BizNews
November 2, 2022
Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
After a successful October Business Mixer (see event photos here), The Chamber is looking forward to our next Business Mixer on Nov. 17 at Neuromotion Rehab. Learn more about the innovative work being done to help people with neurological conditions and build connections with your peers in Greater Victoria's business community. Register now as space is limited.
BC pubs get extended hours for 2023 World Cup
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.
Business Leaders Luncheon:
An audit on tax dollars spent in BC
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.
Thurs., Nov. 10 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.
Sponsored by:
2023 Business Awards nominations are now open!
Each week, The Chamber will profile two of the 14 different award categories, encouraging members to nominate a deserving Chamber member.
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.
Nominations close: January 18, 2023
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.
Winner: Coastal Heat Pumps 
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.
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.
New deal will help attract and retain family doctors
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.
Key fundraiser for Lifetime Networks returns Nov. 25
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.

Lifetime Networks, named non-profit of the year at The Chamber's 2017 Business Awards, is an organization dedicated to supporting community. This year, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Lifetime Networks is once again hosting its important annual Gala and Auction on Nov. 25. Sponsored by the Wilson’s Group of Companies, Maximum Express Couriers and Max Furniture, the fundraiser is vital to helping Lifetime Networks continue helping people with disabilities and their families.
Lifetime Networks: Member since 2013
Wilson's Group of Companies: Member since 2004
Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics: Member since 2004
Max Furniture: Member since 2008
Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
The Importance of Mental Health with CMHA BC CEO Jonny Morris
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.

In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams discusses mental health management, treatment and understanding with Jonny Morris, CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Division.
Canadian Mental Health Association: Member since 2022
Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings
Start bidding on select Auction items this week
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:
Royal Caribbean International will take you into the heart of some of the most enchanting islands of the Caribbean on this seven night cruise for two! On board, you and a guest will enjoy a luxurious oceanview stateroom, Michelin star chef cuisine creations, and World Class service as you discover the Caribbean islands of St. Maarten, Cayman Islands, Belize, Cozumel, St Kitts & Nevis, to name a few.
Enjoy a Website SEO Audit and Report courtesy of Caorda Web Solutions. Have a team of experts take a deep-dive into your website and identify the best options to improve your website.
Whether you're going back to school or know an eager student, this Camosun College Student Survival Kit is the perfect basket to prepare for post-secondary learning. This basket features nearly 50 branded and non-branded items, edible and non-edible, that students are sure to enjoy!
Is there anything better than ice cream? How about one ice cream sandwich per week for a full year? With the Cold Comfort SUPERFAN Ice Cream Lover's package, enjoy a tasty treat every week of the year plus one large ice cream cake to top it all off.
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!
Sponsored by:
Media Partner:
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:
Kris Wirk, with Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants, will take on the role of Board Chair, while Christina Clarke from the Indigenous Prosperity Centre becomes the new Vice-Chair.
 
Directors will be:
James Gatsi from CL Web Developers Inc.
Capt. (N) J. Jeffery Hutchinson of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt
Ann Squires Ferguson from Western Design+Build
Josue Dubon from DesignWealth, represents the Prodigy Group as a non-voting director
Rose Arsenault from Agilus Work Solutions
Pedro Márquez from Royal Roads University
Judith Ethier from the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Jessica Stigant from Ocean Networks Canada
Richard Michaels from MACCRIM Solutions
Fallon Lindsay from Kinetic Construction
John Wilson, from The Wilson's Group of Companies, moves to Past Chair
Chamber CEO Bruce Williams as a non-voting director.
Chamber benefits for you and your office
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.
Find great workers within your industry
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.
If you have any questions about the job board or need assistance posting, email [email protected]
Member News
Monk Office moves up the road to new location

On Nov. 1, Monk Office celebrated the grand opening of Monk Office & Art at 905 Fort St. The location previously housed Island Blue Print Co. Ltd., and the new store will offer fine art supplies and framing, as well as the copy/print services Monk Office is known for. This Saturday from 10am – 3pm, Rogers Media - Jack 103.1 & Ocean 98.5 will be on site for the celebration, featuring door prizes and gift baskets for customers.
Rogers Media - Jack 103.1 & Ocean 98.5: Member since 1962
Island Blue Print Co. Ltd.: Member since 1954
Monk Office: Member since 1976
Ocean Accelerator Program

South Island Prosperity Partnership and VIATEC have launched the COAST Venture Acceleration Program (CVAP) to assist BC based ocean innovations entrepreneurs to achieve success. With online training and coaching sessions, the six- to eight-month program aims to grow early-stage entrepreneurs to help launch businesses and enable them to scale up.

South Island Prosperity Partnership: Member since 2017
VIATEC: Member since 1991
Help View Royal plan transportation network

The Town of View Royal is hosting bike tours this weekend to gain feedback on the municipality’s Active Transportation Network Plan. Each tour lasts two hours and will explore existing transportation infrastructure such as the E&N Rail Trail and Galloping Goose Regional Trail.

Town of View Royal: Member since 2020
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.
CIBC: Member since 1901
CIBC: Chamber Champion since 2020
Blue Buck wins Big at Canada Beer Cup

Phillips Brewing and Malting Co. won a gold medal at the Canada Beer Cup for Blue Buck Ale. Earning their spot within the North American Amber Ale category, Blue Buck beat breweries in Langley and Regina to take the top spot.

Phillips Brewing and Malting Co.: Member since 2020
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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Member to Member Discounts
Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.
Welcome to our Newest Members!
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250-383-7191 
victoriachamber.ca