Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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Chamber network offers ideas to grow economy
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With winter looking likely to bring a chilling to Canada's economy as well as the weather, The Chamber is urging government to promote investment in business growth that can light the way through winter.
Working with our national network, the chamber is calling on federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland to work together with business.
"Attempting to borrow our way to prosperity would only generate more debt and inflation," Canadian Chamber CEO Perrin Beatty said, noting a better way is to use available "no-cost and low-cost tools" that will increase government revenue and grow the economy. "These measures include reforming regulation, increasing labour force participation and eliminating longstanding barriers to interprovincial trade, while avoiding new taxes and ending rhetoric that portrays Canadian businesses as the problem instead of as partners in growing a stronger economy."
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BC pubs get extended hours for 2023 World Cup
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It will be easier for fans of the world's game to gather together, regardless of the time their favourite nations are kicking off on the other side of the planet. The province announced temporary expanded hours for businesses in BC's hospitality sector. The move won't affect liquor sales and service, but bars, pubs and restaurants will be able to serve non-alcoholic beverages during the extended hours.
The FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar begins Nov. 20 and runs until Dec. 19.
Canada makes its first appearance in the global competition since 1986 with a game against Belgium on Nov. 23.
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Business Leaders Luncheon:
An audit on tax dollars spent in BC
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Who is the independent voice mandated to report on government finances and program performance? It's the Office of Auditor General of BC.
Some of their current work is looking into how $1.5 billion in tourism funding was rolled out, how accurately the province kept track of COVID-19 vaccination rates, how effective the province’s approach to toxic drugs has been, and whether the provincial government has been effective at adding diversity to its workforce.
Join us as we speak with Michael Pickup and share your questions, concerns, and business priorities to help inform and shape the future work of the Office of the Auditor General.
At this luncheon you will learn about how this vital office is adapting to our changing world and embracing flexible, hybrid approaches to work, as they contribute to greater government effectiveness and accountability.
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Thurs., Nov. 10 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.
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2023 Business Awards nominations are now open!
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The Outstanding Customer Service Award honours a business of any size that:
- is a leader in providing exceptional customer service;
- serves as a role model, mentor or example of excellence to other businesses;
- and exhibits a commitment to the community.
Nominees must be able to provide up to 10 testimonials from customers dated within the last 2 years.
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Nominations close: January 18, 2023
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Need some inspiration?
Check out the videos of the 2022 Outstanding Customer Service finalists below. Thanks to Innov8 Digital Solutions Inc. who is our sponsor for this award in 2023.
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Welcoming 1.5 million new Canadians by 2025
A plan to increase the number of people immigrating to Canada is a step in the right direction. Employers are facing a challenging labour market as demographic forecasts show a growing number of job vacancies in the years ahead. The federal government's new plan, announced Tuesday, will see immigration increase by almost 1.5 million over the next three years.
"I think employers in Greater Victoria still want to see details about how the Express Entry system will work to ensure newcomers have the skills needed to fill open positions," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "There are also questions around how the Provincial Nominee Program might help settle new Canadians in Greater Victoria."
The Chamber has worked with our national network to call for better recognition of credentials so that people who choose to live in Canada are able to continue careers they've trained for. We all benefit from the addition of skilled professionals who can make immediate contributions to our economy.
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Immigration event for employers
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is offering a virtual learning series to help employers learn more about Canada’s economic immigration programs. There are four sessions and you can attend as many as you want. Topics include an overview of outreach services for employers, the benefits of hiring global talent and an introduction to work permits.
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New deal will help attract and retain family doctors
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Access to primary health care is an important element of safe communities. The Chamber applauds news that the provincial government is taking serious steps to retain existing family doctors and attract new ones to the province.
A new payment model will be available for family doctors starting in February. The deal will change how patients interact with their doctors, allowing for more focused visits. The current model has been criticized for emphasizing the number of patients seen per day rather than the quality of the visit.
