Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
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The Chamber is preparing for an exciting lineup of Business Leaders Luncheons this spring and summer. Make sure to register now for our May 8 event with Hon. Brenda Bailey, BC's Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. And watch for more announcements from The Chamber soon! |
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Equitable taxes, thoughtful spending and fair funding for police are key to budgets |
The Chamber acknowledges the work done by all of our region's mayors and councils, and we urge them to stick to the principles and values that create great communities. Taxes need to be fair and affordable, services need to meet expectations and people need to feel safe.
"I speak with our area mayors often and I know they understand the importance of business and they say they want to help and not unfairly add regulatory and financial hurdles," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "And I know that most of the business owners I speak with understand the importance of taxes and paying a fair share for operating in a municipality. In return they expect proper levels of policing to keep their employees, customers and property safe, and thoughtful investment in infrastructure, programs and services that improves everyone's quality of life."
Provincial legislation requires municipalities adopt their financial plans by March 31 and tax rate bylaws before May 15.
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Upcoming Events
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Inflation down in February, Statistics Canada reports |
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The fight against inflation is working as the Consumer Price Index for February was down 5.2% year over year. That compares to 5.9% in January and is the largest deceleration since April 2020. Lower costs at the pumps and for home energy helped lower the CPI, while the cost of groceries remains high as supply constraints and weather-related production issues is adding to the cost of food.
The global economy is getting back to normal but there's still a ways to go, says the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Stephen Tapp.
"In this context, the latest Canadian Survey on Business Conditions shows that costs and labour issues remain the biggest near-term obstacles for Canadian companies," Tapp said the Q1 2023 Canadian Survey on Business Conditions Report. "Even as higher interest rates slow demand, there are a few bright spots. First, while long-standing supply-side bottlenecks for the workforce and supply chains remain elevated, they have eased in recent surveys. This might be because businesses are taking proactive steps to address these problems, such as raising wages, embracing flexible work options and working with suppliers. Second, while the near-term outlook for sales is clearly subdued, all things considered, most companies remain optimistic about the year ahead, especially larger firms and those in services."
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Registration opens for Moose Hide Campaign Day |
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The Moose Hide Campaign Development Society helps promote safe communities by calling for all Canadians to speak out against violence towards women and children. Last year, more than 400,000 people took part.
This year's Moose Hide Campaign Day event will be held May 1 in Victoria and livestreamed across the country. The day begins at 7 am with a sunrise ceremony and ends with a fast breaking followed by Community Feast from 6 to 7 pm.
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Moose Hide Campaign Development Society: Member since 2022 |
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Housing help for CFB Esquimalt benefits our region |
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The Chamber applauds news of a Canadian Armed Forces housing benefit that will help make life a little more affordable for people stationed at CFB Esquimalt. With one of the higher costs of living in the country, Greater Victoria is a challenging region for employers looking to find and keep employees. This is amplified when people living in areas with lower housing costs are asked to move here for their job.
The Canadian Forces Housing Differential takes effect July 1 and replaces the current allowance for members of the military living in expensive communities. The new benefit is tied to income to help lower earning members.
The Chamber is also supportive of ongoing efforts to develop more housing for CFB Esquimalt members. The Department of National Defence has previously announced plans for an 84-unit apartment on the base.
"This is a great example of how non-market housing can help add homes to our region's housing supply that are catered to the needs of a specific employer or sector," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "This will eventually allow for more market homes to be available to people in other industries."
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CFB Esquimalt: Member since 1979 |
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Thurs., May 4 | 6 - 10 PM
Fairmont Empress - Crystal Ballroom
721 Government St.
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The Chamber's AGM featuring BC's Minister of Housing Hon. Ravi Kahlon |
We invite you to join us for our Annual General Meeting luncheon. Our agenda includes time for networking, a highlight on recent advocacy wins, a report from the Chair and a presentation of the 2022 audited financial statements.
