Click here for key dates, the nomination process and the voting procedure. Download your application, including a request for a bio and photo for the election ballot — as well as a form to gather your nomination supporters. Additional questions can be directed here.

Rather than let perception become reality, we need facts and data to help all of us make better choices for our communities and economy.

Last Friday, The Chamber partnered with the City of Victoria and the Downtown Victoria Business Association to release a series of data sets showing positive signs of economic recovery, especially in downtown Victoria.

“The increase in the number of film permits and the value of construction are good indicators of how attractive Greater Victoria is to people wanting to do business here,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “We see in the data that people are returning to typical levels of activity. We also know there is tremendous pent-up demand to visit our region and for locals to get back to dining inside, going to the movies and theatre and attending concerts and sporting events. We’re ready to go, as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

The information shows that going downtown is a safe and vibrant option as we emerge from pandemic restrictions.

On Monday, The Chamber celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day on social media, and we continue to look for new ways to support Indigenous-owned businesses in Greater Victoria.

Next week, we will announce a special initiative to help more Indigenous businesses benefit from being part of our region's business community. The Chamber is committed to being an inclusive organization and making sure we live up to our vision of being the region’s most diverse and influential business association.

The federal government needs to be loud and clear about how the $4.3 billion cruise industry will be able to get back to business in Canada. The Chamber is part of a coalition of industry and community leaders calling for a roadmap showing how and when cruises can resume and get back to contributing to Canada's economy. The cruise industry employs 17,000 people in BC whose livelihoods could be at risk if government doesn't act quickly. Cruise lines and passengers are already planning trips in 2022, and they need to know that Canada will be open for business.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and The Chamber are concerned that lobbyists in the United States will succeed in removing the requirement for cruise ships to stop in Canada when travelling between Washington State and Alaska. The US government has temporary suspended the requirement during the pandemic because of Canada's restrictions on cruise. However, the lack of a clear plan could lead to the change becoming permanent.

It was this group's lucky day at Spinnakers Brewpub when Chamber CEO Bruce Williams picked up the tab, courtesy of Vancity live on The Upside with CHEK News.

Do you want your next patio outing paid for? From now until June 30, visit a participating #PicnicsPatiosVicBC restaurant on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for your chance to have your tab picked up by one of our community partners! Courtesy of our contest sponsor Vancity.

The Chamber is proud to work with our partners — BC Restaurant and Food Services Association, City of Victoria, Destination Greater Victoria, Downtown Victoria Business Association — as we continue to show support for the hospitality industry and take a moment to savour delicious food and drinks across the region.

Learn more about this initiative and find great local restaurants here. 

What will the future hold for one of Greater Victoria's most iconic streetscapes? The City of Victoria is inviting the public to help shape Government Street, which looks much the same as it did 50 years ago. The time-worn benches, aging traffic signals and mature trees are nearing the end of their useful lives. The need to upgrade provides an opportunity to ensure the popular tourism spot meets the needs of the region for the next 50 years.

The deadline for the first phase is July 11. You can submit ideas and images at engage.victoria.ca/government-street-refresh.

Interac recently released results from a Canada-wide survey seeking to "better understand trends related to the post-pandemic recovery."

One of the largest employers in this region is largely unseen. With 6,500 employees and a local spending impact of $611.3 million, they are a driving force. They are in fact an Armed Force and a division of the Department of National Defence.

In the latest Chamber Chat, hear details of CFB Esquimalt from Base Commander Captain (Navy) Sam Sader

CFB Esquimalt: Member Since: 1979

Special thanks to our series sponsor: Island Savings

Keeping your employees engaged and up to date in the new Chamber Membership Portal has never been easier!

Next time you login to your Member Portal, click on the relationships tab to see which members of your staff are currently related to your organization.

From here you can add/remove profiles, choose who has editing privileges, who receives Chamber newsletters, invoices and more. You can also update your employees email, phone number, or other personal information by scrolling over to the Actions tab and clicking “Edit”.

If you have any questions about your new Membership Portal, please contact Thomas at [email protected].