Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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Industry coalition urges end to dispute hurting hospitality industries
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The Chamber has added our voice to an open letter on behalf of BC's hospitality, tourism, accommodation, liquor and cannabis retail businesses.
“The craft brewers and the local distilleries, people like that are having problems because the people that are on strike are the ones that would put their product on the shelves of stores,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told CHEK News. "So they’re now wondering whether they have to stop production and lay people off.”
These businesses are at risk if the strike continues and "will unfairly bear the brunt of serious economic consequences including business closures and layoffs, cancelled events such as concerts and weddings, loss of consumer confidence, and damage to BC’s reputation among tourists and consumers," the letter states.
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"Up until 2020, B.C.’s hospitality and tourism sector was growing faster than the provincial economy as a whole, with more than $22.3 billion in revenue annually, and supporting more than 250,000 jobs. But two years of restrictive Public Health orders, mandated closures, and capacity limits caused losses in business, revenue, and workforce, and left us with high debt loads and depleted bank accounts. Approximately 20% of businesses in our sector did not survive the pandemic. The rest are still struggling to recover."
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Province offers $118 million to help doctors in BC
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Access to a family doctor is one of the keys to ensuring safe communities, which are fundamental to good business.
To try and stabilize the situation, the province announced today that it is providing $118 million through a partnership with Doctors of BC. The funds will be used over four months, starting Oct. 1, to support operational costs for family doctors and medical clinics.
About 3,480 family doctors who have their own practices and 1,100 family doctors working in walk-in clinics are expected to receive funding. That represents more than 70% of family doctors working in the province.
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Harbour Air completes historic all-electric test flight
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Innovation led by business is vital to addressing climate change. A prime example is the work being done by Harbour Air to switch to an all-electric fleet. On Aug. 18, that goal came a little closer as the company celebrated the successful 45 mile flight of a De Havilland Beaver. The plane was completely retrofitted in 2019 to operate using 100% electricity.
“I am excited to report that this historic flight on the ePlane went exactly as planned” said Kory Paul, Harbour Air’s Vice President of Flight Operations.
To stay up to speed on the latest progress from Harbour Air, go to ePlane Updates.
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Harbour Air Seaplanes: Member since 1993
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Tourism stats show strong recovery underway
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Greater Victoria's tourism sector continues to bounce back. Statistics are tracking ahead of last year and even 2019 in some categories. Chemistry Consulting's latest Tourism Bulletin shows the rate of an average hotel room in June was higher than the same month in 2019. Hotel occupancy was 77.85%, compared to 38.22% last year and 83.79% in 2019.
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Chemistry Consulting: Member since 2006
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Introducing our Business Hall of Fame Inductees
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In the coming weeks, The Chamber will be highlighting our inaugural Business Hall of Fame inductees starting with previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.
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Terry Farmer knows the power of helping people. After all, if he hadn’t offered to help his father build Chateau Victoria, he might never have known how much fun the tourism sector can be.
Farmer joined the chamber movement at the age of 22, and served as President in 1972 before moving across the country to pursue his career. Back on the Island, he opened a motor inn in Victoria and went on to found Accent Inns and Hotel Zed, which are now run by his daughter Mandy Farmer.
He is a founding member of Destination Greater Victoria (formerly Tourism Victoria), founding Chair of the Pacific Sport National Training Centre, and the recipient of numerous accolades.
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Terry Farmer was awarded the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
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Wed., Oct. 5 | 5-9 PM
Victoria Conference Centre
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Early Bird ticket sales end Aug. 31
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Network and learn with The Chamber this fall
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Get outside with Prodigy and Take a Hike Foundation
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Join the Prodigy Group and Take A Hike Foundation to reflect and connect with one another in nature. Counsellors will guide attendees through a circle exercise and a walk with options for different lengths and accessibility levels.
After the walk, enjoy casual appies and drinks in the Nature House where you can continue to foster great connections and future collaborations with a diverse group of emerging professionals overlooking Swan Lake and the beautiful outdoor landscape.