Hear from Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing on BC’s plans to improve housing affordability and decrease chronic homelessness.
The No. 1 expense for workers in Greater Victoria is the cost of their home. We believe all levels of government need to encourage an increase in the supply of private-market housing as well as investing in housing for all — including affordable rental units and non-market housing for working families.
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Spring Savings with The Chamber |
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Need to improve your home office? Lenovo, Monk Office, and Grand & Toy offer a variety of discounts for hardware, furniture and more. Ship your packages with ease and get 50% off domestic and international shipping with UPS. Shipments can be easily tracked through UPS My Choice® for Business. Learn more about shipping rates and tracking here.
For more information on how to take advantage of these savings, or to post a Member to Member offer, contact members@victoriachamber.ca.
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April Business Mixer
@ Max Furniture with Victoria Foundation
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Join us for cocktails and community!
This vibrant, after-hours business social event provides an excellent opportunity for members and future members to meet face-to-face, establishing or renewing valuable business relationships.
Join us for an evening of hors d'oevres and refreshments at our April Business Mixer at MAX Furniture co-hosted by The Victoria Foundation.
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Thurs., April 20 | 5 - 7 PM
Max Furniture
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June Emerge Connector @ the Bay Centre |
Join Emerge to make authentic connections and have a great time all in one inclusive, casual and fun event.
We can't wait to welcome you to the Bay Centre's newly upgraded Food Terrace! A "must-see" experience to meet up with friends and coworkers for affordable meals and skyline views in the heart of downtown.
This exciting new space includes access to a 450-seat food terrace rich with natural light from floor to ceiling windows, a 120-seat outdoor heated patio, state-of-the-art washrooms and 24 hour security - all centrally located in the heart of the business, shopping and tourism districts.
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Thurs., June 15 | 5 - 7 PM
Bay Centre Food Court Patio - 4th Floor
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Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams |
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Discussing the Regional Impact of UVic |
In this Chamber Chat, CEO Bruce Williams speaks with UVic President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Kevin Hall about the ongoing evolution of tech, housing, healthcare, climate change and the Vikes!
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University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
University of Victoria: Member since 1976 |
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Find great talent for your team |
Now is the perfect time to strengthen your professional relationships.
If you’re looking to grow your team this February, find the perfect match on The Chamber’s job board.
Attract the best workers by posting a 30, 60, or 90 day job listing. Tap into the Google Jobs Network and candidates that are eager to work for a Chamber member.
As an exclusive member benefit, use the code INTRO2023 at checkout to receive a free 30-day listing.
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Seaflora awarded Top Spa Partner
Seaflora Skincare has been named the Top Spa Partner of Canada 2022 by the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards, marking the second time the company has received this prestigious honour. Seaflora's commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable skincare products made from hand-harvested seaweed sets them apart.
Seaflora Skincare Inc: Member since 2023
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UVIC researchers explore wave power
Scientists from UVIC are working towards the development of a renewable energy microgrid to transform tidal waves into electricity. They’re working to power the community of Yuqout, allowing the First Nation to return to Nootka Island. |
University of Victoria: Member since 1976 |
University of Victoria: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you |
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Max Express celebrating
19 years in business
Maximum Express Courier Freight and Logistics is celebrating 19 years in business this month. The team was asked how they wanted to mark the anniversary and replied by "continuing to deliver community support because our community supports our customers.” Happy anniversary!
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Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics: Member since 2004 |
Crazy for cookies
What started as sharing a family cookie recipe turned into a surge in sales for the Crazy Cookie House after a video went viral last month. The Crazy Cookie House was then featured on CHEK’s Order Up! segment, talking abut the video and showcasing their signature monster and wonder cookies. |
The Crazy Cookie House: Member since 2023 |
CHEK News: Member since 1971 |
CHEK News: Chamber Champion since 2020 |
One step closer to French cultural hub
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La Société Francophone de Victoria: Member since 2010 |
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Member to Member Discounts |
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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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