Your weekly round up of BizNews from throughout Greater Victoria!
|
|
Stats show inflation rate continues slowly returning to normal
|
To paraphrase that old Isley Brothers hit, it's not quite time to "Shout," but inflation is trending "a little bit softer now."
The latest figures from Statistics Canada show the pace of inflation slowed in September, with the cost of goods rising 6.9% from a year earlier. Inflation has been declining for three months, after peaking at 8.1% in June.
The sharp rise in costs was initially attributed to fuel shortages caused by the war in Ukraine, a super-heated housing market and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic. However, fuel costs have stopped rising as sharply and supply chains are getting close to their typical efficiencies.
|
|
|
"However, these gains were largely offset by the continued rise of prices for food and services. Unfortunately, there was no progress on 'core' inflation, which held steady at 5%," Canadian Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Stephen Tapp said. "Today’s lack of progress on inflation — together with Bank of Canada surveys released earlier this week that suggested inflation expectations remain elevated — should be concerning enough to the Bank of Canada for them to deliver the 50 basis-point interest rate hike that the market expects (Oct. 26)."
|
|
Join your fellow business leaders for an in-person roundtable discussion
|
Participate in a facilitated roundtable discussion with Grant Thornton LLP and The Chamber to discuss what steps you should take to deal with inflation, and to share your perspectives with fellow business leaders.
Is your business ready to keep going? How should you adapt? What are your options?
This forward-looking conversation will help arm yourself with ideas you need to take strategic and decisive actions in managing the impacts during this time and remaining competitive in the future.
|
|
Wed., Oct. 26 | 3 - 5 PM
KWENCH - Experience Room
2031 Store St
|
Please note registration is limited to one representative per organization. This event is geared towards businesses with under 50 employees.
|
|
Chamber and DVBA launch Small Business Month
|
|
Throughout October, The Chamber is working with Grant Thornton to provide opportunities and resources for small businesses in our region.
|
|
|
“Small businesses really are the backbone of our communities. They make our lives richer, keep our friends and neighbours working and contribute so much to local sports and community organizations,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. “So many of our members are small businesses and we will continue to work tirelessly to support them. I’m thankful for the leadership of our Chamber Champions and our Board of Directors for all they have done and continue to do for our membership.”
To learn more about the events and activities The Chamber has planned for Small Business Month, go to victoriachamber.ca. Also, watch for next week's Chamber Chat with Kyman Chan of Grant Thornton.
“Small business month is an important time to reflect on the importance of and to double down on supporting our amazing small businesses,” outgoing City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said. “Our small businesses are a key character-defining feature of our downtown and our city. This month and always I encourage residents to pop in and visit them in person and resist the temptation of the online non-local alternative.”
|
|
Refire Kitchen: Member since 2021
|
|
Downtown Victoria Business Association: Member since 2007
|
|
Grant Thornton LLP: Member since 1973
|
|
City of Victoria: Member since 1863
|
|
2023 Business Awards nominations are now open!
|
|
From start-ups to local legends, the 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards shine a light on hard-working businesses, business people and community leaders in 14 categories worth celebrating. Finalists are chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who serve as judges.
|
|
Nomination Deadline:
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Save the date!
Finalists and winners will be celebrated at a gala event to be held Thursday, May 11, 2023.
|
|
The Chamber is excited to share that this year's Award nominations will be hosted on Awardify — a Canadian based awards platform that makes it easier for you and your team to nominate deserving local business leaders in your community!
|
|
Service sector key to recovery: Conference Board
|
|
The latest Major City Insights report offers forecasts for 13 cities across the country.
The board says our region's service industries will continue to be key drivers of the economy, with recovery continuing in the hospitality, entertainment and accommodation sectors.
Employers can also expect to face ongoing pressure to increase wages as Greater Victoria's Consumer Price Index rises to 7.6% this year before dropping to 4% next year and 2.3% the year after.
|
|
Province set to expand small business tax rate
|
|
The provincial government is increasing the threshold for the small business tax rate. The rate had been limited to businesses with less than $15 million in taxable capital. That is being increased to $50 million.
The changes will apply to taxation years that began on or after April 7 of this year. The shift aligns BC with the federal government and will particularity benefit businesses that are capital intensive.
|
|
Voters affirm local leaders in civic elections
|
|
The Chamber will continue our work with all governments in Greater Victoria to ensure the voice of business continues to be heard.
