 1 PM
Union Club of BC
805 Gordon St., Victoria
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Official notice of a vote to update Chamber By-laws
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This is an important notice for members of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce about a vote to be held at our AGM to add a by-law to our existing governance to establish rules around continuity in leadership in dire situations.
The following is the recommended addition to the bylaws:
Extension of Term in an Emergency
In extraordinary circumstances, such as a natural disaster, pandemic, or an extreme financial situation, the Board of Directors may extend the term of the Chair by an additional year, by a unanimous vote.
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Last week to join a Chamber committee for 2022
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The Chamber has a number of active and engaged committees that report to our Board of Directors. A key reason for the success of our board committees is the involvement of our Chamber members as volunteer committee members.
Each year, there are a few openings on our committees for new members. We are recruiting now for members who will be available starting on Jan. 1, 2022 for at least a two-year term. Here are our committees:
- The Ambassador Committee
- The Prodigy Group
- The Public Policy and Advocacy Committee
- Indigenous Business Task Force
- Committee for the Advancement of Diversity and Inclusion
The opportunity to apply for any of the above committees will be open until Oct. 15, 2021. At the end of the application period, the chair of the committee will be in contact by email or phone.
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Small Business
Month Events
Sponsored by:
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Free webinars exclusive to
Chamber Members
As a member of The Chamber, you have exclusive access to free virtual and interactive workshops.
Each webinar will be led by a Grant Thornton expert and will feature a short presentation followed by a round table discussion. Space is limited to encourage in-depth discussion and opportunity to network in a small, virtual group setting.
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Wed., Oct. 20 | 12-1 PM | Zoom
Wed., Oct. 27 | 12-1 PM | Zoom
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Join us in-person!
Thurs., Oct. 28 | 7:30 - 9:00 AM
Sandman Hotel Victoria
2852 Douglas St., Victoria
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The Chamber wants to help your small business shine!
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In celebration of Small Business Month, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams will be visiting a few lucky members for a Member Spotlight photo that will be shared to The Chamber's social media channels.
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Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #SmallBizVI and tagging @VictoriaChamber or @ChamberVictoria on Twitter.
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If you'd like Bruce to drop by, email communications@victoriachamber.ca with a sentence on what being a small business owner means to you. If selected, we will contact you to set-up the visit. Your municipality’s mayor may also join in the celebration of your business.
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Demand for office space up as workers return
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A new report reveals that 43% of office space being built outside the region's core is already pre-leased. One of the examples cited is Plexxis Software, which is constructing a six-storey concrete and glass headquarters in the City of Langford. The 60,000-square-foot office next to Langford Lake is expected to be finished by 2023.
A return of office workers from their home offices is also expected to reduce vacancy rates in downtown Victoria.
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Plexxis Software: Member since 2020
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City of Langford: Member since 2019
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Women lead the way as employment rises in BC
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Greater Victoria continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. September's numbers from Statistics Canada show our region has an unemployment rate of 4.2%. That's the same as August, and second only to Quebec City's rate of 4.1%. The national rate is 6.9% and BC's rate is 5.9%.
"Women, who have been disproportionally impacted by this pandemic, led BC’s increase in employment for the month of September," Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation said in a news release.
Kahlon, who will be the guest speaker at The Chamber's AGM next week, noted that BC's average hourly wage has risen to $30.74 an hour, a bigger increase in the past five years than any other province.
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
A Chat with
TELUS Business
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The COVID-19 pandemic has seen most of us using technology as a means of communicating, meeting, planning and going about our day-to-day activities.
In this week’s Chamber Chat, Chamber CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Marshall Berkin, VP, Industry Solutions with TELUS Business. Among the significant contributions this Chamber Champion has made to our business community is the advancement of technology and community support for large and small organizations.
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TELUS Communications | TELUS Business: Member since 1962
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TELUS Business: Chamber Champion since 2020
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Special thanks to our series sponsor:
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Showcase your business at the 2021 Auction
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Take a sneak peek at incredible items available at the 2021 Virtual Chamber Auction from Nov. 7 – 14!