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Key fundraiser for Lifetime Networks returns Nov. 25
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Supporting a diverse and inclusive community is an ongoing Chamber advocacy priority. We all benefit when everyone can participate in the workforce and contribute their creativity to building economic resilience.
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Lifetime Networks: Member since 2013
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Wilson's Group of Companies: Member since 2004
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Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics: Member since 2004
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Max Furniture: Member since 2008
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
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The Importance of Mental Health with CMHA BC CEO Jonny Morris
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It’s obvious all around us how the COVID 19 Pandemic has affected mental health in workplaces and families, as well as in our communities.
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Canadian Mental Health Association: Member since 2022
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Start bidding on select Auction items this week
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Get early access to select items this week during our Early Bird bidding Nov. 1-5. Bid on vacations, exclusive one-on-one discussions with community leaders, home décor and much more. It’s never been easier to shop #ChamberLocalVicBC.
25 items are eligible for Early Bird bidding, including:
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As a major fundraising event for The Chamber, all proceeds from this event support our work as the largest and most influential advocate for business in the region.
Register today to be notified when items become available,
and to get a sneak peek at Early Bird bidding!
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Introducing your 2023 Chamber Board
Thank you to our many members who voted in the Chamber Board Election. Here are the directors who will represent you starting Jan.1:
Directors will be:
Chamber CEO Bruce Williams as a non-voting director.
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Chamber benefits for you and your office
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Are you still working at home? Are you back in the office? Regardless of where you’re currently working, make sure you are comfortable and efficient with exclusive Chamber member discounts from Grand & Toy, Lenovo and Monk Office!
You can save up to 85% off of 7,500 quality office products from furniture, office supplies, tech, facility supplies, and print and promotional products from Grand & Toy.
Save up to 30% on Lenovo’s entire product line including laptops, tablets, servers, and more.
Receive a preferred pricing discount of 10% on all regularly priced office supplies at Monk Office, Vancouver Island’s local office supply store for 70 years.
Restock your workplace this fall with major savings! View more exclusive benefits, discounts, and savings here.
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Find great workers within your industry
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Find the best talent in your industry with The Chamber’s job board!
When you post your next job, be sure to add your "industry type" to ensure your job can be found by the right candidates. The list of industry types is constantly being updated and can be modified to highlight any industry. Don’t see your industry listed? Send us an email!
Also remember to add a specific category for the job in the position title. From Admin and HR to Marketing and Communications positions, you can see all 14 categories here.
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Monk Office moves up the road to new location
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Rogers Media - Jack 103.1 & Ocean 98.5: Member since 1962
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Island Blue Print Co. Ltd.: Member since 1954
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Monk Office: Member since 1976
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Ocean Accelerator Program
South Island Prosperity Partnership: Member since 2017
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VIATEC: Member since 1991
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Help View Royal plan transportation network
Town of View Royal: Member since 2020
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YourPulse@CIBC puts priority on wellness
CIBC has created a personal wellness tracker for employees to ensure mental health remains a priority. YourPulse@CIBC lets employees set and track personalized wellness goals, engage in individual and group challenges and access expert guidance to build healthy habits. Featuring sleep and nutrition guides as well as a healthy habit tracker, up to 10 family members or friends can be invited to participate.
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CIBC: Chamber Champion since 2020
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Blue Buck wins Big at Canada Beer Cup
Phillips Brewing and Malting Co.: Member since 2020
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Royal Caribbean sets sail with renewable diesel
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has launched its first cruise ship powered by renewable diesel. Sailing from the port of Los Angeles to Mexico, the Navigator of the Seas has significantly reduced its carbon emissions while using the ship’s existing engines. The milestone marks a crucial step towards Royal Caribbean’s Destination Net Zero strategy, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.: Member since 2020
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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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Compass Mobile Massage Therapy
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Iron & Wood Golf Simulators
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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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