With memories of summer mixers lingering, it's time to look ahead to some fall fun. Make sure sure to register today for the Prodigy Group Mingle on Sept. 15 at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary. This event will sell out and you don't want to miss out on new connections!

People in Greater Victoria could soon have access to the ride-sharing brand that is ubiquitous in most of the rest of the world.

Uber Canada announced today that it has asked the province's Passenger Transportation Board to allow the company to operate in Greater Victoria and Kelowna. Uber was rejected by the board last year, which was concerned about allowing competition affecting business hurt by pandemic restrictions. However, the new request is for a transfer of licence from a company that was already approved by the board but is not operational.

The Chamber supports Uber's efforts as the company is a recognized global leader in the provision of ridesharing. Their international experience would be a welcome addition to Greater Victoria, particularly as international visitors return to our destination.

BC is back in the black as the province is reporting a $1.3 billion surplus for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The economy outperformed most forecasts that were expecting deficits for years to come as businesses recover from the pandemic.

“While others might have chosen cuts and austerity, our investments in people have helped our economy rebound faster than anyone in the public or private sector predicted," BC Finance Minister Selina Robinson said. "Looking ahead, the Province will keep using this economic strength to support British Columbians, including bringing in new measures in September to help those who are struggling the most with global inflation.”

The Canadian economy was also up, with national GDP rising by 3.3% in the second quarter. The jump is the largest since 1974. The increase was driven by strong consumer spending and investments by businesses, Statistics Canada said.

On Monday, Sept. 5, a shameful moment in Greater Victoria's history will be commemorated with a walk and an official apology.

The ceremony marks the 100th anniversary of the decision to segregate Chinese students up to Grade 7 in Greater Victoria.

On July 27, Alan Lowe, chair of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society, appeared before the current board of the Greater Victoria school district to ask for a formal apology.

The Chamber is also hoping to formally apologize at this time for the role our organization played in advocating for this discriminatory action.

"I want to acknowledge The Chamber’s role in supporting the racist and non-inclusive statements and practices of that time in our history, and I apologize unequivocally," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "And I promise we will continue working to be welcoming of all businesses so we can better represent the true diversity of our region."

The Chamber was founded in 1863 to promote investment in our region.

"Over the course of our history in Greater Victoria, there were times when we did the wrong thing. We acted with indifference or even encouraged discriminatory practices," Williams said. "This was the case with segregation of Chinese students, which had the insidious intent of making it harder for the Chinese community to live and work here. It was racist and it was wrong 100 years ago."

Today we know that diversity is what makes all of us strong. We also know we need more than just words. To that end, The Chamber has created a committee to promote Inclusion, Diversity and Equity.

Municipal governments are responsible for services and infrastructure that have very real impacts on the daily lives of businesses in their community. Having good quality governance is critical to making sure money raised from taxes is well spent.

On Oct. 15, voters will have a chance to choose who will represent them on their municipal councils for the next four years.

"This is an opportunity for individuals to take a look at the candidates and what they represent, and (ask if it's) in the best interest of you, your family, your business, your neighbourhood," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams told Global News. "So make sure you're voting for the right people."

Exactly who your options are will be known by 4 pm on Sept. 9, as that's the deadline for candidates to put forward their nomination.

For key dates in this year's civic elections, which includes voting in a new school board for your districts, check out this link.

In the coming weeks, The Chamber will be highlighting our inaugural Business Hall of Fame inductees starting with previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

Bob Skene’s struggle to finally retire has been Greater Victoria’s gain. Skene’s working life began with a paper route at age 12. In the mid-1960s, Skene became a Chartered Accountant, serving as VP of Finance for BC Systems Corporation. Eventually, Skene organized 125 fellow employees to privatize a portion of BSCS and called it High Tech Systems.

After Bob beat a cancer diagnosis, he retired for the first time but remained productive by building a Chamber committee into what is now VIATEC.

After that, Bob retired again until he was called to establish West Coast Group, a company that helped people on social assistance gain sustainable employment.

After retiring yet again, he continued to volunteer with The Chamber as well as a number of other organizations including the Airport Authority and the Hospital Authority.

Learn about Bob Skene's impact and legacy at the 2022 Business Hall of Fame gala.

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.

Make the most out of your Labour Day long weekend by supporting your fellow Chamber members. Celebrate by enjoying a bite out, a night away from home, or plan an action-packed weekend at these local treasures.

After you enjoy the long weekend, you may be getting ready for the return of the school year and your fall routine. Take advantage of The Chamber's exclusive member-only deals and discounts on quality school and office supplies.

Chamber members can save:

Discover more discounts and savings here.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.

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.