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Win a framed closeup image of a bald eagle by photographer Gabriel Taschereau. Printed using archival paper and ink, the frame is 38" wide and 22.5" high - kindly donated by Art In The Barn Gallery
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Learn new moves with Intro to Ballroom & Latin Dancing classes. Including 4 Private Lessons + 2 Group Classes + 2 Practice Party Sessions, they are designed to help beginners and advanced dancers - kindly donated by Arthur Murray Dance Studio
Join Victoria's 1st Certified Responsible Whale Watching operator for a 3 hour tour and discover the wonders of the Salish Sea – kindly donated by Five Star Whale Watching
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Business of the Year (1 – 10 Employees) honours a business that:
- Demonstrates continual business excellence through positive business growth
- Displays a commitment to the community;
- Exemplifies superior customer service;
- Embraces an outstanding commitment to quality;
- Demonstrates leadership and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Need some inspiration?
Check out the videos of the 2021 Business of the Year (1-10 Employees) finalists below. Thanks to the City of Victoria who is our sponsor for this award in 2022.
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Staying healthy this autumn
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In Greater Victoria, finding a family doctor is undoubtedly a difficult task. With cold and flu season quickly approaching, getting a prescription or waiting hours for medical advice can take a serious toll on the productivity of not only yourself, but your business as well.
If you have Chambers Group Insurance, you can now take advantage of Teladoc Telemedicine Services — a fast and efficient way of getting the help you need, when you need it.
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Members can receive a diagnosis, treatment recommendation and even be prescribed medicine when necessary. Members can consult a physician about non-urgent medical matters by video conference or by phone, from wherever they are, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Chambers Plan offers the Teladoc Telemedicine service at no additional charge to all plan members and their dependents. With the Chambers Group Insurance plan, you can customize an employee benefits plan that meets your needs.
Inquire with a Chamber member pharmacy to see if they are offering flu shots this year, and be sure to book your appointment ahead of time. If you’re not yet immunized against COVID-19, learn how to book an appointment here.
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Reach the right candidates with The Chamber’s job board
For an extra $45 USD per job posting, shoot your listing to the top of the job board and increase the amount of job-seekers that view your job offer.
Your job will also have a highlighted “FEATURED” badge and will be published to the Google Jobs Network.
You can also upgrade your previously-posted positions to ensure your job opening gets the most views over time.
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Greater Victoria hotels recognized for excellence
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Oak Bay Beach Hotel: Member since 2011
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Magnolia Hotel: Member since 1998
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Return of Dine Around and Stay in Town
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Destination Greater Victoria: Member since 1988
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BC Restaurant & Food Services Association (BCRFA): Member since 1996
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SIPP announces new board of directors
The South Island Prosperity Partnership: Member since 2017
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University of Victoria: Member since 1976
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University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020
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Beacon Community Services: Member since 2009
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Grant Thornton LLP: Member since 1973
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British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI): Member since 2019
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Raising lifesaving funds with Island grocers
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BC Cancer Foundation - Vancouver Island: Member since 1997
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Fairway Market: Member since 1988
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Quality Foods – View Royal: Member since 2015
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Thrifty Foods: Member since 1981
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Douglas Magazine: Member since 2004
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New bright way to save on energy
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University of Victoria: Member since 1976
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University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020
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City of Victoria: Member since 1962
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Do The Loop raises $28K
Threshold Housing Society has received a $28,000 donation thanks to an initiative that also helped get citizens active. Do The Loop, created by the South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association, brought more than 140 participants together to run, walk or bike around the City of Victoria’s municipal border. Funds will be used to provide housing to at-risk youth.
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Threshold Housing Society: Member since 2010
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City of Victoria: Member since 1962
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Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you
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Member to Member discounts
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Iris Optometrists and Opticians
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Welcome to our newest members!
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