Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria
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Chamber wish list for 2022 |
As we head into the heart of the holiday season, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has put together a wish list for a few of the things we want in 2022:
- Success for local businesses
- Provincial funds for Citizens Assembly
- Climate change innovations
- Action on Indigenous Reconciliation
- Sufficient staffing for all employers
- A secure and resilient supply chain.
"Good business builds great community, and we look forward to helping our members connect and grow in 2022," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "We'll continue working on our advocacy efforts to ensure business can get the investments they need to continue leading the way on sustainability, inclusion and resilience."
Let us know what your wish is for the business community in 2022, and how we can help you achieve success in the year ahead.
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More people in Greater Victoria working last month |
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Greater Victoria's unemployment rate fell to 4% last month, down from 4.4% in October. The numbers from Statistics Canada show there were 208,200 people working in November, up from 204,600 in October.
An increase in the number of people working in food services, financial industries and real estate has helped bolster the rate.
Our region now has the fourth lowest unemployment rate in Canada, after the Quebec regions of Gatineau, Sherbrooke and Quebec City.
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Governments must speed process for foreign hires |
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Finding and keeping workers continues to be a major challenge facing employers. The restaurant and hospitality sector estimates it's heading into a new year without 20% of the staff needed.
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BC Restaurant and Food Services Association: Member since 1996 |
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Welcome to our newest Chamber Champions |
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Chamber Champions initiative continues to grow
The Chamber is proud to announce the newest Chamber Champions! Scotiabank and PARC Retirement Living join an outstanding roster of community and business leaders.
"The Champions have been instrumental in helping The Chamber grow and adapt so that we were able to help hundreds of business people who faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. "The Champions bring a level of expertise and engagement that saved jobs and helped steer the economy so that we can now set a course to build a stronger, more resilient economy."
The Chamber Champions are:
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Honour Greater Victoria's most notable business community leaders |
The Chamber Business Hall of Fame, presented by RBC, is pleased to invite you to attend this inaugural red-carpet gala event!
This exclusive black-tie event will celebrate 19 Business Hall of Fame inductees and recognize their contributions to the growth and development of our community. This historic event held at the Victoria Conference Centre will be a night to remember with great food, drink and opportunities to connect with Greater Victoria's most influential business stakeholders.
Don't delay, much like the annual Business Awards, tickets will go fast.
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Thurs., Feb. 3, 2022 | 5-9 PM
Victoria Conference Centre
720 Douglas St., Victoria
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Data indicates downtown economy keeps improving |
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Downtown Victoria continues to show positive signs of recovering from the pandemic. The latest report from the City of Victoria contains a selection of indicators showing an increase in the value of construction and the number of business licences issued. As well, more people are working downtown, and there has been an increase in the number of pedestrians and visitors staying in hotels.
“Growing our economy is key to ensuring we have strong, diversified and resilient communities now and in the years to come,” said Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams. “The data shows more workers are back in downtown offices, the value of construction has increased considerably and more business licences have been issued this year. Those are all positive signs that our economy is recovering.”
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City of Victoria: Member since 1962 |
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Dodd's hosting three Christmas dinners this month |
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Thousands of people in need will once again get to have a full Christmas dinner, thanks to Dodd's Furniture & Mattress. The Vancouver Island institution is hosting three meals in communities with a Dodd's location.
In Greater Victoria, Christmas dinner will be Friday, Dec. 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Our Place Society on Pandora Street. Dinners are also planned for Nanaimo on Dec. 18, and Campbell River on Dec. 22.
Gordy Dodd is well known across the province for his television commercials as well as his philanthropic work helping others. Dodd earned a Lifetime Achievement award at the Chamber's 2019 Business Awards. Dodd, as well as all Lifetime Achievement winners, will be celebrated on Feb. 3 at The Chamber's first-ever Business Hall of Fame Gala. |
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Dodd's Furniture & Mattress: Member since 2002 |
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Our Place Society: Member since 2010 |
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
A Chat with Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps
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Being an elected official is not for the faint of heart at the best of times. Leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for every municipality, but the region has adapted.
One of the highest profile Mayors in our region is the guest on this Chamber Chat, as CEO Bruce Williams speaks with City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps. |
City of Victoria: Member since 1962 |
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Special thanks to our series sponsor:
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Non-Profit/Association of the Year honours a non-profit organization or association that:
- Is incorporated as a non-profit organization;
- Provides outstanding contributions to the community;
- Demonstrates how their service provides benefits to others and how they differentiate themselves;
- Shows quantitative and qualitative results; and
- Demonstrates leadership and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Sustainable Shopping and Winter Tips |
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This holiday season, be sure to shop locally and sustainably! Follow these Chamber tips to help your local community and the earth as a whole. |
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Looking to have your local gifts shipped to you at no cost? The Chamber is covering the cost of shipping for items purchased from Chamber businesses and delivered by proud Chamber Courier partners, led by Maximum Express Couriers.
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Make sure you’re well-staffed for the New Year
With less than a month left before the end of the year, make sure you use your free job post on The Chamber’s job board!
Chamber Members are entitled to one free 30-day listing on the job board every calendar year. Simply use the code INTRO2021 at checkout. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity for Chamber members. Ensure you’re well-staffed for the start of 2022.
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Ride the Santa Bus this December
From Dec. 10 – 11, your commute to work may be a bit more festive than expected. BC Transit’s Santa Bus, a brightly lit-up bus featuring a red nose and antlers, will be operating on a variety of routes in Greater Victoria. The bus will be driven by Santa, with free candy canes given to riders. |
BC Transit: Member since 1999 |
Community Cheer
WIN has launched their Community Cheer Campaign. With a goal of raising $25,000, the campaign aims to raise funds to support empowerment programs for women, trans, non-binary and two spirit people in Greater Victoria. Monetary donations, gift card donations and new housewares are currently being accepted.
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WIN Resale Shops (Victoria Women In Need Community Cooperative): Member since 1998 |
Celebrating Christmas at the Royal BC Museum
Take a festive trip back in time at the Royal BC Museum. Old Town is decorated for the holidays until Dec. 31, after which it will close indefinitely to phase out colonial narratives. IMAX Victoria will also be showing a 3D presentation of the Polar Express with hot chocolate and popcorn available to viewers. |
Royal BC Museum: Member since 1994 |
IMAX Victoria: Member since 1998 |
Winter Wander on Fort St.
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The Flag Shop: Member since 1993 |
Bull and Son’s Deli: Member since 2020
Refire Kitchen: Member since 2021
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Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures
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Accent Inns| Hotel Zed: Member since 1992 |
Starfish Medical: Member since 2009 |
Fatso recognized for breaking boundaries
Jill Van Gyn, CEO of Fatso, has been named one of 27 women founders across the US and Canada selected for The EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women program. Van Gyn was recognized for her commitment to providing sustainable, personalized solutions to help Canada grow its presence internationally. The program identifies ambitious women entrepreneurs, and provides resources and advice to grow their organizations.
Fatso: Member since 2019
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Open Ocean Robotics receives federal funding
Open Ocean Robotics: Member since 2020
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Our Place Christmas Carol
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Our Place Society: Member since 2010 |
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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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Becoming Design Office Ltd. |
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Signature Merchant Services |
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Victoria Bullion Exchange |
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Welcome to our newest members! |
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