"Over the next few weeks I'll be extending an invitation to meet with all of the newly elected mayors and councillors," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "As the regional Chamber, we can help municipalities build good relationships with their business communities. We also work with community chambers to amplify individual voices and connect with higher levels of government."
The Chamber looks forward to continuing our tradition of dialogue to help create good economic conditions needed for a healthy business community. New councils must hold their first meeting between Nov. 1 and Nov. 10.
|
|
Chamber Chats with CEO Bruce Williams
|
|
The Impact of COVID-19 on Retail and Office Spaces
|
|
The COVID 19 pandemic created a lift in working from home and shopping online. How has that impacted office and retail space management?
We find out as Chamber CEO Bruce Williams speaks with Kristy Lowes, GM at Uptown and Robert Jawl, Managing Director of Jawl Properties.
|
|
|
Shape Property Management - Uptown: Member since 1983
|
|
Jawl Residential Ltd.: Member since 2019
|
|
Celebrate Small Business Month this October
|
|
Small businesses make up the fabric of Vancouver Island’s economy. Come celebrate the power of small businesses with the Small Business Month events throughout October! Presented by Grant Thornton LLP and media partners 98.5 The Ocean and 103.1 Jack FM.
|
|
Registration is now open!
2022 Chamber Auction set for Nov. 6-13
|
|
This November, bid on vacations, exclusive one-on-one discussions with community leaders, home décor and much more.
Register today to be notified when items become available and to get a sneak peek at Early Bird bidding!
|
|
Business Leaders Luncheon:
A Conversation with BC's Auditor General
|
|
We live in an era of information overload, with many people getting their news from outlets that tell people what they want to hear rather than how it is.
Who is the independent voice that is mandated to provide information to B.C.'s elected members and to report on government finances and program performance? It's the Auditor General of B.C.
Join us as we speak with Michael Pickup and share your questions, concerns, and business priorities to help inform and shape the future work of the Office of the Auditor General.
At this luncheon you will learn about how this vital office is adapting to our changing world and embracing flexible, hybrid approaches to work, as they contribute to greater government effectiveness and accountability.
|
|
Thurs., Nov. 10 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St.
|
|
|
Refresh your Directory Listing today
|
|
We made an easy checklist to ensure your listing is getting the views it deserves.
Online Directory Listing Checklist:
· Your logo, pictures and YouTube video are all up-to-date
· All your social media channels are listed
· Your listing description reflects your brand
· All relevant keywords are added
It's easy to make changes to your listing — simply login here. To update your logo or photos, scroll to the Upload Media section at the bottom of your Membership Portal. To update your listing description, keywords and social media channels, select the “Edit this profile” tab at the top of the page.
As always, you can email us the changes you would like to see and we can update your listing on your behalf.
|
|
Claim your free job on The Chamber’s job board
|
|
Now is the perfect time to strengthen your professional relationships.
If you’re looking to grow your team this fall, 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 INTRO2022 at checkout to receive a free 30-day listing.
|
|
|
Scotiabank awarding $30,000 scholarships
|
Scotiabank: Member since 1913
|
Scotiabank: Chamber Champion since 2022
|
More than 70 speakers set for Rising Economy Week
South Island Prosperity Partnership: Member since 2017
|
Tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle will also be highlighted.
|
CRD: Chamber Champion since 1993
|
Do you have a success story? We want to hear from you
|
|
Origen Air finalist for national award
Origen Air Systems Ltd.: Member since 2020
|
Max Furniture featured in bbno$'s latest music video
Famous Vancouver rapper bbno$ has released his latest music video*, shot and filmed across Greater Victoria. Making a star-studded appearance was Rahim Khudabux, owner of Max Furniture. The video has amassed more than 1.2 million views.
*explicit lyrics
|
Max Furniture: Member since 2008
|
Wicked Victoria festival celebrates Harvest Season
|
Greater Victoria Festival Society: Member since 2016
|
Thrifty Foods: Member since 1981
|
Rogers Media: Member since 1962
|
CHEK: Chamber Champion since 2020
|
Used.ca: Member since 2011
|
|
|
Member to Member Discounts
|
|
Welcome to our Newest Members!
|
|
Need to get one of our snazzy Chamber name tags?
|
|
|
|
|
250-383-7191
victoriachamber.ca
|
|
|
|
|
|
|