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Thurs., Sept. 15 | 5-7 PM
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd., Victoria
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Business Leaders Luncheon:
Mental Health in the Workplace with CMHA
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Whether you are managing a mental illness, supporting someone you care about, managing a team at work, or looking to build your own overall health, CMHA has valuable resources to build skills and resilience to help.
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Tues., Sept. 20 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
The Parkside Hotel & Spa, 810 Humboldt St., Victoria
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The beautiful, open space of the new Gorge Park Pavilion will set the stage for a great evening of connection hosted by The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce and will feature some of their local member businesses.
This event welcomes Chamber members of all 5 local Chambers. Future members of a chamber are welcome to join the event to see firsthand why joining a local Chamber of Commerce is right for you.
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Thurs., Sept. 22 | 5 - 7 PM
Gorge Park Pavilion, 1070 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, BC
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October Business Mixer @ Pendray Inn & Tea House
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Formerly known as the Gatsby Mansion, the magnificent Victorian-era Pendray Inn and Tea House offers a boutique experience for those in search of a little old time romance.
Come enjoy it's remarkable history and outstanding service while you establish and renew business connections.
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Thurs., October 20 | 5 - 7 PM
Pendray Inn & Tea House
309 Belleville Street
Victoria, BC V8V 1X2
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The Chamber Auction is back this November
Showcase your product or service
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We are thrilled to announce the return of our Annual Auction, taking place Nov. 6 – 13.
This is a major fundraising event for The Chamber, with all proceeds supporting our work as the largest and most influential advocate for businesses in the region. Last year, we received thousands of visits to our auction platform for an action-packed week of bidding on fabulous gifts and memorable experiences.
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Do you want your products and services featured in the auction?
From gift cards to great local items and everything in-between, reach thousands of potential customers by donating a prize today. Keep an eye on our social media feed to see some of the incredible Auction items that will be featured this year.
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Still time this summer to find a great new employee
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As we all enjoy the final stretch of summer, ensure you’re well-staffed for the rest of the year by using The Chamber’s job board.
As an exclusive Chamber member benefit, you can post a free 30-day listing on the job board every calendar year. Use the code INTRO2022 at checkout to use this offer today.
Reach the right candidates with the help of The Chamber. If you have any questions or need help uploading your job posting, email members@victoriachamber.ca
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PKOLS name restored to former Mount Doug Park
PKOLS is an important site for the W̱SÁNEĆ people. The renaming is another way that Saanich has taken action as part of its commitment to reconciliation.
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District of Saanich: Member since 2019
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Ocean Networks Canada gets $115 million to expand research
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“This funding recognizes Ocean Networks Canada for its leadership and the profound difference it’s making on all three Canadian coasts and internationally,” Kevin Hall, UVic’s president and vice-chancellor, said.
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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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Ocean Networks Canada: Member since 2019
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Kinetic appoints new COO
Kinetic Construction has announced the appointment of Mike Walz as Chief Operating Officer. Mike joined Kinetic in 1999 as a Project Coordinator and has played an essential role in the company’s growth. As COO, Mike will focus on Kinetic's operations and their three branch offices, as well as ensuring all departments are integrated with operations.
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Kinetic Construction: Member since 2018
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Victoria opens $10M Topaz skate and bike parks
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City of Victoria: Member since 1863
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Pacific FC recruits league's past president to lead club
Great organizations attract great talent and Pacific FC's winning history has helped them land their league's former president as the team's new managing director. Paul Beirne helped start the Canadian Premier League. He has also played a key role in the launch of Toronto FC and BMO Field into Major League Soccer.
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Pacific Football Club: Member since 2019
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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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BC Ferries Connector operated by the Wilson's Group
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Iris Optometrists and Opticians
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Welcome to our Newest Members!
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Want to know what events are happening in the community? Check out The Chamber's Community Calendar to stay up to date with plays, seminars, grand openings and more.
Are you a member? Post your own events for free.
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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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